How to Renew Your Massachusetts Driver's License

The fastest way to renew in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). The online option is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home if your license hasn't expired more than five years ago and you don't need to change your address or name. If you're not may be able to access for online renewal, mail takes about two to three weeks, and in-person renewal at an RMV office takes a few hours on the day you go.

Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail about 30 to 60 days before your license expires. That notice tells you which method you're allowed to use. If you don't receive one, you can still renew, but you'll need to know your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv takes minutes and works if your license expired less than five years ago and you have no address or name changes.
Mail renewal requires your renewal notice, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks from the time the RMV receives your packet.
In-person renewal at an RMV office requires your current license, proof of residency, and a completed process for Renewal form (DL 44).
Massachusetts charges a renewal fee that varies by license type and how many years you're renewing for — typically $50 to $100 for a five-year renewal.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to an RMV office in person.

Renewing online through the Massachusetts RMV website

Go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License Online." You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address and other information on file. If everything matches, you can pay the renewal fee and finish in one session.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within seven to ten business days. You don't need to visit an office, and you don't need to bring any documents. Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your address or legal name, or if you want to add the REAL ID star to your license.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license expired less than five years ago. You'll need your renewal notice (the letter that came in the mail), a completed process for Renewal form (DL 44, which you can read from mass.gov/rmv or request by phone), and payment by check or money order made out to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles."

Mail your packet to the address listed on your renewal notice. Processing takes two to three weeks from the day the RMV receives it. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Do not send cash. If you don't have your renewal notice, you can still mail in your process, but include a copy of your current license or a state ID card.

Renewing in person at an RMV office

Visit any RMV branch with your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and a completed DL 44 form. You can read the form from mass.gov/rmv or pick one up at the office. Bring a payment method — the RMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

You'll wait for your number to be called, hand in your documents, pay the fee, and have your photo taken. Your new license will be mailed to you within seven to ten business days. If you need your license the same day, you can request a temporary paper license at the counter, though this is not always available.

RMV offices are busiest on weekday mornings and Saturdays. You can check wait times on mass.gov/rmv before you go. Some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online, which can cut your wait significantly.

What happens if your license has expired for more than five years

If your Massachusetts license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as a new driver. This means you'll need to visit an RMV office in person, pass a vision test, and pay the full fee for a new license (not a renewal fee). You may also need to pass a written test or road test depending on how long it's been since you were licensed.

Bring your current (expired) license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of your date of birth (birth certificate or passport), and proof of your current address. The RMV will tell you whether you need to take any tests when you arrive or after you call ahead.

Adding REAL ID to your Massachusetts license

Massachusetts REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for federal buildings, military bases, and domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. You cannot add REAL ID during an online or mail renewal — you must go to an RMV office in person.

Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your date of birth, and two documents proving your current address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement, both dated within 60 days). The fee is the same as a standard renewal. Your REAL ID license will be mailed within seven to ten business days.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Massachusetts charges a renewal fee based on your license type and how many years you're renewing for. A standard five-year renewal for a Class D (passenger car) license costs $50. A ten-year renewal costs $100. Commercial licenses and other classes have different fees. You can pay by cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card depending on your renewal method.

Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders only. In-person renewal accepts all methods. If you're renewing by mail, make your check or money order payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Massachusetts license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to six months before your license expires. If you renew early, your new expiration date will be five or ten years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date. This means renewing early can actually extend how long your license is valid.

What if I moved and need to change my address?

If you changed your address, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an RMV office in person with your current license and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). The RMV will update your address and issue your new license at the same time.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals take seven to ten business days after processing. In-person renewals also take seven to ten business days for mailing, but you can request a temporary paper license at the counter on the day you renew if you need to drive when ready (availability varies by office).

What if my name changed since my last license?

You cannot renew by mail or online if your legal name changed. Visit an RMV office with your current license, a document proving your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The RMV will update your name and issue a new license.

Can I renew someone else's license for them?

For online renewal, no — the license holder must complete it themselves. For mail renewal, you can mail in their process and documents, but they must sign the DL 44 form. For in-person renewal, the license holder must appear in person for their photo.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.