Massachusetts RMV Offers Walk-In REAL ID Service as Deadline Approaches

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BOSTON — With the federal REAL ID enforcement date of May 7 approaching, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is offering walk-in service for residents seeking to obtain a REAL ID credential at all RMV service center locations.

The RMV is reminding Massachusetts residents that beginning May 7, a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, or a valid passport, will be required for domestic air travel and entry into certain federal facilities.

While walk-ins are being accepted for REAL ID transactions for those with near-term travel plans, the RMV assures residents that REAL IDs can still be obtained after the May 7 deadline. If immediate service is not available for walk-in customers, service center staff will explore options for same-day or next-day appointments.

The RMV encourages individuals seeking a REAL ID to visit Mass.Gov/REALID to understand the necessary documentation for the required in-person appointment. Applicants should also be aware that it may take 10 to 14 business days to receive their RMV credential by mail following their appointment.

As of this month, over 3 million credentials in Massachusetts are REAL ID compliant.

Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie stated that the RMV is seeing an increasing number of residents applying for REAL ID credentials as the deadline nears. She emphasized that the RMV will continue to process REAL ID transactions beyond May 7 and that the agency is increasing capacity at service centers and accommodating walk-ins for individuals with imminent travel needs. Ogilvie also urged residents to familiarize themselves with the required documentation prior to applying.

The fees for obtaining or renewing a REAL ID-compliant credential are the same as those for equivalent non-compliant credentials. The renewal fee for a non-commercial standard or REAL ID driver’s license is $50, and the renewal fee for a Mass ID is $25. An amendment fee of $25 applies for upgrading to a REAL ID credential before the existing credential's expiration. Customers with a stay of less than five years in the U.S. will pay a pro-rated fee.

For individuals without immediate travel plans, appointments can be scheduled through the RMV’s Online Service Center at Mass.Gov/myRMV or, for AAA members, at https://northeast.aaa.com/automotive/registry-services/massachusetts.html.

The RMV has provided document checklists and other information regarding REAL ID requirements at Mass.Gov/REALID to assist customers in preparing for their in-person visits. Required documents include proof of lawful presence, two proofs of Massachusetts residency, and proof of a full Social Security Number (SSN). Customers with name changes will need to provide documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court document. All required documents must be original or certified copies.

Massachusetts residents are eligible to renew their licenses or IDs up to one year before the expiration date. Those with existing compliant credentials and no legal name changes may be able to renew online. A REAL ID-compliant credential issued by the Massachusetts RMV is identified by a star surrounded by a yellow or gold circle in the top right corner.

The Massachusetts RMV has been issuing REAL IDs since March 2018. Additional information about REAL ID requirements and other RMV services is available at Mass.Gov/RMV. Information on acceptable identification at airport security checkpoints can be found at tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.


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Friday Front Porch Feature: Allendale Pines North

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Are you looking for an inexpensive home to raise your family in? Then this might be the home for you. And if not, there's a couple other options.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week we are showcasing model homes at Allendale Pines North.

Teton Management is opening its new manufactured housing development next Allendale Pines at 395 Cheshire Road, and has three different model homes to choose from.

The Monroe with a full porch and with a half-porch, and The Aspire are available to move into in March. 

All the models have three bedrooms and two baths in 1,280 square feet, and include two parking spaces. The Monroe full-porch is on the market for $194,900, Monroe half-porch $189,900, and The Aspire for $204,900. View a video tour here.

The lot rent is $550 a month and it includes trash removal and recycling, as well as water and sewer. Tenants are responsible for their own utilities and lawn care/snow removal. Dogs and cats are allowed, for up to two pets.

We spoke with Val Whaling from Teton Management about the new homes.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market? 

The three models — Monroe Full- Porch, Monroe Half -Porch, and The Aspire — are Titan Home products manufactured by Champion Homes and stand out in the current market because:

  • The purchase price of these homes is well below current market rate single-family homes in Berkshire County.

  • The 5 Star Energy-Efficient rating (featuring energy-efficient windows and high- performance insulation) and one-year warranty on the home, sets these homes apart from older, stick-built homes.

  • These homes are built to strict HUD standards and include structural integrity in order to meet federal standards for durability, safety and wind resistance.

Are there any stand-out design features? 

Stand out features include: open concept floorplan, covered porches, stainless steel appliances, large laundry room /mudrooms, and large glass walk-in showers.

What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for? 

First time homebuyers/ professionals preferring home ownership vs. renting, empty nesters wanting to downsize, and cost-conscious individuals preferring the affordability of these homes.

What's the neighborhood like? 

Allendale Pines North will be comprised of 22 brand-new homes, on individual lots, set on beautiful property, neighboring the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. The property is located at 395 Cheshire Road, Pittsfield, offering proximity to retail shopping and dining. Additionally, Allendale Pines North property is well managed by a reputable owner/operator. (All adult community residents are approved via community application approval process.).

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space? 

"Imagine the cost savings of owning a brand-new, energy-efficient home, easy to maintain and allowing the convenience of modern day and easy living, in a quiet, well-managed community."

What does the home come with? 

Included are: Stainless steel Whirlpool appliances (refrigerator with icemaker, dishwasher, and gas stove/oven), and closets equipped with shelf/hanging rod. Plus an 8-by-10-foot Amish built shed, two wooden entrance stairs with wooden handrails and black wrought iron spindles, two-car driveway, sidewalks and brand-new water/sewer infrastructure.

You can find out more about these homes on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

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