Massachusetts Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Know
Massachusetts allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office. Which method you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photograph. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person appointment.
Your Massachusetts license is valid for five years from the date of issue. The RMV sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is the fastest option for standard licenses that have not expired, and you can complete it in minutes without visiting an office.
- By-mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and works for licenses that expired within the past five years, but you cannot change your address or photograph this way.
- In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photograph, or if you are changing your address.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or e-check) to renew online.
- The renewal fee is $50 for a five-year license, and the RMV does not accept cash in person — bring a card or check.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Online renewal through the Massachusetts RMV website is available if your license has not expired and you do not need to change your photograph or address. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The process takes about five minutes, and you pay by credit card, debit card, or e-check.
After you complete the online renewal, the RMV mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 10 to 14 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification during that time.
Online renewal is not available if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or a license with hazmat endorsement. Those require in-person renewal.
By-Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Needed
If your license expired within the past five years, you can renew by mail. The RMV sends renewal forms with your renewal notice, but you can also read the form from the RMV website or call 857-368-8000 to request one. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $50, and mail it to the address printed on the form.
Processing by mail takes about two to three weeks from the date the RMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license, so if you have moved, you must renew in person instead. You also cannot update your photograph by mail — if you want a new photo, you must visit an RMV office.
Do not send cash through the mail. The RMV accepts checks and money orders only for by-mail renewals. Include your current license with your mailed renewal packet so the RMV can match your process to your record.
In-Person Renewal at an RMV Office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photograph, if you are changing your address, or if you hold a CDL or motorcycle endorsement. You will also need an in-person appointment if you are renewing a license with a hazmat endorsement.
Schedule an appointment online at mass.gov/rmv or by calling 857-368-8000. Walk-in service is not available at most RMV offices, so arriving without an appointment will result in a long wait or being turned away. Appointments can be scheduled weeks in advance during busy seasons, so plan ahead.
Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days), and payment of $50 by card or check. The RMV will take a new photograph at the office. The appointment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
The renewal fee is $50 for a five-year license. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. The RMV does not accept cash at offices, so bring a debit card, credit card, or check. For online renewal, you can use a card or e-check.
If you are renewing in person and changing your address, bring proof of your new address dated within the past 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. A driver's license from another state is not accepted as proof of residency.
If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must request a replacement. Contact the RMV to report the loss and request a duplicate license, which costs $50 and requires an in-person visit.
What Happens If Your License Expires
Driving with an expired Massachusetts license is illegal. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. However, if your license expired within the past 30 days and you have a renewal process pending with the RMV, you may be able to show the process as proof that renewal is in progress — ask the officer.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit an RMV office in person and bring proof of residency. The RMV may also require you to pass a vision test or written test if the expiration is very old, so call ahead to confirm what you need to bring.
If you are unsure whether your license is still valid, you can check the expiration date on the front of your license or contact the RMV at 857-368-8000.
RMV Office Locations and Hours
Massachusetts has RMV service centers in Boston, Brockton, Framingham, Lawrence, Leominster, Medford, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Springfield, and Worcester. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering Saturday hours. Check mass.gov/rmv for the specific hours of the office nearest you.
The Boston office is the largest and often has the longest wait times for appointments. If you live near multiple offices, scheduling at a smaller location may get you an earlier appointment. All offices handle the same services, so you can visit whichever is most convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but you must renew in person at an RMV office. Licenses that expired more than five years ago may require a vision test or written exam, so call the RMV before your appointment to confirm what documents to bring.
What if I moved and did not update my address before my license expired?
You must renew in person and bring proof of your new address dated within the past 60 days. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. The RMV will update your address and issue a new license with the correct information.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
The RMV mails your new license after you complete the online renewal. Delivery typically takes 10 to 14 business days. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person?
Yes. Walk-in service is not available at most RMV offices. Schedule an appointment online at mass.gov/rmv or by calling 857-368-8000. Appointments can fill up weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons.
What if I have a commercial driver's license?
CDL renewals must be done in person at an RMV office. Online and by-mail renewal are not available for commercial licenses. Schedule an appointment and bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and payment of $50.