Transfer Out of State License to MA (employment, bill)

[newmassphd]

Hello,

So I recently became officially a resident of MA and enterprised to
convert my non-MA driver's license, a Real ID, to a MA real ID.

I was curious about something that surprised me.

The feel was $115.00 broken out as

license fee $50
learners permit $50
road test $15

For a grand total of $115.00

What I don't understand is why they charge for learner's permit
and road test when none was given or done? Literally, I just
stood there at the RMV, presented documents, did the eye test,
took a photo, and was issued a temporary paper license in lieu
of the actual one which would be sent in the mail in 10 days.

Isn't it considered fraud to charge for things not done?

Why not just bill it as license fee $115?

There's no recourse because if you don't pay the fee
you don't get your MA license.

Still trying to understand certain Massachusetts-isms

Also, unlike other states, why can't Massachusetts RMV print
out the plastic license cards on the spot. Many other states are doing it
on the spot for Real IDs.

In addition, the paper temporary license they give you
says "NOT VALID FOR IDENTIFICATION" in red prominently across it.

So you are made to surrender your out of state license, they do not
give you your actual license on the spot, and the piece of paper they
give you says NOT VALID FOR IDENTIFICATION.

This is very strange as it leaves you without a means of properly identifying yourself.

[bostongymjunkie]

The fee to transfer an out of state license is $115. Why didn't you ask the people at RMV why they break down the charges like that? In this state, the fact that they may waive a given requirement for something doesn't necessarily equate to waiving the fee associated with it. One reason you don't get a license on the spot is because they want it to actually be mailed to the address you claim is yours. Acceptance of the things you will not change about the RMV and this state, is the answer to your problem here.

[GeoffD]

Do any states still hand you a license on the spot? My 3 data points in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts are that it’s always mailed. You get a temporary paper one. I assumed that was some kind of Federal thing.

[MikePRU]

Originally Posted by newmassphd

This is very strange as it leaves you without a means of properly identifying yourself.

You don't have a passport?

[bostongymjunkie]

Here's one example of what you're dealing with at RMV: This type of stuff (including examiners who were found to be selling driver's licenses) have been ongoing for years. They will sometimes implement what appear to be strange measures in effort to combat corruption. But it's clearly not enough.


https://www.bostonherald.com/2022/02...-to-try-again/

[newmassphd]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

Do any states still hand you a license on the spot? My 3 data points in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts are that it’s always mailed. You get a temporary paper one. I assumed that was some kind of Federal thing.

In Delaware and other places they give you the license on the spot.

[newmassphd]

Originally Posted by MikePRU

You don't have a passport?

My passport recently expired. To be valid, the passport must be active and not expired.

Moreover, not everyone travels so frequently as to need a passport. Also if your
travel is mostly domestic, a real ID is valid for air travel within the US.

[newmassphd]

Originally Posted by bostongymjunkie

The fee to transfer an out of state license is $115. Why didn't you ask the people at RMV why they break down the charges like that? In this state, the fact that they may waive a given requirement for something doesn't necessarily equate to waiving the fee associated with it. One reason you don't get a license on the spot is because they want it to actually be mailed to the address you claim is yours. Acceptance of the things you will not change about the RMV and this state, is the answer to your problem here.

I felt it would be better to ask people who appear to have been in Massachusetts for a long time.
The RMV clerk didn't know and said that's always been the fee.

Moreover, complaining at the RMV is a fool's errand since the only choice is pay it and get the license allowing you to commute to gainful employment or don't pay it and not get the license.

[CaseyB]

Originally Posted by newmassphd

Moreover, complaining at the RMV is a fool's errand since the only choice is pay it and get the license allowing you to commute to gainful employment or don't pay it and not get the license.

That's true. The last time I renewed my license, I went to a local AAA office and it was actually almost a pleasant experience.

[htfdcolt]

Originally Posted by CaseyB

That's true. The last time I renewed my license, I went to a local AAA office and it was actually almost a pleasant experience.

My experience was even more pleasant. You can renew your license, online, up to 1 yr ahead of your birthday, and get the new license by mail. So I'll essentially get 6 yrs out of my new license! Kudos to MA for making it painless.