How to Renew Your Massachusetts Driver's License

Massachusetts driver's licenses expire every five years. You can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired more than five years ago. If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit an RMV office or submit documents by mail.

The RMV processes most renewals within two to three weeks if you submit by mail, and when ready if you renew online. In-person renewals are completed the same day. You do not need a new photo unless your license has been expired for more than five years or you request one.

Key Takeaways

Massachusetts licenses expire five years from the date of issue, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv costs $50 and takes minutes if your license is current and not suspended.
If you cannot renew online, mail renewal requires a completed process for Renewal form, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at an RMV office requires your current license, proof of residency, and a $50 fee, and is completed same-day.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and will need a new photo and vision test.

Online Renewal Through mass.gov/rmv

Online renewal is available if your Massachusetts license is current (not expired), not suspended or revoked, and you have not had more than one renewal by mail in a row. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a credit or debit card to pay the $50 renewal fee.

Visit mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License Online." Answer the questions about your address, medical conditions, and organ donation status. Review your information, pay the fee, and you will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, it will explain why — usually because your license is expired, suspended, or you have had two mail renewals in a row. In that case, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail Renewal by Sending Documents to the RMV

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but does not require a trip to an RMV office. You will need to complete the process for Renewal of a Driver's License or Identification Card (form DL 34), which you can read from mass.gov/rmv or request by calling the RMV at 857-368-8000.

Include your current license, a check or money order for $50 made payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles," and the completed form. Do not send cash. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form — currently the RMV's Boston office. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the RMV receives your packet. Mail your renewal at least four weeks before your license expires to avoid driving on an expired license.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail. You must renew in person at an RMV office.

In-Person Renewal at an RMV Office

Visit any RMV branch to renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Massachusetts residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and $50 in cash or card. If your license expired more than five years ago, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and be prepared for a vision test.

RMV offices operate by appointment only. Schedule your appointment online at mass.gov/rmv or by phone at 857-368-8000. Walk-ins are not accepted. Appointments are usually available within one to two weeks. Bring all documents with you; the RMV will not accept incomplete applications. Your new license will be issued the same day, and you can drive when ready.

If you need a new photo — because your license expired more than five years ago or you request one — the RMV will take it during your visit at no extra cost. You will also take a vision test if your license has been expired for more than five years.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired or Suspended

If your license is expired but not suspended or revoked, you can still renew online or by mail using the standard process. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Massachusetts, so renew as soon as possible.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the RMV at 857-368-8000 to find out why your license is suspended and what you must do to restore it. Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to maintain insurance. Once the issue is resolved, you can renew through the normal process.

Renewing a License That Expired More Than Five Years Ago

If your Massachusetts license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at an RMV office. You will need your current (expired) license, proof of residency, your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number, and $50.

You will take a vision test and have a new photo taken. The RMV may also require you to retake the written knowledge test if there have been significant changes to Massachusetts traffic laws. Ask the RMV when you schedule your appointment whether you need to study for the written test. Your new license will be issued the same day.

Fees and Payment Methods

Massachusetts driver's license renewal costs $50 regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash and cards.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is $70. If you are adding or removing a motorcycle endorsement, there is an additional $20 fee. Fees do not change based on how long your license has been expired or whether you need a new photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Massachusetts license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will still expire five years from the date of your original license, not five years from the renewal date. Check your current license to see when it expires.

What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?

If you moved within Massachusetts, you can renew online or by mail and update your address during the process. If you moved out of Massachusetts, you cannot renew a Massachusetts license. You must obtain a license from your new state. If you moved back to Massachusetts from another state, you can renew your Massachusetts license online, by mail, or in person.

Do I need to take a vision test to renew my license?

You only need a vision test if your license has been expired for more than five years. If your license is current or expired less than five years, no vision test is required. The RMV will conduct the vision test during your in-person appointment at no extra cost.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?

Online and mail renewals typically arrive within two to three weeks. If you do not receive your license within four weeks, contact the RMV at 857-368-8000 to confirm it was processed. In-person renewals are completed the same day and you can drive when ready.

What if my name changed since my last renewal?

If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person or by mail and provide documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the original document or a certified copy to your in-person appointment, or include a copy with your mail renewal.

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.