Documents and information you'll need to bring

To renew your Massachusetts driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Massachusetts residency. Your current license serves as your identity document. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — it must show your name and current address.

If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you've moved within Massachusetts, your new address will be updated during renewal. You do not need to bring a new photo unless the RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles) requests one, which happens if your current photo is damaged or more than 10 years old.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Massachusetts residency dated within the last 60 days.
  • You can renew in person at any RMV branch, by mail if you meet age and vision requirements, or online through the Massachusetts RMV website if you're between 18 and 75.
  • Renewal by mail takes about two weeks; online renewal is faster but only available to drivers who have not had certain violations or medical suspensions.
  • If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted and you meet any reinstatement requirements.
  • Massachusetts licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to 30 days before expiration or up to 6 months after.

In-person renewal at an RMV branch

You can walk in to any Registry of Motor Vehicles branch during business hours to renew. Bring the documents listed above plus your current license. The RMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your renewed license on the spot or mail it to you within two weeks, depending on the branch and how busy they are. Some branches issue licenses when ready; others mail them.

Wait times at RMV branches vary widely by location and time of day. Branches in smaller towns typically have shorter waits than those in Boston or Worcester. The RMV does not take appointments for standard renewals, so you may wait 30 minutes to two hours. Check the RMV website for your nearest branch and their hours before you go.

Online renewal through the Massachusetts RMV website

If you are between 18 and 75 and your license is not suspended or revoked, you can renew online at mass.gov/rmv. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You'll answer vision and medical history questions, pay the renewal fee online, and upload a photo or use an existing one from your RMV file.

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You cannot renew online if you have had a medical suspension, a suspension for unpaid fines or child support, a revocation, or certain traffic violations within the past few years. The RMV website will tell you whether you're may be able to access before you start.

Renewal by mail

You can renew by mail if you are 70 or older, or if you have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting an RMV branch. Request a renewal form from the RMV by calling 857-368-8000 or visiting mass.gov/rmv. Mail the completed form with your documents, a new photo, and the renewal fee to the address on the form.

Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the RMV receives your envelope. Mail your renewal at least four weeks before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license. Keep a copy of your mailed documents for your records in case the RMV does not receive them.

Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts

Massachusetts driver's license renewal costs $50 for a five-year license if you are under 70, or $30 for a five-year license if you are 70 or older. You pay at the time of renewal, whether you renew in person, online, or by mail. The RMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card in person; online and mail renewals require a credit or debit card.

Your renewed license will be valid for five years from the date of renewal and will expire on your birthday in the fifth year. For example, if you renew on March 15, 2024, your license expires on your birthday in 2029. You can renew up to 30 days before your current license expires or up to 6 months after it expires without penalty.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions happen for unpaid fines, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or certain traffic violations. Revocations are permanent until you meet reinstatement requirements, which vary by reason.

Check your suspension or revocation status on the RMV website or by calling 857-368-8000. The RMV will tell you why your license is suspended or revoked and what you must do to lift it — this might mean paying fines, completing a driver improvement course, passing a medical exam, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew through any of the methods above.

Real ID and standard license renewal

When you renew your Massachusetts driver's license, you will receive a standard license by default. A standard license works for driving and everyday identification but cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If you want a Real ID-compliant license instead, you must bring an additional document proving citizenship or lawful presence: a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or visa.

A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license and lasts five years. You can request it during in-person renewal or by mail. Online renewal does not currently offer the Real ID option, so if you want Real ID, renew in person or by mail. Your Real ID license will have a gold star in the upper right corner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than 6 months?

Yes, but the RMV may require you to retake the written test and vision test. Call 857-368-8000 to find out whether your specific situation requires testing. If testing is required, you must schedule an appointment at an RMV branch.

What if I don't have proof of residency?

You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and address. If you don't have a utility bill or lease, bring a bank statement, mortgage statement, or insurance bill. If you have none of these, call the RMV to ask what other documents they will accept.

Do I need a new photo for renewal?

The RMV takes a new photo during in-person renewal. For online renewal, you can upload a new photo or use an existing one from your RMV file. For mail renewal, you must include a new photo with your process.

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

In-person renewal at some branches issues your license when ready; others mail it within two weeks. Online renewal takes one to two weeks by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the RMV receives it. Check with your local branch about their specific timeline.

Can I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal?

No. You cannot legally drive with an expired license. Renew before your current license expires, or if it has already expired, do not drive until your renewed license arrives. If you are stopped, you can face a fine.