NORTH ATTLEBORO - The Registry of Motor Vehicles is accepting bids for a new branch office, but state Rep. Betty Poirier said she is optimistic the facility will stay put.

The office located off Kelley Boulevard is where many local residents go to apply for a license, renew a registration or take a driving test.

The state has advertised a request for proposals from property owners with at least 4,000 square feet of retail or commercial space for a 10-year lease.

State Sen. James Timilty, D-Walpole, said the state will consider proposals for locations in Attleboro, North Attleboro, Foxboro, Mansfield and Plainville.

Timilty said he would not be surprised if the registry was looking for a location with more parking and more visibility from a major road than the setback site of the current office.

But Poirier, R-North Attleboro, said she spoke to the registry and the department of capital management, and found the request for proposals is routine. She said the state requires that proposals be sought every 10 years.

Poirier said the state has to seek proposals to make sure it is being charged a competitive price for its facilities.

"This does not necessarily mean the registry will be moving, as long as it is determined they are in a good geographic area with access to the highways," she said.

Poirier said the Kelley Boulevard site is ideally located between several neighboring communities and is close to several highways.

"I'm not at all panicking about the move. I'm hopeful everything will remain status quo," she said.

A spokeswoman for the registry could not be reached for comment Wednesday evening.