How to renew your Massachusetts driver's license
You can renew your Massachusetts driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are 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 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready if you need your license the same day, but you will wait in line at an RMV office.
Your may be able to access for online or mail renewal depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you have had any violations or suspensions. If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, you must renew in person at an RMV office.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available if your license expired less than 2 years ago, you have no suspensions or serious violations, and you are between 18 and 75 years old.
- Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs the same as online, but requires you to submit a completed form and a check or money order by mail.
- In-person renewal at an RMV office is required if your license expired more than 2 years ago, you have a suspension, or you do not meet online renewal requirements.
- Massachusetts driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to 6 months before expiration without paying an extra fee.
- A standard 5-year license costs $50; a 10-year license costs $100 and is available to drivers 70 and older.
Online renewal through the Massachusetts RMV website
To renew online, go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew a Driver's License." You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your identity and check your driving record in real time.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than 2 years, if you have an active suspension or revocation, if you have been convicted of certain traffic violations in the past 5 years, or if you are under 18 or over 75. If any of these explore to you, skip to the in-person section below.
After you complete the online form and pay the $50 renewal fee, the RMV will mail your new license to the address on file. You can use your old license to drive legally until the new one arrives. If you need to update your address, you can do that during the online renewal process.
Mail renewal by sending forms and payment to the RMV
To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form DL 34) from mass.gov/rmv. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $50 to the RMV address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Include a photocopy of one document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days. The RMV will not process your renewal without proof of address.
Mail your completed form and payment to the RMV Processing Center. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the RMV receives your envelope. You can continue to drive on your expired license during this time. If your license expires before your new one arrives, contact the RMV to confirm your renewal was received.
In-person renewal at an RMV office
Visit any Registry of Motor Vehicles office in Massachusetts with your current license, proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the past 60 days), and payment of $50. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it. If you are renewing a license that expired more than 2 years ago, you will also need to pass a vision test.
RMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days. You can check wait times and book an appointment online at mass.gov/rmv before you go. Appointments are free and can save you 30 minutes or more, especially at busy locations.
Bring all documents with you — the RMV will not accept incomplete applications. If you do not have proof of address, you can bring two documents that together show your name and address, such as a voter registration card and a credit card statement. Your new license is issued on the spot, and you can drive when ready.
What happens if your license expired more than 2 years ago
If your license has been expired for more than 2 years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to an RMV office in person. You will need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test before your license is renewed. The knowledge test covers Massachusetts traffic laws and road signs.
You can study for the knowledge test using the Massachusetts Driver's Manual, available free on mass.gov/rmv. The manual covers everything on the test. Most people pass on their first try if they study the manual for a few hours.
Bring your current (expired) license, proof of address, and payment of $50. If you do not have your expired license, bring two forms of ID instead. The entire process — vision test, knowledge test, and license issuance — usually takes 30 to 45 minutes at an RMV office.
License renewal costs and validity periods
A standard Massachusetts driver's license costs $50 and is valid for 5 years. Your license expires on your birthday. You can renew up to 6 months before your birthday without paying an extra fee; if you renew after your birthday, you still pay $50 but your new license will be valid for only the remaining time until your next birthday.
Drivers 70 and older can choose a 10-year license for $100 instead of a 5-year license for $50. The 10-year option is available only in person at an RMV office. If you are 70 or older and renewing online or by mail, you will receive a 5-year license unless you go in person to request the 10-year option.
If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for domestic air travel and federal building access), there is no extra cost. Real ID licenses are issued automatically when you renew in person. Online and mail renewals do not issue Real ID licenses; if you need one, you must renew in person and bring a document that proves your citizenship or legal residency, such as a passport or birth certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a suspension or revocation?
No. You cannot renew online, by mail, or in person until your suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the RMV to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear it. This may involve paying a fine, completing a driver improvement course, or waiting out a suspension period.
What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?
You can update your address during online renewal. If you are renewing by mail or in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the past 60 days). The RMV will update your address in the system and print it on your new license.
How long can I drive on an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
You can drive on an expired license only if you have a pending renewal with the RMV. Once your renewal is processed and your new license is mailed, you have a grace period of 30 days to receive it. If your new license does not arrive within 30 days, contact the RMV when ready.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
No. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person at an RMV office, the office will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you must renew in person instead.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at an RMV office and bring a document that proves your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your current license, proof of address, and payment of $50.