Massachusetts driver's license renewal: the basic path
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 state's website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $50 for a five-year license. Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. If you cannot renew online — because your license has been suspended, you need to change your address, or you are over 70 — you must go to an RMV branch in person.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal code, which you will need if you renew online. Do not throw it away. If you lose it, you can still renew in person or call the RMV at 857-368-8000 to request a new notice.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv takes 10 minutes, costs $50 for five years, and works if your license is valid and your address has not changed.
- You will need your renewal code from the notice the RMV mailed you, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay online.
- If your license is suspended, you are over 70, or you need to change your address, you must renew in person at an RMV branch.
- Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks; you can continue driving on your old license until the new one arrives.
- Massachusetts licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Online renewal: what you need and how it works
To renew online, go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License Online." You will need your renewal code (from the notice), your date of birth, your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card. The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer security questions about your driving history. If everything matches the RMV's records, you will be approved on the spot.
Online renewal is available only if your current license is valid (not suspended or revoked), your address has not changed, and you do not need to update your name, gender marker, or other personal information. If any of those things are not true, you cannot complete the transaction online and must visit an RMV branch instead.
After you pay the $50 fee, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Keep this for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
In-person renewal at an RMV branch
If you cannot renew online, you must visit a Registry of Motor Vehicles branch. Bring your current license, your renewal notice (if you have it), and proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you are changing your address, bring the new address proof instead.
The RMV has branches in Boston, Watertown, Medford, Leominster, Ludlow, Brockton, and several other cities. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on mass.gov/rmv before you go. Bring your documents in a folder so they do not get lost in the shuffle.
In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. You will pay $50 for a five-year license at the counter. Your new license will be mailed to you, or you can pay an extra $25 to receive it the same day at the branch (available at some locations only).
Renewing by mail
You can renew by mail if your license is valid and you do not need to change your address or personal information. Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person — typically four to six weeks — so do not wait until your license is about to expire.
To renew by mail, fill out the form included in your renewal notice and mail it with a check or money order for $50 to the address on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license and proof of your current address. The RMV will mail your new license to you once your process is processed.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to an RMV branch in person and bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. You will pay the standard $50 renewal fee. The process is the same as a regular in-person renewal, but you will need to bring your expired license to prove who you are.
If your license expired more than five years ago, the RMV may treat it as a new process rather than a renewal. Call 857-368-8000 to ask before you go to the branch, because you may need to take a written test and a road test instead of straightforward renewing.
License expiration dates and when you can renew
Your Massachusetts driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to one year before it expires. For example, if your birthday is March 15, 2025, you can renew starting March 15, 2024. The RMV will mail your renewal notice about 60 days before your expiration date.
If you miss your expiration date, your license is no longer valid for driving. You cannot renew it online or by mail once it has expired. You must go to an RMV branch and bring your expired license, proof of address, and your Social Security number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?
No. If you have unpaid traffic fines or an outstanding ticket, the RMV will not renew your license. You must pay the fine or resolve the ticket first. Call the court or the RMV at 857-368-8000 to find out what you owe and how to pay it.
What if I moved and my address changed since my last renewal?
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 — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You can also update your address at the branch and renew at the same time.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
No. The RMV uses your photo from your current license for your renewal unless your license is more than 10 years old. If your license is older than 10 years, you will need to have a new photo taken at the RMV branch. Online and mail renewals do not include new photos.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
By mail, it takes about two weeks. If you renew in person and pay the extra $25 fee, some RMV branches will give you your new license the same day. Call your local branch to ask if same-day service is available. You can drive on your old license until your new one arrives.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew in person at an RMV branch without it. Bring your current license and proof of your address. If you want to renew online, call the RMV at 857-368-8000 and ask them to mail you a new renewal notice with your renewal code.