Massachusetts driver's license renewal basics

In Massachusetts, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office. Most people renew online through the RMV website, which takes about 15 minutes and costs $50. Your license is valid for five years from the date you renew it, and the RMV will mail your new license to you within 7 to 10 business days.

You do not need to take a written test or road test to renew. However, you will need to pass a vision screening if you renew in person, and you must meet basic requirements like having a valid Social Security number and a current address on file. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to an RMV office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv takes about 15 minutes and is the fastest option for most drivers.
  • Your Massachusetts license is valid for five years, and you can renew it up to six months before it expires.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an RMV office and cannot use online or mail renewal.
  • The renewal fee is $50, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid address to renew online.

Renewing online through the RMV website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option. Go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current Massachusetts driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against RMV records.

After you complete the online form and pay the $50 fee with a credit or debit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Print or save this number — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal. The RMV will mail your new license to the address on file. If your address has changed, update it before you renew, or your license will go to the old address.

You can renew online up to six months before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew online as long as it expired less than five years ago. Check your license to see the expiration date printed on the front.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but requires no visit to an RMV office. You can request a renewal form by calling the RMV at 857-368-8000 or by visiting an RMV office in person. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $50 to the address provided on the form.

Mail renewal typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the RMV receives your form. Because of this delay, it is best to start the mail renewal process at least two months before your license expires. Include a note with your phone number in case the RMV needs to contact you about your process.

You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years. You also cannot use mail renewal if you need to update your photograph, change your name, or correct information on your license — those changes require an in-person visit.

Renewing in person at an RMV office

Visit any Registry of Motor Vehicles office to renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). You will take a vision screening at the office, and if you pass, you can walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photograph, if you are changing your name, or if you want to update your address or other information. RMV offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have extended hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary. Check mass.gov/rmv for office locations and hours near you.

The fee for in-person renewal is $50, the same as online and mail renewal. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired less than five years ago, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an RMV office. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. The RMV treats this as a new license process rather than a straightforward renewal, and you will need to bring the same documents you would bring for a first-time license.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Massachusetts, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show your confirmation number from an online renewal or your mail-in process receipt, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, renew in person to get a temporary paper license when ready.

Updating your information during renewal

If you need to change your name, address, or photograph during renewal, you cannot do it online or by mail. You must visit an RMV office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order) if you are changing your name, and proof of your new address if you are moving.

You can update your address online or by mail without renewing your license, but if you are renewing anyway, it is easier to make all changes at once. If you update your address separately, do it before you renew, so your new license goes to the correct address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Massachusetts license online if it has already expired?

Yes, as long as it expired less than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an RMV office. Check the expiration date on your license to be sure.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

The RMV mails new licenses within 7 to 10 business days of processing your renewal. Mail delivery typically takes another 3 to 5 business days, so expect your new license to arrive within 2 to 3 weeks total. If you need to drive before it arrives, renew in person to get a temporary paper license.

What do I do if my address changed since my last license?

Update your address before you renew online or by mail, so your new license goes to the correct address. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address such as a utility bill or lease, and the RMV will update it for you.

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

No. Online renewal does not include a vision screening. If you renew in person, you will take a vision test at the RMV office. If you fail the vision screening, the RMV will not issue your license until you provide a letter from an eye doctor saying your vision meets the legal standard.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online or by mail. Visit an RMV office in person to report it lost and renew at the same time. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The RMV will issue you a new license with a new number.