How to Renew Your Massachusetts Driver's License

Massachusetts driver's license renewal basics

You can renew your Massachusetts driver's license online, by mail, or in person at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an RMV office is when ready if you need your license the same day, but wait times vary by location.

You're may be able to access to renew online or by mail only if your license is not expired by more than 5 years, you have no medical conditions that require RMV review, and your name and address on file are current. If any of those don't explore to you, you must renew in person.

Massachusetts licenses expire on your birthday. Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before expiration. You can renew up to 6 months before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal is available at mass.gov/rmv if your license is not expired by more than 5 years and you have no medical conditions flagged by the RMV.
You'll need your current Massachusetts driver's license number, Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee online.
Mail renewal requires you to send your renewal notice, a completed Form DL 34, and payment to the RMV; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person renewal at an RMV office is the only option if your license has been expired for more than 5 years or if you have medical conditions that need review.
Massachusetts licenses expire on your birthday and cost $50 for a 5-year renewal; you can renew up to 6 months early.

Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv

To renew online, go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card. The system will verify your information against RMV records and ask you to confirm your address. If your address has changed, you can update it during the renewal process.

After you complete the online form and pay the $50 renewal fee, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license is printed and mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to check the status of your renewal, you can return to mass.gov/rmv and enter your confirmation number.

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than 5 years ago, if you have a medical condition that requires RMV review, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). In those cases, you must renew in person.

Mail renewal with Form DL 34

To renew by mail, use the renewal notice that arrives 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a Form DL 34 (process for Renewal of License). Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $50 to the address listed on the notice.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the RMV receives your envelope. Your new license and your old license will be returned to you by mail. During this time, you can drive on your current license. If you don't receive your new license within 3 weeks, contact the RMV to confirm they received your process.

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired by more than 5 years and you have no medical conditions on file. If either applies to you, you must renew in person at an RMV office.

In-person renewal at an RMV office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than 5 years ago, if you have a medical condition that requires RMV review, or if you're renewing a CDL. You'll also renew in person if you need your new license the same day.

Bring your current license, proof of Massachusetts residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $50. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The RMV will take a new photo and issue your license on the spot.

Wait times at RMV offices vary widely. You can check wait times for your local office on mass.gov/rmv before you go. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait. If your office doesn't offer appointments, arrive early in the day or on a weekday to avoid peak times.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than 5 years ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the standard process. If it expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go to an RMV office in person.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Massachusetts, even if you've submitted a renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you can show your renewal confirmation number or receipt, but that does not prevent a citation. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired.

If your license has been expired for several years and you're unsure whether you can renew it, contact the RMV directly at 617-351-4500 or visit an office to confirm your status before you attempt to renew online or by mail.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

CDL renewals must be done in person at an RMV office. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and payment of $50. You may also need to provide medical certification if your CDL requires it — the RMV will tell you whether you need this when you arrive.

If your CDL has been expired for more than 5 years, you may need to retake the written test and road test, not just renew. Contact the RMV before you visit to confirm what you'll need to bring and whether testing is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved out of Massachusetts?

No. Massachusetts only renews licenses for people who live in the state. If you've moved, you must obtain a license from your new state. You can surrender your Massachusetts license to the RMV in person or by mail, but you cannot renew it remotely from another state.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You don't need the renewal notice to renew online or in person. Online, you'll use your license number and Social Security number instead. In person, bring your current license and proof of residency. If you want to renew by mail and lost the notice, contact the RMV at 617-351-4500 to request a new Form DL 34.

How much does a Massachusetts license renewal cost?

A standard 5-year renewal costs $50. If you're renewing a CDL, the cost is also $50. Payment must be by credit card or debit card for online renewal, or by check or money order for mail renewal. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Can I renew early if my birthday is coming up soon?

Yes. You can renew up to 6 months before your license expires. If you renew early, your new license will expire 5 years from the date you renew, not from your birthday. This means your next renewal will be due on a different date than your birthday.

What if the RMV rejected my online renewal?

The RMV will tell you why your online renewal was rejected — usually because your address on file doesn't match your current address, or because a medical condition requires in-person review. If your address changed, you can update it in person at an RMV office or by calling 617-351-4500. Then you can renew online or by mail. If a medical condition is flagged, you must renew in person.

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.