How to Renew Your Driver's License in Massachusetts

Massachusetts license renewal: online, by mail, or in person

In Massachusetts, you can renew your driver's license online through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) website, by mail, or in person at an RMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal at an RMV office is necessary only if you don't meet the online or mail requirements, such as if your license has been suspended or if you need to update your photo.

Your may be able to access for online or mail renewal depends on your license status, how long it's been since you last renewed, and whether you've had any violations or address changes. Massachusetts allows most drivers to renew without visiting an office, but the state has specific rules about when you must appear in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the RMV website is available to most Massachusetts drivers and takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery.
You must renew in person if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if more than 5 years have passed since your last renewal.
Mail renewal is an option for some drivers but takes longer than online renewal and requires printing and mailing documents.
Massachusetts licenses expire on your birthday, and you can begin renewing up to 6 months before expiration.
If you've moved, changed your name, or need a new photo, you may be required to renew in person rather than online.

Online renewal through the RMV website

To renew online, go to mass.gov/rmv and select the renewal option. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will verify your information against RMV records and ask whether anything has changed — your address, name, or medical conditions. If everything matches your file, you can complete the renewal in one session.

Online renewal costs $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license. You pay by credit card or debit card during the process. Once approved, the RMV mails your new license to the address on file. If you've moved recently, update your address in the system before you renew, or your new license will go to your old home.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have an active medical restriction that needs review, or if you've never held a Massachusetts license. You also cannot renew online if your license expired more than 5 years ago — in that case, you must renew in person.

Mail renewal for drivers who don't may have access to online

Mail renewal is available to some drivers who don't meet online requirements but don't need to appear in person. To use this method, read the process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form DL 34) from mass.gov/rmv, fill it out by hand, and mail it to the RMV address listed on the form along with your current license and the renewal fee ($50 or $100 depending on the license term you choose).

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the RMV receives your envelope. Because mail can be delayed, send your renewal at least 8 weeks before your license expires. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the RMV to return your old license; otherwise, they'll destroy it. Keep a copy of the form and your payment receipt in case questions arise.

Mail renewal is not an option if you need a new photo, if your address has changed and you haven't updated it with the RMV, or if you have a medical condition that requires in-person evaluation. If you're unsure whether you can mail your renewal, call the RMV at 857-368-8000 before you send anything.

In-person renewal at an RMV office

You must renew in person if your license has been suspended or revoked, if your license expired more than 5 years ago, if you've never held a Massachusetts license, or if you need a new photo. You also renew in person if you've changed your name legally and need to update your license, or if the RMV has flagged your file for medical review.

To renew in person, visit an RMV Service Center with your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and payment ($50 or $100). Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you've changed your name, bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Wait times at RMV offices vary by location and time of day. The busiest times are typically mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. You can check current wait times on the RMV website before you go. Some RMV locations offer appointment scheduling; check mass.gov/rmv to see whether your local office uses appointments or operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired fewer than 5 years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process as an active license. If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long ago it expired. The RMV will tell you what's required when you call or visit.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Massachusetts, even if you've submitted a renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you can show proof that you've applied for renewal (such as a receipt or confirmation email), but this does not may provide you won't be cited. Renew as soon as you realize your license has lapsed.

License expiration dates and renewal windows

Your Massachusetts driver's license expires on your birthday. You can begin renewing online or by mail up to 6 months before your birthday. If you wait until after your birthday, your license is expired and you must renew in person.

The RMV recommends renewing at least 4 weeks before your birthday to allow time for mail delivery or processing. If you're renewing online, you can do it right up until your birthday and still receive your new license before expiration in most cases, but don't count on it — mail delays happen.

Updating your address, name, or medical information

If you've moved, you can update your address online through the RMV website without renewing your license. Go to mass.gov/rmv and select the address change option. This is free and takes a few minutes. Updating your address online does not extend your license expiration date.

If you've legally changed your name, you must renew your license in person and bring the legal document proving the change. You cannot update your name online. Similarly, if you have a new medical condition or your doctor has recommended restrictions on your driving, you must report this to the RMV in person or by mail with a medical form.

If you're renewing online and your address or name has changed since your last renewal, the system will flag this and may require you to renew in person instead. If this happens, you'll be told during the online process and given instructions for in-person renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Massachusetts license if I have a suspended license?

No. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the suspension with the RMV — this usually means paying fines, completing a required program, or waiting out a suspension period. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at an RMV office.

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

The RMV mails new licenses within 7 to 10 business days of approval. Delivery by mail typically takes another 3 to 5 business days, so expect your new license 10 to 15 business days after you complete the online renewal. If you don't receive it within 3 weeks, contact the RMV.

What if I move after I renew but before my new license arrives?

Update your address with the RMV as soon as you move. You can do this online at mass.gov/rmv for free. If your new license is already in the mail, contact the RMV to see if they can intercept it and reroute it to your new address. Otherwise, it will arrive at your old address and you may need to retrieve it or request a replacement.

Do I need a new photo when I renew my license in Massachusetts?

If you renew online or by mail, your old photo is used. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an RMV office. The RMV takes a new photo during in-person renewal at no extra charge.

Can I renew my license if I don't have a Social Security number?

You need a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to renew in Massachusetts. If you don't have one, contact the RMV at 857-368-8000 to discuss your options before you attempt to renew.

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.