Where to renew your Massachusetts license
In Massachusetts, you renew your driver's license through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). You have three ways to do it: in person at an RMV branch, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the RMV website if your license type qualifies.
The fastest route for most people is online renewal on mass.gov/rmv, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $50. You can renew online if your license is not suspended, you have not had any violations in the past five years, and your license is not expiring due to a medical reason or a change in vision correction needs.
If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your process or visit an RMV branch in person. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but saves you a trip. In-person renewal at a branch is when ready if you bring all required documents, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts offers online renewal through mass.gov/rmv for $50 if your license is valid, unsuspended, and you have no recent violations.
- Mail renewal costs $50 and takes two to three weeks, and requires you to send your current license, the completed process, and a new photo.
- In-person renewal at an RMV branch is when ready but requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and your current license.
- If your license is suspended or expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a branch in person.
- Massachusetts licenses expire on your birthday and are valid for five years; you can renew up to 30 days before expiration.
Online renewal through the RMV website
To renew online, go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew a Driver's License." You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $50.
The RMV will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to update your address, name, or other information, you cannot do it online — you must renew in person at an RMV branch instead.
Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or restricted; if you have unpaid traffic violations or fines; or if you are renewing because of a change in vision correction or medical condition. In those cases, you must visit a branch.
Mail renewal and what to send
To renew by mail, you need to complete the process for a Massachusetts Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL 34). You can read it from mass.gov/rmv or request it by phone at 857-368-8000.
Mail the completed form along with your current license, a new passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and a check or money order for $50 made payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash. Mail everything to the RMV address listed on the form — there are separate addresses for different regions of the state.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the RMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. You can drive on your current license during this time. If your process is incomplete or the photo does not meet standards, the RMV will contact you and may delay processing.
In-person renewal at an RMV branch
Visit any RMV branch with your current license, a valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or Real ID-compliant license), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Bring a new passport-style photo if you want to update the one on file; otherwise, the RMV can take a new photo at the branch for an additional $5 fee.
The fee for in-person renewal is $50. You will receive your new license when ready or within a few minutes, depending on how busy the branch is. If you need to change your address, name, or other information, you can do that during your visit.
RMV branches are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. You can check wait times and book an appointment online at mass.gov/rmv before you go. Appointments are free and can reduce your time at the branch significantly.
What happens if your license is expired or suspended
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to an RMV branch, a written test, and a road test. The process is the same as getting a license for the first time.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit an RMV branch in person. The branch will tell you the reason for the suspension and what you need to do to lift it — this might include paying outstanding fines, completing a driver safety course, or waiting out a suspension period. Only after the suspension is lifted can you renew your license.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, you can check your status on mass.gov/rmv or call 857-368-8000. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in fines, jail time, and further license suspension.
Fees and payment methods
A standard five-year Massachusetts driver's license renewal costs $50, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This is the fee for a standard Class D license (passenger vehicle). If you hold a different class of license — such as Class A (motorcycle) or Class B (truck) — the fee may differ.
Online and in-person renewal accept debit cards, credit cards, and cash (in person only). Mail renewal requires a check or money order. The RMV does not accept personal checks, so use a cashier's check or money order if you renew by mail.
If you renew in person and need a new photo taken at the branch, there is an additional $5 fee. Some RMV branches may charge a small fee for appointment booking, though most do not.
Timeline and when to renew
Your Massachusetts driver's license expires on your birthday and is valid for five years. You can renew your license up to 30 days before it expires. The RMV recommends renewing at least two weeks before your birthday to avoid driving with an expired license.
If you renew online, your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days, so renew at least two weeks early. If you renew by mail, allow two to three weeks plus mail delivery time — renew at least four weeks before your birthday. If you renew in person, you receive your license when ready.
If your license expires while you are waiting for a renewal by mail or online, you can still drive legally on your current license until your new one arrives, as long as you have submitted your renewal process on time. Keep proof of your process (a confirmation email or receipt) with you while you drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Massachusetts license if I moved out of state?
No. You must be a Massachusetts resident to hold a Massachusetts license. If you moved out of state, you need to get a license from your new state. You can surrender your Massachusetts license to any RMV branch or by mail.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You cannot update your name online or by mail. You must visit an RMV branch in person with your current license and a document showing your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The branch will process the name change and issue a new license on the spot.
Do I need a Real ID to renew my Massachusetts license?
No. A standard Massachusetts driver's license is still valid for driving. However, starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license or passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you want to upgrade to Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship and Social Security number.
What if I lost my license before it expired?
You cannot renew a lost license. Instead, you must request a replacement at an RMV branch or by mail. A replacement costs $35 and takes the same time as renewal. If your replacement arrives before your birthday, you can renew it when it expires normally.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your own license. For online renewal, you need your license number and Social Security information. For mail or in-person renewal, you must sign the process yourself. If you are unable to visit a branch or mail an process, online renewal is your best option.