Massachusetts driver licenses expire every five years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at an RMV office

Your Massachusetts driver license expires on your birthday, five years after you received or last renewed it. The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before that date. You have three ways to renew: online through the RMV website (the fastest option), by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at an RMV service center. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need to update your address or photo, and how quickly you need the new card.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and is available if your license is not expired and you have not renewed online in the past five years.
  • Mail renewal works only if you are renewing a valid (not expired) license and do not need a new photo or address change.
  • In-person renewal at an RMV office is required if your license is already expired, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your address.
  • Massachusetts charges $50 for a five-year renewal, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check depending on your renewal method.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail, or you can leave with a temporary paper license if you renew in person.

Renewing online through the RMV website

Online renewal is the quickest option and requires no appointment. Go to mass.gov/rmv, log in with your driver license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You will need to confirm your current address, review your license information, pay the $50 renewal fee by credit or debit card, and submit a new photo (you can use a recent photo from your phone or computer, or use the RMV's photo tool). The system will tell you when ready whether your renewal was successful.

You can renew online only if your current license is still valid and you have not renewed online during the past five years. If you renewed online last time, you must renew by mail or in person this time. After you complete online renewal, the RMV will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary license when renewing online, so if you need to drive before your new card arrives, you can print a temporary document from your RMV account.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is an option if your current license is valid, you do not need to change your address, and you do not need a new photo. Complete the renewal form (available on mass.gov/rmv or included in your renewal notice), include a check or money order for $50 made payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles," and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the RMV receives your envelope. Because the mail itself adds time on both ends, plan to send your renewal at least 4 to 6 weeks before your license expires if you want the new card before the expiration date. Like online renewal, you will not receive a temporary license, so print a temporary document from your RMV account if you need proof of a valid license while waiting.

Renewing in person at an RMV service center

You must renew in person if your license is already expired, if you need a new photo, if you want to change your address, or if you are renewing for the first time after turning 65. Visit mass.gov/rmv to find your nearest service center and check current wait times. You can book an appointment online, which is faster than walk-in service, though some locations still accept walk-ins. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days).

The RMV will take a new photo at the service center, process your renewal on the spot, and charge you $50 by cash, check, or card. You will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you. Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you are over 70, you may be required to pass a vision test or road test as part of your renewal; the RMV will tell you when you book your appointment whether this applies to you.

What to do if your license is already expired

If your license has been expired for fewer than 2 years, you can still renew it through the normal process (online, by mail, or in person). However, you cannot renew online if your license is expired—you must go in person or by mail. In-person renewal is usually faster because you will receive a temporary license when ready and can drive legally while your permanent card is in the mail.

If your license has been expired for more than 2 years, you will need to reapply as a new driver rather than renew. This means taking the written test and road test again, not just renewing your existing license. Contact the RMV directly at 857-368-8000 to confirm whether your license falls into this category and what steps you need to take.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you are moving or have changed your name, you can update this information during renewal. Online and mail renewal allow address changes, but if you are changing your name, you must renew in person. Bring your current license and a document proving your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The RMV will update your records and issue a new license with your current address and name.

If you are moving out of state, you do not need to renew your Massachusetts license. Your license remains valid until its expiration date, even if you no longer live in Massachusetts. However, once you move, you should obtain a license from your new state within the timeframe required by that state's law.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A five-year Massachusetts driver license renewal costs $50. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order (do not send cash). In-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card. There are no additional fees for address changes, name changes, or new photos during renewal. If you are renewing after your license has expired, the fee is still $50—there is no penalty fee for late renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Massachusetts license before the expiration date?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to 6 months before your license expires. In-person renewal can be done at any time. Renewing early is a good idea if you are traveling or want to avoid a rush near your expiration date.

What if I did not receive my renewal notice in the mail?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew. You can go to mass.gov/rmv and renew online, or contact the RMV at 857-368-8000 to request a renewal form for mail renewal. If you renew in person, bring your current license and proof of address.

How long is a temporary license valid?

A temporary paper license issued at an RMV service center is valid for 30 days. It allows you to drive legally while your permanent card is being mailed. If your permanent license does not arrive within 30 days, contact the RMV to request a replacement.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic fines or suspensions?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying fines, completing a required program, or meeting other conditions set by the RMV. Contact the RMV at 857-368-8000 to find out what you need to do.

What happens if I let my license expire and then try to drive?

Driving with an expired license is a civil violation in Massachusetts and can result in a fine. If your license has been expired for more than 2 years, you will need to reapply as a new driver rather than straightforward renew it. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this situation.