How to Renew Your Massachusetts Driver's License

How to renew your Massachusetts driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Massachusetts driver's license through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in three ways: online at mass.gov/rmv, by mail, or in person at an RMV 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 in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an RMV office is when ready if you need your license the same day, but you will wait in line.

Your may be able to access depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you have had any violations or address changes. Massachusetts allows online renewal only for drivers whose licenses are not yet expired or expired less than 2 years, who are between 18 and 69 years old, and who have not had certain violations or suspensions. If you do not meet those requirements, you must renew by mail or in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv is available if your license expired less than 2 years ago and you have no active violations or suspensions.
You will need your current or expired Massachusetts driver's license number, Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to renew online.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to submit a completed form, your license, and a check or money order to the RMV.
In-person renewal at an RMV office is the only option if your license expired more than 2 years ago or if you have had a suspension or serious violation.
Massachusetts driver's licenses are valid for 5 years, and you can renew up to 6 months before expiration without losing time on your current license.

Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv

To renew online, go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License" from the main menu. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will check whether you are may be able to access. If you are, you will proceed to pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. Massachusetts charges $50 for a 5-year renewal.

After you pay, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If your address has changed, you must update it before you renew online — you can do this on the same website under "Change Your Address."

Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you have unpaid traffic violations or fines; if you are over 69 years old; or if your license expired more than 2 years ago. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, add a Real ID endorsement, or update your vision or medical information.

Mail renewal by submitting forms and payment

To renew by mail, read form DL 43 (process for Renewal of Driver's License) from mass.gov/rmv or request one by calling the RMV at 857-368-8000. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, date of birth, and license number. Sign and date it. Include your current or expired driver's license and a check or money order for $50 made payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles."

Mail the completed form, license, and payment to the address listed on the form — typically the RMV's main office in Boston. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the RMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. You can drive on your current license during this time.

Mail renewal works for most drivers, but not if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have unpaid violations, or if you need to change your name or address. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at an RMV office

To renew in person, visit any RMV branch office with your current or expired driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). Bring $50 in cash or a check. You will fill out form DL 43 at the office, have your photo taken, and receive your new license on the spot.

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than 2 years ago, if you have had a suspension or revocation, if you have unpaid violations, if you need to change your name, or if you want to add a Real ID endorsement. It is also the only option if you have vision or medical conditions that require a new assessment.

RMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times and book an appointment on mass.gov/rmv. Booking an appointment is not required but can reduce your wait time significantly.

What happens if your license is expired more than 2 years

If your Massachusetts driver's license has been expired for more than 2 years, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. This means you will need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a road test. You will also need to provide proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Massachusetts residency, and proof of your legal name (such as a birth certificate or passport).

To reapply, visit an RMV office in person and ask for a new license process. The RMV will schedule your written test, vision test, and road test. You can take the written test the same day you explore. The road test is usually scheduled for a later date. The entire process takes several weeks.

If you have been driving with an expired license, you may face fines or other penalties depending on how long it has been expired. Renewing or reapplying as soon as possible will prevent further legal issues.

Real ID and other special endorsements

Massachusetts offers a Real ID endorsement on your driver's license, which is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025. If you want to add Real ID to your license during renewal, you must renew in person at an RMV office. You will need to bring proof of your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

The Real ID endorsement costs an additional $30 on top of the $50 renewal fee. Your new license will show a gold star in the upper right corner if it includes the Real ID endorsement. If you do not add Real ID during renewal, you can add it later by visiting an RMV office.

Massachusetts also offers a REAL ID Compliant ID Card if you do not drive but need a Real ID-compliant form of identification. This card costs $30 and is available at any RMV office.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A standard 5-year driver's license renewal in Massachusetts costs $50. If you add a Real ID endorsement, the total is $80. Payment methods depend on how you renew: online renewal accepts credit or debit cards only; mail renewal accepts checks or money orders; in-person renewal accepts cash, checks, or debit cards at most offices.

If you renew early — up to 6 months before your license expires — you do not lose time on your current license. Your new license's expiration date will be 5 years from the expiration date of your old license, not from the date you renew. This means you can renew as early as you want without shortening the validity of your new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Massachusetts license if I have an out-of-state address?

No. You must have a Massachusetts address to hold a Massachusetts driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should explore for a license in your new state. If you have moved temporarily but still live in Massachusetts, update your address on mass.gov/rmv before you renew.

What if I lost my driver's license and cannot find it to renew?

You can renew without your physical license if you renew online or by mail — you only need your license number, which you can find on old documents or by calling the RMV at 857-368-8000. If you renew in person, bring a form of photo ID instead, such as a passport or state ID card.

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

Online renewals are mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Standard mail takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the RMV receives your envelope. In-person renewal is when ready — you receive your new license the same day.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic fines?

No. You cannot renew online or by mail if you have unpaid violations or fines. You must pay the fines first, then renew in person at an RMV office. Contact the RMV or the court that issued the violation to find out what you owe.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will fill out form DL 43 with your new name and receive a new license with the updated name.

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.