Where to renew and what you'll need

In Massachusetts, you renew your driver's license at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). You can renew in person at any RMV branch, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the RMV website for some renewal types. The method you use depends on whether your license is expired, expiring soon, or still valid, and whether you need to update your photo or address.

Before you go, gather your current Massachusetts driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you're renewing in person, you'll also need to bring a completed process for Identification Card or Driver's License form (Form DL 34), which you can read from the RMV website or fill out at the branch.

The RMV has branches across Massachusetts. You can find the one nearest you and check wait times on the RMV website before you go. Some branches are busier than others, and wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

Key Takeaways

  • Massachusetts driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to 30 days before expiration.
  • Online renewal is available for some drivers but requires a valid credit or debit card and works only if your address hasn't changed and you don't need a new photo.
  • Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired and you don't need to update your photo or address information.
  • In-person renewal at an RMV branch is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you're changing your address.
  • Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to any in-person renewal appointment.

Renewing online through the RMV website

The RMV allows online renewal for standard driver's license renewals if you meet specific conditions. Your license must not be expired, your address must not have changed, and you must not need a new photo. You'll need a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on how long you want your new license to be valid.

To renew online, go to the RMV website, select the online renewal option, and follow the prompts. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within two to three weeks.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're not changing anything about your license information. However, if your address has changed, your photo is more than eight years old, or your license is already expired, you cannot renew online and must use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you don't need to update your photo or address. You'll need to complete Form DL 34, include a copy of your proof of Social Security number and proof of address, and mail everything to the RMV address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee—do not send cash.

Mail your renewal packet to the address on Form DL 34. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the RMV receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Keep track of when you mailed it so you know when to expect your new license.

Mail renewal is a good option if you're busy and your license information hasn't changed, but it takes longer than online renewal. If your license is already expired or you need to change your address or photo, mail renewal is not an option.

Renewing in person at an RMV branch

In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you're changing your address. You'll also need to pass a vision screening at the branch. Bring your current license, completed Form DL 34, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Visit the RMV website to find a branch near you and check current wait times. Many branches allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time. If you schedule an appointment, arrive a few minutes early. If you walk in without an appointment, expect to wait, especially during busy times like lunch hours or late afternoon.

At the branch, a staff member will verify your documents, take a new photo for your license, and conduct a vision test. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you're called. You'll pay the renewal fee on the spot, and your new license will be issued when ready or mailed to you depending on the type of renewal.

License expiration dates and renewal windows

Your Massachusetts driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew your license up to 30 days before it expires. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at an RMV branch—you cannot use mail or online renewal.

If you're unsure when your license expires, check the expiration date printed on the front of your card. It's listed as "Exp" followed by the date. If you let your license expire by more than a certain period, you may need to retake the written test or road test, so it's best to renew before the expiration date passes.

Massachusetts offers licenses valid for five or ten years, depending on your age and the type of license. When you renew, you can choose the length of validity you want, which affects the renewal fee.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee depends on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A five-year renewal costs less than a ten-year renewal. The exact fee is listed on the RMV website and on Form DL 34. If you renew online, you can pay by credit or debit card. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most branches.

The RMV does not accept payment by phone or email. If you're renewing by mail, do not send cash—it may be lost or stolen. Always keep a record of your payment, especially if you're mailing a check.

What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to an RMV branch in person to report it and get a replacement. Bring proof of your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. You'll pay a replacement fee, which is different from a renewal fee.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and get a police report number. While not required by the RMV, having a report can help protect you if someone tries to use your license fraudulently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

You can renew an expired license, but you must do so in person at an RMV branch. Online and mail renewal are not available for expired licenses. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

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

If you renew in person, you'll receive your new license when ready or it will be mailed within two to three weeks, depending on the branch. If you renew online, your new license is mailed within two to three weeks. If you renew by mail, allow four to six weeks from the date the RMV receives your packet.

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

You need a new photo if your current photo is more than eight years old, if you're renewing in person, or if you request one. If you renew online or by mail and your photo is less than eight years old, you can keep your current photo.

What if my address has changed since I got my current license?

If your address has changed, you must renew in person at an RMV branch. You cannot renew online or by mail with an address change. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes, you can renew your license up to 30 days before it expires. This is a good idea if you're planning to travel or if you want to avoid the rush as your expiration date approaches. Your new license will be valid for five or ten years from the date of renewal, not from your original expiration date.