Where to get your Andover driver's license

Andover, Massachusetts has one Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) branch located at 60 Bartlet Street. This is where you'll go to explore for, renew, or replace your Massachusetts driver's license. The RMV is the state agency that issues all driver's licenses in Massachusetts, so there's no separate local licensing office.

You can visit in person during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours may vary seasonally. The Andover branch serves residents of Andover and surrounding towns. If you can't reach the Andover location or need to check current hours before you go, you can call the RMV directly or visit their website to confirm.

Parking is available at the location, and you should plan to bring all required documents with you on your first visit. The RMV does not accept appointments at most branches, so you may wait in line. Going early in the day or mid-week typically means shorter waits than late afternoon or Friday.

Key Takeaways

  • The Andover RMV branch at 60 Bartlet Street is the only place in town to get a Massachusetts driver's license.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to explore.
  • Massachusetts driver's licenses now include a Real ID security feature, which requires additional documents like a birth certificate or passport.
  • If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must be present, and you'll need to pass a written test and road test before getting your license.
  • Renewal by mail is available in Massachusetts if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions, which saves you a trip to the RMV.

Documents you need for a new license in Andover

Massachusetts requires specific documents no matter which RMV branch you visit. Bring one form of government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license), proof that you live in Andover, and your Social Security number or ITIN.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and Andover address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you've recently moved to Andover and don't have documents in your name yet, bring a letter from your landlord or a notarized statement of residency.

For a Real ID-compliant license (which you'll need to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings after May 2025), you must also bring your birth certificate or passport. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport and proof of lawful status. The Real ID takes the same time to process as a standard license and costs the same amount.

What the written and road tests cover

If you're a new driver under 18, you must pass a written test on Massachusetts traffic laws and road signs before you can take the road test. The written test has 25 questions, and you need 18 correct to pass. You can study using the Massachusetts RMV's free online manual or the printed version available at the Andover branch.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You'll drive in the local area around the RMV branch. The examiner is looking for safe driving, not perfect driving — minor mistakes won't fail you, but unsafe moves like running a red light or hitting a curb will.

You can take the written test at the Andover RMV on the same day you explore. The road test is scheduled for a later date, usually within a few weeks. You'll need to bring the same documents plus proof of completion of a driver education course if you're under 18.

Costs and how long it takes

A new Massachusetts driver's license costs $50 and is valid for five years. A Real ID license costs the same. Payment is cash or card at the Andover RMV.

Processing time varies. If you pass your road test on the first try, you'll receive your license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to retake the road test, you'll wait for the next available appointment, which can be several weeks out depending on demand at the Andover branch.

If you need a license urgently before the standard mail delivery arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the RMV, which is valid for 30 days while you wait for your plastic card.

Renewing your license without visiting Andover

If your Massachusetts license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions, you can renew by mail without going to the Andover RMV. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the notice, include the required fee, and mail it to the address provided.

Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the RMV receives your process. You can also renew online through the Massachusetts RMV website if you meet the same conditions — no expiration and no medical flags on your record.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you have medical restrictions, you must renew in person at the Andover branch and may need to retake the written and road tests.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Massachusetts license is suspended (temporarily taken away) or revoked (permanently canceled), you cannot drive legally in Massachusetts or any other state. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.

If your license is suspended, you may be able to get a hardship license that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments only. You must request this at the Andover RMV and show proof of the hardship. A hardship license does not restore your full driving privileges.

If your license is revoked, you must wait the period set by the court or RMV before you can reapply. You'll need to retake both the written and road tests. Some revocations require you to file an SR22 form (proof of financial responsibility) with your insurance company before you can get a new license. Your insurance company can file this for you.

Getting a Real ID in Andover

Massachusetts began issuing Real ID licenses in 2017, and they are now the standard. A Real ID has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings.

To get a Real ID at the Andover RMV, bring your birth certificate or passport along with the other documents listed above. There is no extra cost and no extra wait time — it processes the same way as a standard license. If you already have a standard Massachusetts license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at renewal or by visiting the Andover branch and paying the renewal fee early.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport and one document proving your lawful status in the U.S., such as a green card, visa, or employment authorization document. The RMV will copy these documents and return them to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my license the same day I explore at the Andover RMV?

No. You'll take the written test the same day if you're a new driver, but the road test is scheduled for a later date. Once you pass the road test, your license is mailed to you and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can get a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait.

What if I fail the road test at the Andover branch?

You can retake it, but you'll have to wait for the next available appointment, which may be several weeks away depending on how busy the branch is. There's no extra fee to retake the test. You can take it as many times as you need until you pass.

Do I need to take the written test again if I'm renewing my license?

No, not if you're renewing by mail or online and your license is not expired. If you're renewing in person because your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to retake the written test — the RMV will tell you when you explore.

Can I get a Real ID at the Andover RMV if I was born outside the U.S.?

Yes. Bring your passport and proof of lawful status (green card, visa, or work authorization). The RMV will copy these documents and return them to you. The Real ID costs the same and takes the same time as a standard license.

What do I do if my license is suspended and I need to drive to work?

You can request a hardship license at the Andover RMV. Bring proof of your job or school and proof of the suspension. A hardship license lets you drive only for work, school, or medical appointments — not for any other reason. You'll still need to carry proof of the hardship with you when you drive.