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Boston's Morning Newsletter
The RMV is getting ready for the new Mass. driver's license law. Here's what to know
Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from WBUR's daily morning newsletter, WBUR Today. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here.
Gov. Maura Healey is in Ireland this week, so Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll is in charge until Friday. And there’s a lot going on back here in Massachusetts. Let’s take a look at the week ahead:
The new state law allowing undocumented immigrants to get driver’s licenses takes effect on Saturday, and officials are getting ready for an influx of applications. RMV Registrar Colleen Ogilvie says she expects the law will lead to 280,000 new residents getting their driver’s licenses over the next four years — with 105,000 of them doing so in the next six months. To prepare, the RMV has increased its service center staff by 45%, doubled its road test examiners, extended its weekday hours and plans to add Saturday hours at seven locations starting July 8. But you’ll also need to prep if you’re on the other side of the RMV counter. Here’s what to know:
- First things first: Two appointments will be required for a license: one for a learner’s permit test and one for a road test. As of July 1, those without legal immigration status will be able to pre-register for appointments online. (Since the RMV is closed on weekends, the first available day will be Monday, July 3.)
- What you’ll need: All applicants have to prove they’re a Massachusetts resident, along with their identity and date of birth. That means two forms of ID (such as a foreign passport and a driver’s license from a different state or country), along with a residency document like a bill or bank statement. The state’s website has more details on identification requirements here. (Residents without social security numbers also will have to show they’ve been denied an SSN or attest they never had one.)
- Additional services: The RMV suggests bringing a friend or family to your in-person appointments and road tests if you need an interpreter. If no one is available, you can request an interpreter for the road test on your road test application form. Check out the RMV’s FAQ page for more details and other questions.
- Remember: Undocumented residents still can’t get REAL IDs, nor can they get commercial driver’s licenses. The new law only changes the rules for standard car and motorcycle driver’s licenses. The same fees apply, which add up to $115.
- Beware of scammers: You never need to pay for access to RMV forms. The state has put out a list of six hints to help people avoid fraud by third-party websites.
Encore Boston Harbor could have a strike on its hands by the end of the week. That’s because 98% of the Everett casino’s unionized 1,400 housekeepers, cooks and other staff voted last week to walk off the job this Saturday if they don’t get an acceptable contract by then.
- Encore contends their offers have been “competitive,” but Unite Here Local 26 President Carlos Aramayo told WBUR’s Jacob Garcia it doesn’t compare to those of other local unionized hotel employees: “I think the vote speaks for itself.”
Newton police are seeking the public’s help figuring out who killed three elderly people in their home on Sunday. Investigators have not released the names of the victims, nor commented on a motive.
- If you live in the Nonantum area, police ask you check your doorbell cameras for any footage that may help. Also expect a heavy police presence in the neighborhood as the search goes on.
Police are also investigating a fatal double shooting that killed two teens over the weekend in Braintree. Investigators say a 16-year-old Braintree High School student and 19-year-old Dorchester man were shot in front of the student’s home early Sunday.
- No arrests have been made, but police say they don’t believe there’s any ongoing public safety threat. Still, they’re asking neighbors to reach out if they noticed anything unusual.
Heads up for early morning drivers: The Ted Williams Tunnel will be closed in the westbound direction every night this week between midnight at 5 a.m. so crews can do paving and other work.
- If you’re headed from East Boston to downtown, you’ll need to detour through the Sumner Tunnel, which feels a little ironic.
P.S.— Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is back on Radio Boston this morning to take your questions. Listen live at 11 a.m. — and get in your burning questions for the mayor through our text club.
