Massachusetts lets you renew online if you meet basic requirements

You can renew your Massachusetts driver's license online through the RMV's website if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical conditions flagged on your record, and you are not required to take a new photo or vision test. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $50 for a five-year renewal, and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Not everyone qualifies. If your license expired more than five years ago, if you have certain medical conditions on file, or if the RMV system flags you for an in-person visit, you must go to a branch office instead. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information — those changes require an in-person appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical holds or photo requirements on your record.
  • The renewal costs $50 for five years and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail after you complete the online transaction.
  • You will need your current or expired license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card) to renew online.
  • If the RMV system tells you that you cannot renew online, you must schedule an in-person appointment at a branch office instead.

What you need before you start

Gather your current or expired Massachusetts driver's license, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card. You will also need to know your date of birth and your current mailing address as it appears on file with the RMV. If you have moved recently and have not updated your address with the RMV, update it in person or by mail before attempting an online renewal.

Have your license number handy — it appears on the front of your card. The RMV uses this number to pull up your record and verify that you are may be able to access to renew online. If you cannot find your license number, you can look it up on the RMV website using your name and date of birth, though this step adds time to the process.

Step-by-step process on the RMV website

Go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License Online." Enter your license number and date of birth. The system will check whether you are may be able to access — if you see a message that you cannot renew online, stop and schedule an in-person appointment instead.

If you are may be able to access, the system will show you your current information and ask you to confirm it is correct. Review your name, address, and date of birth carefully. If anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online — you will need to visit a branch office. Once you confirm your information is correct, you will move to the payment screen.

Enter your credit or debit card details and complete the payment. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save your confirmation number — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

When you cannot renew online

The RMV will not let you renew online if your license expired more than five years ago. In that case, you must visit a branch office in person and may need to retake your vision test and photo. You also cannot renew online if you have a medical condition flagged on your record — the RMV may require you to submit a medical form or visit a doctor before issuing a new license.

If you need to change your name, address, or other personal information, you must do that in person or by mail. The online system only renews your existing license as it currently appears in the RMV database. If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access, do not try again — the reason will not change until you resolve the underlying issue in person.

What happens after you pay

Your new license is printed and mailed to your address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time the RMV processes your payment. During this time, your old license remains valid, so you can continue to drive and use it as identification.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, check your confirmation email for a tracking number or contact the RMV directly. Keep your confirmation number handy in case you need to follow up. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal — you would have needed to renew in person at a branch office.

Renewing in person instead

If you do not may have access to for online renewal, you can schedule an appointment at any Massachusetts RMV branch office. Visit mass.gov/rmv and select "Schedule an Appointment" to find available times. In-person renewals take about 15 minutes and you can walk out with a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent one is mailed.

Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If you have a medical condition on file or need a new photo, the RMV will handle that during your appointment. In-person renewal also costs $50 for five years and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, just as it does with online renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license is expired?

Yes, as long as it expired within the last five years. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a branch office and may need to retake your vision test and photo.

How do I know if I am may be able to access to renew online?

The RMV website will tell you when you enter your license number and date of birth. If the system says you cannot renew online, it will usually explain why — most commonly because your license is too old, you have a medical hold, or you need a new photo.

What if I move after I renew online?

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file at the time you renewed. If you move before it arrives, contact the RMV with your new address and they can remail it. You can also pick it up in person at a branch office if you provide your confirmation number.

Can I renew online if I need to change my name?

No. Name changes must be done in person at a branch office. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, court order, or other legal document), and your Social Security number.

Do I need to print anything for online renewal?

No. The entire process happens on the RMV website. Save or write down your confirmation number, but you do not need to print anything. Your new license will arrive by mail.