Massachusetts driver license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

A standard Massachusetts driver license costs $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license. If you are under 21, the cost is the same, but your license expires on your 21st birthday rather than at the five- or ten-year mark. The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) charges these fees when you pass your road test and receive your license at a branch office.

The cost covers the physical card itself and the background check the RMV runs before issuing it. You pay this fee only once per license — not every time you renew. Renewal fees are separate and are covered in your renewal notice when the time comes.

If you need a replacement card because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, that costs $50, regardless of how much time is left on your current license. A name change also requires a replacement card at the same price.

Key Takeaways

  • A new Massachusetts driver license costs $50 for five years or $100 for ten years, paid when you pass your road test.
  • Under-21 licenses cost the same amount but expire on your 21st birthday instead of at the standard interval.
  • Replacement cards for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses cost $50 each.
  • These fees are paid directly to the RMV at the branch office where you receive your license.
  • Renewal fees are separate and will be stated in the notice you receive before your license expires.

What you pay before you get your license

Before you pay the license fee itself, you will have paid for other steps in the licensing process. A learner's permit costs $30 and is valid for six years. You pay this fee when you pass the written knowledge test at an RMV branch.

If you take a road test, there is no separate test fee — the RMV does not charge for the test itself. However, if you fail and want to take the test again, you do not pay another fee; you straightforward schedule a new test date.

Some people take a driver education course before their road test. These courses are run by private driving schools, not the RMV, and cost vary widely — typically between $300 and $800 depending on the school and whether the course includes in-car instruction. The RMV does not require a course, but some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete one.

Fees for different license types

Massachusetts offers several license types, and the fee depends on which one you need. A standard Class D license (for regular passenger vehicles) costs $50 for five years or $100 for ten years. This is what most new drivers get.

A Class M license (for motorcycles) costs the same as a Class D license. You can hold both at the same time, and you pay the full fee for each one. If you already have a Class D license and add a Class M endorsement, the RMV charges you the difference between what you paid for your Class D and the full Class M fee.

A Commercial Driver License (CDL) costs $70 for five years or $140 for ten years. This is for people who drive trucks or buses for work. The fee is higher because the RMV conducts a more thorough background check and medical review.

How to pay and what to bring

You pay the license fee in person at an RMV branch office when you pass your road test and are ready to receive your license. The RMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. You cannot pay online or by mail — payment happens at the counter when you complete the final step of the licensing process.

Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your learner's permit. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian and their ID as well. The staff will verify your information, take your photo, and collect the fee before handing you your new license.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you can pay the $50 replacement fee at any RMV branch. Bring your ID and proof of residency. If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a police report, though the RMV does not require one.

Renewal and expiration fees

When your license is about to expire, the RMV will mail you a renewal notice. The renewal fee is $50 for a five-year renewal or $100 for a ten-year renewal — the same as the original license fee. You can renew by mail, online, or in person, depending on your situation.

If you renew online or by mail, you pay by credit or debit card. If you renew in person at a branch, you can pay with cash, debit, or credit. The renewal notice will tell you which method applies to you.

If your license expires and you do not renew it, you cannot legally drive. Driving on an expired license can result in a fine. If your license has been expired for more than a few years, you may have to retake the written test and road test to get a new one, rather than straightforward renewing.

Fees for duplicates and corrections

If you need a duplicate license card (for example, if you want to keep one at home and one in your wallet), the RMV charges $50 for each duplicate. This is the same fee as a replacement.

If there is an error on your license — a misspelled name, wrong address, or incorrect date of birth — contact the RMV to request a correction. Corrections that result from RMV error are free. If you request a correction because you provided wrong information, the RMV may charge a replacement fee.

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need a new license card with the updated name. This costs $50 and requires you to bring legal proof of the name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order) to an RMV branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to choose the five-year or ten-year license when I first get my license?

Yes. When you pass your road test and are ready to receive your license, you tell the RMV staff which term you want. The fee is $50 for five years or $100 for ten years. You can choose a different term when you renew, so if you pick five years now, you can switch to ten years at renewal time.

What if I turn 21 before my license expires?

Your under-21 license automatically expires on your 21st birthday. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before that date. You can renew it at that time, and your new license will be valid for the full five or ten years from your 21st birthday, not from when you originally got it.

Can I pay the license fee online?

No. You must pay the fee in person at an RMV branch when you receive your license or when you renew in person. If you renew by mail or online, you pay by credit or debit card as part of that process, but you cannot pay for a new license online.

Is there a fee if I fail my road test?

No. The RMV does not charge a fee to take the road test, and there is no fee if you fail. You can schedule another test at no cost. However, you do have to pay for your learner's permit upfront ($30), which is valid for six years and covers multiple test attempts.

What happens if I let my license expire?

Driving on an expired license is illegal and can result in a fine. If your license has been expired for a short time, you can usually renew it by mail or online using the same fee ($50 or $100). If it has been expired for several years, the RMV may require you to retake the written and road tests.