Massachusetts driver's licenses expire every five years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a Registry of Motor Vehicles office

Massachusetts gives you three ways to renew: online through the RMV website (the fastest option), by mail if you meet certain requirements, or in person at a Registry office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need to update your photo, and how quickly you need the new one. Most people renew online without leaving home, but some situations require an office visit.

Your license expires on your birthday in the year listed on the front. You can renew up to six months before that date, and you should start the process at least two weeks before expiration to avoid driving with an expired license.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv takes about 10 minutes and works if your license is not suspended, you have not changed your address recently, and you do not need a new photo.
  • Mail renewal is available only if you meet specific requirements, including a valid current license and no recent address changes, and takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a Registry office is required if your license is suspended, if you are changing your address, or if you want to update your photo.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and a REAL ID-compliant document if you are renewing a REAL ID license.
  • Massachusetts charges a renewal fee based on your license type and how many years you are renewing for; standard licenses cost less than REAL ID licenses.

Renewing online through the RMV website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you are may be able to access. Go to mass.gov/rmv, log in with your username and password (or create an account if you do not have one), and select "Renew License." The system will ask you to confirm your personal information, choose your license type, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

You are may be able to access for online renewal if your current license is valid (not suspended or revoked), you have not changed your address in the past 30 days, and you do not want to update your photo. If any of these do not explore to you, you will need to renew by mail or in person instead.

After you complete online renewal, the RMV mails your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes about two weeks. You can continue driving with your current license until the new one arrives, as long as it has not expired.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works only if you meet the same requirements as online renewal: your license must be valid, you cannot have changed your address recently, and you do not need a new photo. If you are may be able to access, you can request a mail renewal form from the RMV website or call the Registry at 617-351-4500.

Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (do not send cash), and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current license and proof of your current address. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the RMV receives your envelope, so send it at least three weeks before your license expires.

If the RMV finds a problem with your process—a missing document, an incorrect fee, or an ineligible status—they will mail it back to you. This delay can push you past your expiration date, so online renewal is safer if you are close to your important date.

Renewing in person at a Registry office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have changed your address in the past 30 days, if you want to update your photo, or if you are changing your license type (for example, from a standard license to a REAL ID). You will also need an in-person visit if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).

Bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing a REAL ID license, also bring a REAL ID-compliant document: a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or state ID. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of citizenship.

Visit mass.gov/rmv to find the Registry office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have limited Saturday hours. You can make an appointment online to reduce wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted. Bring all your documents; if anything is missing, you will have to return another day.

What documents you need for renewal

For any renewal method, you will need your current Massachusetts driver's license and your Social Security number. If you are renewing in person or if you have changed your address, you must also bring proof of your current address. The RMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill dated within the past 60 days.

If you are renewing a REAL ID license (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner), bring a REAL ID-compliant document proving your citizenship or lawful presence. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Status. A foreign passport does not count. If you do not have one of these documents, you can still renew a standard license without the REAL ID designation.

If you are changing your name, you will need to visit a Registry office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name by mail or online.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Massachusetts renewal fees depend on your license type and the number of years you are renewing for. A standard five-year license renewal costs less than a REAL ID renewal. If you are renewing for fewer than five years (for example, if you are close to turning 70 or if you are a new resident), the fee is lower.

For online renewal, pay by credit card or debit card at the time you submit your process. For mail renewal, send a check or money order—do not send cash. For in-person renewal, the Registry accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Ask the Registry office which payment methods they accept when you arrive, as some offices may have different policies.

If your renewal is denied for any reason—a suspended license, an outstanding ticket, or a problem with your documents—you will not be charged. The RMV will mail you a notice explaining why and what you need to do next.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your license expires before your new one arrives, you are driving with an expired license, which is illegal in Massachusetts. If you are stopped by police, you can face a fine. To avoid this, start your renewal at least two weeks before your expiration date.

If your license has already expired and you have not yet renewed, you can still renew using any of the three methods. The process is the same, and there is no penalty for renewing after expiration—only for driving after expiration. Once you submit your renewal process (online, by mail, or in person), you are considered to have a valid license pending the arrival of your new card, as long as you have not been suspended or revoked.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the RMV at 617-351-4500 to find out the reason and what you need to do to restore your driving privileges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?

No. If you have an unpaid ticket, criminal fine, or child support debt, the RMV will deny your renewal. You must pay the debt or set up a payment plan before you can renew. Contact the court or the agency that issued the ticket to find out how to resolve it.

What if I want to change my address at the same time I renew?

If you changed your address fewer than 30 days ago, you must renew in person at a Registry office. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. If it has been more than 30 days, you can renew online or by mail.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, unless you want one. The RMV will use your current photo unless you choose to update it. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Registry office. Bring your current license and proof of address.

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

Online and mail renewals take about two weeks for standard delivery. In-person renewals at a Registry office are faster—you can receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card by mail within two weeks. If you need your license when ready, ask the Registry office about expedited options.

What is the difference between a standard license and a REAL ID?

A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. You need a REAL ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for federal purposes, but it is still valid for driving. Both cost different amounts to renew.