How to Renew Your Massachusetts Driver's License

Massachusetts Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Massachusetts driver's license online, by mail, or at an RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the RMV receives your form. In-person renewal at an RMV office is when ready but requires an appointment, which can take weeks to book depending on your location.

Your renewal method depends on your license type, how long it's been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. A standard Class D license (passenger vehicle) that hasn't been expired for more than 5 years is usually may be able to access for online or mail renewal. If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, or if you hold a commercial license or a license with restrictions, you must renew in person.

Massachusetts sends renewal notices 60 days before your license expires. Check your mail for this notice — it contains your renewal code, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew, but you'll need to provide your license number and date of birth instead.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv takes 10 minutes and is available if your Class D license expired less than 5 years ago and you have no address changes.
Mail renewal requires the renewal notice form (or a manual process) and takes 7 to 10 business days after the RMV receives it; include a check or money order for the $50 fee.
In-person renewal at an RMV office is required if your license expired more than 5 years ago, if you hold a commercial license, or if you need to change your address or name.
You must bring your current license and proof of Massachusetts residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) to any in-person appointment.
Massachusetts licenses are valid for 5 years; your expiration date is printed on the front of your card.

Online Renewal Through mass.gov/rmv

Go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll be asked to enter your license number, date of birth, and the renewal code from your notice (or your Social Security number if you don't have the notice). The system will confirm your identity and show you the renewal fee — currently $50 for a 5-year license.

Online renewal is available only if all of the following are true: your Class D license expired less than 5 years ago, you have no changes to your address or name, you don't need to update your vision or medical information, and you're not renewing a commercial or restricted license. If any of these don't explore, you'll be directed to mail or in-person renewal instead.

Pay the $50 fee with a debit or credit card. 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 expired license until the new one arrives. If you need to verify your renewal status, you can log back into mass.gov/rmv with your license number and date of birth.

Mail Renewal With a Form and Check

Request the renewal form by calling the RMV at 857-368-8000 or read it from mass.gov/rmv. The form is titled "process for Renewal of License" (Form DL 34). Fill in your name, license number, date of birth, and current address. If your address has changed, print your new address clearly — the RMV uses this to update their records.

Include a check or money order for $50 made payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash. Mail the completed form and payment to: Registry of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 369, Boston, MA 02133. Include your current license with the envelope if possible (the RMV will return it).

Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the RMV receives your form. You can continue driving on your expired license during this time. If you don't receive your new license within 15 business days, call 857-368-8000 to check the status. Keep a record of when you mailed the form in case you need to follow up.

In-Person Renewal at an RMV Office

Book an appointment through mass.gov/rmv by selecting your nearest RMV office and choosing an available date and time. Appointments fill quickly, especially in urban areas — book as soon as your renewal notice arrives. Walk-in service is not available; you must have a scheduled appointment.

Bring your current Massachusetts driver's license and one document proving your current address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must match the name on your license; if it has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

Arrive 10 minutes early. The RMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and collect the $50 fee (cash, check, or card accepted). Your new license is printed on site and issued when ready — you can drive with it the same day. The physical card is valid as your license until your expiration date.

When Your License Has Been Expired for More Than 5 Years

If your Massachusetts license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at an RMV office. The RMV treats this as a new license process rather than a renewal, which means you'll need to pass a vision test and may need to provide additional documents.

Bring your expired license, proof of Massachusetts residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed since the license was issued, bring legal proof of the change. You'll also need to pass a vision screening at the RMV office — bring glasses or contacts if you use them.

The fee is still $50 for a 5-year license. Book an appointment at mass.gov/rmv and plan for the visit to take 20 to 30 minutes. Your new license will be issued on site.

Commercial and Restricted License Renewals

If you hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or a license with medical restrictions, you must renew in person at an RMV office. You cannot renew online or by mail, even if your license hasn't expired yet.

For a CDL renewal, bring your current CDL, proof of Massachusetts residency, and your Medical Examiner's Certificate (MCSA-5875) if your license has a medical certification requirement. The RMV will verify your medical status and may ask about any traffic violations or accidents since your last renewal. The fee is $50.

For a license with restrictions (such as corrective lenses required, or automatic transmission only), bring your current license and proof of residency. The RMV will review your restrictions and determine whether they still explore. Book an appointment at mass.gov/rmv.

Address Changes and Name Changes During Renewal

If you're renewing by mail or in person and your address has changed, write your new address clearly on the renewal form (mail) or tell the RMV staff at your appointment (in person). The RMV will update their records and print your new address on your license. Online renewal does not allow address changes — if your address has changed, you must renew by mail or in person.

If your name has changed since your license was issued, you must renew in person. Bring your current license and legal proof of the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The RMV will not process a name change by mail or online. Your new license will show your current legal name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes. Massachusetts allows renewal for up to 5 years after expiration. If your license expired less than 5 years ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. If it expired more than 5 years ago, you must renew in person. You can legally drive while your renewal is being processed.

How much does it cost to renew in Massachusetts?

The renewal fee is $50 for a 5-year license, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This fee is the same for all driver types. Pay by credit card (online), check or money order (mail), or cash, check, or card (in person).

What if I don't receive my renewal notice in the mail?

You can still renew online or by mail without the notice. For online renewal, enter your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number instead of the renewal code. For mail renewal, include your license number and date of birth on the form. If you've moved recently, update your address with the RMV before renewing.

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

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days after the RMV receives your request. In-person renewal is when ready — your license is printed and issued the same day. You can drive on your expired license while waiting for a mailed license to arrive.

Do I need a new photo for license renewal?

For online and mail renewal, the RMV uses your existing photo from your current license. For in-person renewal, the RMV takes a new photo at the office. If you want a new photo for an online or mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.

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.