Massachusetts driver's license renewal: what you need to do

You can renew your Massachusetts driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles) 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. If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit an RMV office or mail in a paper process, and those routes take longer.

Your license can be renewed up to one year before it expires. Massachusetts sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your expiration date, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same methods — there is no grace period, but the process is the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Massachusetts RMV website is available if your license is not expired, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and you have not had certain violations in the past five years.
  • You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee online.
  • The renewal fee is $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license; you choose the term when you renew.
  • If you renew in person, you must bring your current license, proof of Massachusetts residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment; appointments are required and can be booked online.
  • If your address has changed, you must renew in person or by mail — online renewal does not allow address changes.

Online renewal through the Massachusetts RMV website

The Massachusetts RMV website at mass.gov/rmv is where you start an online renewal. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card. The system will verify your identity using information from your license record and will ask you to confirm your address and other details.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license has expired more than five years ago, if you have had a suspension or revocation in the past five years, if you have unpaid traffic violations or fines, or if you have certain medical or vision-related restrictions. If the online system tells you that you cannot renew that way, you will need to renew in person or by mail instead.

After you complete the online form and pay the fee, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your address before your new license arrives, contact the RMV by phone at 857-368-8000 or through the website.

In-person renewal at an RMV office

You must book an appointment to renew in person. Go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Book an Appointment" to find available times at the RMV office nearest you. Appointments fill up quickly, especially in urban areas, so book as early as possible — you can schedule up to 60 days in advance.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of Massachusetts residency (such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days), and payment. The fee is $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the office. If your address has changed, bring your proof of new residency and the RMV will update your record during the appointment.

The appointment itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken and your signature captured. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, ask the RMV staff whether a temporary paper license is available.

Renewing by mail

You can renew by mail if you prefer not to go online or visit an office. Request a renewal process by calling the RMV at 857-368-8000 or by visiting mass.gov/rmv and selecting "Request a Form by Mail." The RMV will send you a paper process, which you fill out and return with payment and a copy of your current license.

Mail your completed process, payment, and documents to the address provided on the form. Include a check or money order for $50 (five-year license) or $100 (ten-year license) — the RMV does not accept card payments by mail. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the RMV receives your process, so send it well before your license expires.

If your address has changed, you cannot update it by mail renewal. You will need to renew in person instead, or renew online and then contact the RMV to change your address before your new license is mailed.

Renewal fees and license term options

Massachusetts offers two renewal terms: five years for $50 or ten years for $100. You choose which term you want when you renew, whether online, in person, or by mail. There is no difference in the license itself — both are standard driver's licenses. The only difference is how long until you need to renew again.

If you are over 70 years old, your renewal options may be different. Drivers 70 and older must renew in person every four years and may be required to pass a vision test. Call the RMV at 857-368-8000 to confirm the renewal rules for your age group.

What to do if your license has expired

An expired license can still be renewed using any of the three methods — online, in person, or by mail. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it; you will need to explore for a new license instead, which requires a road test and in-person visit to an RMV office.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Massachusetts. If you are stopped by police, you can face a fine. Renew as soon as possible, even if your license is only a few days past the expiration date.

Address changes and other updates

If you have moved, you must update your address with the RMV. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address and the RMV will update it during your appointment. If you are renewing online or by mail, you cannot change your address as part of the renewal process — you will need to visit an RMV office in person or call 857-368-8000 to request an address change form.

If you need to update your name, correct an error on your license, or change other information besides your address, you may need to visit an RMV office or contact them directly. The RMV website lists what changes can be made online and what require an in-person visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Online renewal is only for licenses that have not yet expired. If your license is expired, you must renew in person or by mail. However, the process is the same — you do not need a road test or any special steps just because your license expired.

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

Online and in-person renewals take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the RMV receives your process. If you need your license urgently, ask the RMV office whether they can issue a temporary paper license.

What if I cannot find an appointment at my local RMV office?

Appointments fill up quickly. Check the RMV website daily for cancellations, or try booking at a different RMV office if one is within reasonable distance. You can also renew online if you are may be able to access, or by mail if you prefer to wait longer.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Only if you renew in person. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an RMV office.

What happens if I renew but my new license does not arrive?

Contact the RMV at 857-368-8000 with your confirmation number (if you renewed online) or your name and license number. They can track your license and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. There is usually no extra fee for a replacement.