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Registry officials urge residents to prepare for Real ID compliance while expanding in‑person services
Summary
Registry witnesses told the committee that Massachusetts’ Real ID outreach is increasing appointment availability, weekend slots and language services, and urged residents who plan to fly without passports to obtain Real ID credentials before the federal deadline.
The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) told the Joint Committee on Ways and Means it has expanded outreach and appointments to help residents get Real ID credentials before the federal compliance date.
A registry official said Massachusetts is at about 57% Real ID compliance and that the RMV has launched a media campaign and added Saturday appointments, expanded interpreter services and language accommodations. Testimony said the RMV is offering driver permit exams in American Sign Language and additional languages and that commercial driver knowledge and endorsement exams are now offered in Spanish and Portuguese.
The witness told lawmakers that Real ID requires documentation showing lawful presence and that the RMV is encouraging residents to prepare the checklist of documents before visiting a service center. The RMV representative said it has also added in‑person outreach to shelters and reentry sites to provide state identification to people who need it.
Why it matters: The Real ID compliance deadline affects travelers flying on U.S. domestic flights without passports and determines access to federal facilities that require Real ID‑compliant identification.
What comes next: RMV officials said they will continue weekend and extended appointments, expand public outreach in multiple languages and coordinate with EOTSS on digital support, including a planned AI virtual assistant to provide Real ID information.
Ending: The RMV asked the committee for patience and public education time and reminded residents that specific documents are required to complete a Real ID upgrade.
