Where to renew your Massachusetts license
In Massachusetts, you renew your driver's license through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), which is part of the state's Department of Transportation. You have three ways to renew: in person at an RMV branch, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the RMV website.
The fastest route for most people is online renewal, which takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expiring within 30 days and you have not renewed by mail in the past two years. In-person renewal at a branch is required if you need a new photo, have a medical condition that affects your driving, or are renewing for the first time in Massachusetts.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv is available if your license is not expiring within 30 days and you have not had a name change or address change that requires verification.
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs less than in-person renewal, but you cannot renew by mail if your license expires within 30 days or if you renewed by mail within the past two years.
- In-person renewal at an RMV branch requires an appointment, which you book through the RMV website; walk-ins are not accepted.
- Your renewal fee depends on your license type and how many years you are renewing for — Massachusetts offers one-year, five-year, and lifetime options.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number for any renewal method.
Online renewal through the RMV website
To renew online, go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current Massachusetts driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against RMV records and ask you to confirm your address and any other details that have changed.
Online renewal is not available if your license expires within 30 days, if you have changed your name or address and need to provide new documents, or if you have a medical condition that requires RMV review. You also cannot renew online if you renewed by mail within the past two years. If any of these explore to you, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead.
Once you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card, the RMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal and what documents you need
To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver's License form from mass.gov/rmv or pick one up at any RMV branch. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and proof of your current address.
Proof of residency can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and address. Do not send original documents — the RMV will not return them. Make copies of everything you are mailing.
Mail your process to the RMV address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the RMV receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to you separately. You cannot renew by mail if your license expires within 30 days, if you renewed by mail within the past two years, or if you have had a name or address change that requires document verification.
In-person renewal at an RMV branch
To renew in person, you must book an appointment through mass.gov/rmv. The RMV does not accept walk-ins for license renewals. Go to the website, select your nearest branch, and choose an available time slot. Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance, so book as early as possible.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, tax return, or W-2), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement). If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
At your appointment, a staff member will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will pay the renewal fee at that time. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Massachusetts offers three renewal periods: one year, five years, or a lifetime license. The fee you pay depends on which period you choose. A one-year renewal costs the least; a five-year renewal costs more but is often the better value if you plan to keep your license for that long. A lifetime license is available to drivers age 70 and older and costs a flat fee that never changes.
You can choose your renewal period when you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you are renewing online or by mail, you will see the fee options during the process. If you are renewing in person, the RMV staff will ask which period you prefer. The exact dollar amounts vary slightly by year, so check mass.gov/rmv for current fees before you renew.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license has expired, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must renew in person at an RMV branch and bring the same documents you would bring for a regular renewal. The process is the same, but you will need to book an appointment and go to the branch.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Massachusetts, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew as soon as possible after your license expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the RMV. Contact the RMV directly to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to you and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, the same timeline applies — you will not receive your new license at the branch. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
If you have moved, you can update your address during online or mail renewal. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address. You do not need to bring any additional documents unless you have also changed your name.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
Yes. You can renew by mail or online from anywhere. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. If you are not, mail renewal will take about two weeks. You cannot renew in person unless you are physically present at an RMV branch in Massachusetts.
What if I lost my current license before renewing?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. You will need to go to an RMV branch in person to report the loss and renew at the same time. Bring proof of your identity, Social Security number, and current address. The RMV will issue a replacement license and process your renewal together.