The fastest way to renew in Massachusetts
You can renew your Massachusetts driver's license online through the RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles) website, by mail, or in person at an RMV office. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in about 10 minutes if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations. If you cannot renew online, mail takes about two to three weeks, and in-person renewal at an RMV office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait times.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 30 days before your license expires. That notice contains a renewal code you will need if you choose to renew online. If you have lost the notice, you can still renew online by using your driver's license number and date of birth instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv takes about 10 minutes and is available if your license is not expired and you have no disqualifying violations.
- You need either your renewal notice (which arrives 30 days before expiration) or your driver's license number and date of birth to renew online.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the RMV.
- In-person renewal at an RMV office requires a valid form of identification and proof of residency, and you can walk in without an appointment.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Renewing online through the RMV website
Go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the renewal code from your notice. If you do not have the renewal code, you can use your Social Security number instead. The system will then ask you to review your current information, update your address if needed, and choose whether to keep the same photo or upload a new one.
Online renewal costs $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license. You pay by debit or credit card at the end of the transaction. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot renew online if your license is already expired, if you have had a suspension or revocation in the past five years, if you have unpaid traffic violations, or if you have certain medical conditions on file. If any of these explore, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail
Request a mail renewal form by calling the RMV at 617-351-4500, or read the form from mass.gov/rmv. The form you need is the "process for Renewal of License" (Form DL 34). Fill it out completely, sign it, and include your current driver's license.
Mail your completed form, your current license, and a check or money order for $50 (five-year) or $100 (ten-year) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your old license returned. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the RMV receives your packet.
Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. If you are concerned about your renewal being lost in the mail, you can request certified mail with a return receipt, though this is not required.
Renewing in person at an RMV office
You can walk into any RMV office without an appointment to renew your license. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days), and payment of $50 or $100. If your address has changed, bring two documents showing your new address.
RMV offices are located in Boston, Brockton, Framingham, Lawrence, Leominster, Medford, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Springfield, and Worcester. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some Saturday hours. Check mass.gov/rmv for the specific office nearest you and its current hours before you go.
Wait times vary widely depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning and mid-week visits typically have shorter waits. You will receive your temporary license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than a few days ago, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. When you renew after expiration, you may be required to pass a vision test or written test depending on how long it has been expired and your age. The RMV will tell you what is required when you arrive or when you call.
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 your confirmation number from an online renewal or your mail receipt as proof that you have applied, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as possible after your license expires.
Changing your photo or address during renewal
If you renew online, you can update your address and choose whether to keep your current photo or upload a new one. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail or in person, you will need to visit an RMV office in person — the mail renewal form does not allow photo changes.
When you renew in person, you can request a new photo at the same time. The RMV will take a new photo as part of the in-person renewal process at no extra cost. If you are renewing by mail and want to keep your current photo, you do not need to do anything special — just submit the form and your old license.
Payment methods and renewal fees
Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
A five-year license costs $50. A ten-year license costs $100. Massachusetts does not offer a choice between the two — the RMV assigns the length based on your age and driving record. Drivers under 70 typically receive a ten-year license, while drivers 70 and older receive a five-year license. You will see which option applies to you during the online renewal process or when you arrive in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
If you renewed online or in person, you received a confirmation number or temporary license. You can drive using that confirmation number or temporary license while your permanent license is in the mail. If you renewed by mail, keep your receipt as proof that you have applied. Technically, driving with an expired license is illegal, but having proof of process may help if you are stopped.
What if I never received my renewal notice?
You do not need the renewal notice to renew online — you can use your driver's license number and date of birth instead. If you want a replacement notice mailed to you, call the RMV at 617-351-4500. You can also proceed directly to mass.gov/rmv and start the online renewal without the notice.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval, regardless of which renewal method you used. If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received it, contact the RMV at 617-351-4500 to check the status.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
No. If you have unpaid traffic violations or fines, you cannot renew online. You must resolve the violation first by paying the fine or contacting the court. Once resolved, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. Call the RMV if you are unsure whether you have outstanding violations.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or other legal reason, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at an RMV office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The RMV will update your name and issue a new license.