NEW BEDFORD - The Downtown New Bedford branch of the Registry of Motor Vehicles is relocating.

In a surprise announcement, MassDOT says the branch will permanently close the Union Street location on Friday at 5 P.M. and open it's new location at the New Bedford Industrial Business Park on Monday, February 6th. MassDOT says RMV services, including road test appointments, will be served from the new location at 212 Theodore H. Rice Boulevard.

Some residents and Mayor Jon Mitchell had long advocated for a larger, more centralized Registry location in New Bedford that could serve surrounding communities, as well. MassDOT is taking advantage of the fact that their lease at the Union Street location expires soon.

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