How to Renew Your Massachusetts Driver's License

Massachusetts driver's license renewal basics

In Massachusetts, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Most people renew online through the RMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $50 for a five-year license. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any major violations in the past five years, and your address on file is current.

Your Massachusetts license expires on your birthday. The RMV sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it online as long as it expired less than five years ago; if it has been expired longer than that, you must renew in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the RMV website is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if you have a current address on file and no recent violations.
A five-year Massachusetts driver's license costs $50 to renew, and you can start the process up to one year before your birthday.
If you cannot renew online because of a suspension, revocation, or major violation, you must renew in person at an RMV branch.
Mail renewal is available but slower than online; you will need to submit your current license, a completed form, and payment by check or money order.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, the RMV treats it as a new license process rather than a renewal.

Renewing online through the RMV website

Online renewal is the most straightforward path for most drivers. Go to mass.gov/rmv, click "Renew Your License Online," and log in with your Massachusetts Online Services account. If you do not have an account, you will create one using your Social Security number, date of birth, and license number. The system will pull your current information from the RMV database.

Review your name, address, and other details on the screen. If anything is wrong, you will need to correct it in person at an RMV branch instead of renewing online. If everything is correct, you will pay $50 by credit or debit card. The RMV will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can drive legally while you wait.

You cannot renew online if you have a suspended or revoked license, if you have had a major violation (such as a DUI or reckless driving conviction) in the past five years, or if you need to update your address, name, or other information. In any of these cases, you must go to an RMV branch in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but does not require a trip to the RMV. Request a renewal form by calling the RMV at 617-351-4500 or by visiting an RMV branch. You can also read the form from mass.gov/rmv. Fill out the form completely, enclose your current driver's license, and send both along with a check or money order for $50 to the address listed on the form.

Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to allow time for processing and delivery. The RMV will process your process and mail your new license to you. If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days of mailing your process, contact the RMV to check the status. Your current license remains valid until it expires, even if your renewal is in the mail.

Renewing in person at an RMV branch

You must renew in person if you cannot renew online, if you need to update your address or name, or if you prefer to walk out with your license the same day. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Visit an RMV branch during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; the RMV website shows current wait times for each branch. Pay $50 at the counter. If you are renewing in person, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Some branches offer a Real ID upgrade at the same time if you bring the required documents.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired less than five years ago, you can still renew it online or by mail using the same process as a current license. The RMV treats this as a renewal, not a new process. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew; instead, you must explore for a new license, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a road test.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Massachusetts, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew as soon as you realize your license has expired.

Real ID and standard license renewal

Massachusetts offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Both cost the same to renew ($50 for five years), but a Real ID requires additional documents.

If you are renewing online or by mail, you will receive a standard license unless you upgrade to Real ID. To upgrade to Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person at an RMV branch and bring proof of citizenship (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number, and two proofs of your current address. The upgrade does not cost extra, but it does require the in-person visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Massachusetts license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your birthday. The RMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice. Starting the renewal early is a good idea if you travel or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew in person at an RMV branch and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. Bring your current license and proof of your Social Security number as well.

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

If you renew online or by mail, the RMV mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license stays valid until it expires, so you can drive legally while you wait.

What if I have a suspension or revocation on my record?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit an RMV branch in person. The branch staff will explain what you need to do to clear the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Do not drive while your license is suspended or revoked.

Do I need to take a new road test to renew my license?

No. Renewal is not the same as explore for a new license. You do not take a written test or road test to renew. If your license has been expired for more than five years, however, you must explore for a new license, which does require both tests.

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.