Where the Andover Driver License Office Is Located and Its Hours

The Andover driver license office is run by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles and sits at 10 Bartlet Street, Andover, MA 01810. It is not the only place in the area where you can handle license business — there are offices in Lawrence, North Andover, and other nearby towns — but Andover is the one most people in town use.

Hours change by season and by day of the week. The office is typically open Monday through Friday during business hours, but you should check the Registry's website or call 857-247-5300 before you go, because hours shift for holidays and staffing. Many people find that going early in the morning, right when the office opens, means a shorter wait.

The office handles standard transactions: license renewals, replacements for lost or damaged licenses, address changes, and initial license tests for new drivers. Some transactions require an appointment, while others are first-come, first-served. The Registry's website will tell you which category your task falls into.

Key Takeaways

  • The Andover office is at 10 Bartlet Street and is open weekdays, but hours vary by season and holiday, so check the Registry website before visiting.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your current license or learner's permit, depending on what you are doing.
  • Some transactions require an appointment through the Registry's online system; others are walk-in, but wait times can be long during midday hours.
  • If the Andover office is too busy or does not offer your specific service, nearby offices in Lawrence and North Andover may have shorter waits or different hours.

What Documents to Bring for a License Renewal

A license renewal is the most common reason people visit. You will need your current Massachusetts driver's license, a form of identification (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Do not bring originals of documents you cannot afford to lose — bring copies or be prepared to leave them with the office.

If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing online through the Registry's website instead of in person, you will not need to visit Andover at all — you can complete the renewal from home if you meet the age and record requirements.

What to Bring for a First-Time License or Learner's Permit

First-time applicants need more documents than renewal customers. Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and two forms of proof of residency. The two forms can be different types — for example, a utility bill and a bank statement, or a lease and a phone bill. Both must show your name and current address.

You will also need to pass a written test and an eye exam at the office. The written test covers Massachusetts traffic laws and road signs. You can study for it using the Registry's free online manual or the printed version available at the office. The eye exam is done on-site and is quick; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

How to Handle a Lost or Damaged License

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it in person at Andover or through the mail. In person is faster — you will walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent one by mail within two weeks. By mail, the process takes longer but you do not have to visit the office.

Bring your identification and proof of residency, the same as for a renewal. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police first and bring a copy of the report, though it is not required. The replacement fee is the same whether you lost it or it was damaged.

Address Changes and Other Updates

You can change your address on your license without renewing it. Bring your current license, a form of ID, and proof of your new address. This can be done in person at Andover or by mail. Many people do it by mail because it is simpler and does not require a trip.

Other updates — such as changing your name, correcting your sex marker, or updating your organ donor status — have different requirements. Some can be done by mail, others require a visit. The Registry's website lists what you need for each type of change.

Wait Times and Appointment Booking

The Andover office can have long waits, especially on Thursdays and Fridays and between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If your transaction requires an appointment, you can book one through the Registry's website. Appointments are typically available several weeks out. If you book an appointment, you will be seen at your scheduled time and will not wait in the general queue.

Walk-in transactions are served on a first-come, first-served basis. If you do not have an appointment and the office is crowded, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour or more. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times is worth the effort.

When to Use a Different Registry Office Instead

If the Andover office is too busy or does not offer what you need, consider the Lawrence office at 1 Canal Street, Lawrence, MA 01840, or the North Andover office. Some services are available at all offices; others are not. For example, commercial driver's license testing is only at certain locations. The Registry's website shows which services are available at each office.

Smaller offices in nearby towns sometimes have shorter waits than Andover. If you are flexible about location, calling a few offices to ask about wait times can save you an hour or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to Andover?

Yes, if you meet the requirements. You can renew online through the Registry's website if your license is not expired, you are between 18 and 75, and you have not had certain violations. Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs less than in-person renewal. Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You will need at least one document showing your name and current address. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, other documents work: a bank statement, insurance bill, property tax bill, or letter from your employer on company letterhead. If you have none of these, call the Andover office to ask what alternatives they accept.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

It depends on your transaction. Renewals and address changes are usually walk-in, but first-time licenses and some other services require an appointment. Check the Registry's website or call 857-247-5300 to find out whether you need one before you go.

How long does a license replacement take?

If you replace it in person at Andover, you get a temporary license the same day and your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks. If you explore by mail, the whole process takes three to four weeks. In-person replacement is faster if you need to drive before your new license arrives.

What if I fail the written test for a new license?

You can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. Most people study the Registry's manual and pass on the second try. The manual is free on the Registry's website or available in print at the office.