How to Renew Your Massachusetts Driver License

Renewing Your Massachusetts License: The Basic Path

In Massachusetts, you can renew your driver license online, by mail, or in person at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Most people renew online through the state's website — it takes about 15 minutes, costs $50, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired more than two years, you have no medical conditions that need review, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. It includes your renewal number, which you will need to start the online process. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew — you will just need your license number and Social Security number instead.

Massachusetts licenses expire on your birthday. If you are over 70, your license expires every four years instead of five, and you may need to renew in person or by mail rather than online.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv takes 15 minutes, costs $50, and works if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical flags.
Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your old license until it arrives.
If you are over 70, cannot renew online, or prefer to renew in person, you must visit an RMV branch and bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
Mail renewal is available but slower — send your renewal notice, a check for $50, and a copy of your current license to the RMV address on your notice.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew; you must reapply as a new driver, which includes a written test and road test.

Renewing Online Through mass.gov/rmv

The online renewal process is the fastest and most common route. Go to mass.gov/rmv, select "Renew a Driver License," and enter your renewal number (from your notice) or your license number and Social Security number. You will answer questions about your health, vision, and any changes to your name or address. The system will ask whether you want a REAL ID-compliant license — this is the federally approved form of ID needed for domestic flights and federal buildings starting in 2025.

Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait. If you need your new license sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal — you must renew in person at an RMV branch instead.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years. It is also not available if you are over 70 or if you have certain medical conditions that require an RMV review.

Renewing in Person at an RMV Branch

Visit any RMV branch with your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, tax return, or W-2), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring a pen and be ready to answer health and vision questions. The fee is $50 for a five-year license or $40 for a four-year license if you are over 70.

In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by branch and time of day. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. This temporary license works for driving, voting, and most ID purposes.

In-person renewal is required if you are over 70, if your license expired more than two years ago, if you cannot renew online for medical reasons, or if you need your new license faster than mail delivery allows. You can also renew in person if you prefer it to online or mail renewal.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is slower but requires no trip to an RMV branch. Your renewal notice includes a mailing address and instructions. Send the notice itself, a check or money order for $50 (payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles"), and a photocopy of the front and back of your current license. Do not send your actual license — send only a copy.

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the RMV receives your envelope. There is no tracking, so you will not know the status until your new license arrives. If you need your license sooner, switch to in-person renewal instead. Mail renewal is not available if your license expired more than two years ago or if you are over 70.

REAL ID Compliance and License Type Choices

Massachusetts offers two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is accepted for domestic flights, federal building entry, and military base access. A standard license works for driving and most other ID purposes but is not accepted for federal facilities or domestic air travel.

When you renew online or in person, you will be asked which type you want. There is no extra fee for REAL ID. If you choose REAL ID, you must bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address — the same documents required for any in-person renewal. If you renew online and choose REAL ID, the system will verify your information electronically.

Starting May 7, 2025, a standard (non-REAL ID) license will not be accepted for domestic flights. If you plan to fly domestically, renew to REAL ID before that date.

What to Do If Your License Expired More Than Two Years Ago

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must reapply as a new driver. This means taking a written test (the permit test) and a road test, just as if you were getting your first license. You will also need to pay the full new-license fee, which is higher than a renewal fee.

To start, visit an RMV branch or go to mass.gov/rmv to schedule a permit test appointment. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. After you pass the permit test, you can schedule a road test. The entire process takes several weeks.

If your license expired between one and two years ago, you can still renew by mail or in person — online renewal is not available, but the other two routes are.

Finding an RMV Branch and Scheduling an Appointment

Massachusetts has RMV branches in Boston, Watertown, Medford, Framingham, Worcester, Springfield, and Fitchburg. You can find hours, locations, and services at each branch on mass.gov/rmv. Many branches now require appointments for in-person renewal, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Schedule an Appointment" to book a time slot.

If you cannot find an appointment near you or prefer not to visit a branch, use online or mail renewal instead. Walk-ins are accepted at some branches during certain hours, but appointment holders are served first, so wait times for walk-ins can be long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on my old license while I wait for my new one?

Yes. If you renewed online or by mail, your old license remains valid until it expires or your new license arrives, whichever comes first. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your old license is no longer valid after that day.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

You can update your address during online renewal. If you renew by mail or in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

Not usually. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo. If you renew in person, the RMV will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you must renew in person instead.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online using your license number and Social Security number instead of your renewal number. You can also call the RMV at 617-351-4500 to request a new notice or to renew by phone, though phone renewal is not available for all situations.

How much does renewal cost?

A five-year renewal costs $50. If you are over 70, a four-year renewal costs $40. REAL ID does not cost extra. Fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

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.