License renewal reminders

This past week, I was asked the question by a few people, "How soon can I renew my driver’s license?" Since the Registry does not send out reminder notices via the regular mail, some people may want to renew their license when they have it on their mind. I was asked to provide some information on this issue. I also want to remind people to periodically check their license expiration date.

Several years ago, the Registry stopped sending license expiration reminders through the mail to drivers. This was mostly due to the cost to complete this process. This did create problems for many people who missed their license expiration date. All licenses will expire on your birthday on a given year. People have several options for renewing their license. It can be done at any Registry Office (or any other Registry authorized location) as well as on-line. A person can renew their license at any time within one year of expiration. This enables people to take care of this at a time when it is convenient for them.

Even though the standard mail license reminders are still not available, to the best of my knowledge, you can arrange to be notified by E-mail, phone, or text message. Information on this service can be found by logging on to the Registry web site at www.massdot.state.ma.us/rmv/, or at any RMV branch.

If you are not part of a reminder program, try to remember to check your license some time before your birthday. If you check this periodically, you have a good chance of remembering to renew it. Since you have up to one year prior to expiration to do this, you should be able to address this subject before it becomes a problem.

Thanks Joshua Place for hospitality

Thanks to the residents of Joshua Place for their hospitality during my recent visit. I met with the folks there on Friday, July 27th and a nice crowd was on hand. As is usually the case during these visits, I enjoyed the conversation, learned a great deal, and had a good time with everyone.

Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St., Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen.