Photo: Madison Rogers (WBZ)
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Registry of Motor Vehicles has announced its preparations to implement the Work and Family Mobility Act (WFMA), a law which would allow eligible Massachusetts residents to get a Standard (Class D or M) driver's license regardless of immigration status.
With the long-debated law going into effect on July 1, officials said they expect a large influx of applicants when the RMV opens on Monday, July 3. To accommodate, there will be big changes with the RMV's staffing numbers to keep up the anticipated high demand.
"It’s important that our frontline staff is able to meet the demands, so we’re increasing our service center staff by about 45 percent," Registar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie said at a rally in downtown Boston Wednesday. "We’re doubling our road test staff."
The RMV is adding a temporary, dedicated WFMA inquiry line at its call centers with live customer service representatives. The agency is also expanding hours of operation at many of its locations to include Saturdays and some evening hours.
There will also be interpreters available in over 100 languages.
At Wednesday's rally, Ogilvie spoke of the push to educate residents on the WFMA changes. Appointments can only be made at Mass.Gov/WFMA, which includes helpful information on the WFMA and outlines the steps eligible residents must undertake to apply for a license and schedule appointments. Residents can also call a special informational phoneline at 857-368-WFMA (9362).
Ogilvie also warned of the risk of potential scammers.
"This could be in the form of charging people for access to an appointment, providing documents to them," described Ogilvie.
Governor Maura Healey has authorized $28 million of the FY2024 state budget for the new law.
WBZ's Madison Rogers (@MadisonWBZ) reports.
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