How to Renew Your Massachusetts Driver's License

Renew Your Massachusetts License Online, by Mail, or In Person

Massachusetts lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at mass.gov/rmv, by mail, or in person at an RMV office. Which one you can use depends on your license type, how much time is left before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains a renewal code you will need for online renewal. If you do not receive it, you can still renew in person or by mail, but online is the fastest route when you have the code.

Massachusetts licenses expire on your birthday. Standard licenses last five years; those issued to people over 70 last two years. Commercial licenses and licenses with certain restrictions have different expiration dates and renewal rules.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $50 for a five-year standard license; you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need to update your photo or signature.
Mail renewal requires the renewal notice that arrives 60 days before expiration, a check or money order, and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person renewal at an RMV office is required if your license is already expired, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address.
Massachusetts charges $50 for a five-year renewal and $30 for a two-year renewal (age 70 and over); fees do not vary by renewal method.

Online Renewal: Requirements and Steps

Online renewal is available at mass.gov/rmv if your license has not yet expired, you have not moved, and you do not need to update your photo. You will need your renewal notice (which contains your renewal code), your driver's license number, and a valid payment method.

Go to mass.gov/rmv, select "Renew Your License Online," and enter your renewal code and driver's license number. Answer the questions about your address and any name changes. Review the vision and medical history questions — if anything has changed, you cannot complete renewal online and must visit an RMV office instead. Pay the $50 fee (or $30 if you are 70 or older) by debit card, credit card, or e-check. You will receive a confirmation number by email.

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your renewal notice before your license expires, do not wait — go to an RMV office or renew by mail instead.

Mail Renewal: What to Send and Timeline

Mail renewal requires your renewal notice, a check or money order for $50 (or $30 if age 70 or older), and a completed process for Renewal of License (Form DL 43). The renewal notice itself serves as your process, so you do not need to fill out a separate form unless you are changing your address or name.

If you are changing your address, you must complete Form DL 43 and include it with your payment and renewal notice. Mail everything to the address printed on your renewal notice. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope if you want your old license back, though the RMV does not require it.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the RMV receives your envelope. Mail delays mean the total time from your mailbox to your new license can be 3 to 4 weeks. Send your renewal at least 4 weeks before your license expires to avoid driving on an expired license. If your license is already expired, you cannot renew by mail and must visit an RMV office.

In-Person Renewal at an RMV Office

You must renew in person if your license is expired, you need a new photo, you are changing your address, or you did not receive your renewal notice. Bring your current license, proof of your Massachusetts address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $50 or $30.

Visit mass.gov/rmv to find your nearest office and check wait times. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online. Booking an appointment usually means a shorter wait. Bring your renewal notice if you have it, though it is not required if you are renewing in person.

The RMV will take a new photo and ask you to update your signature. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on office traffic. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your new license is mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Address Changes and Other Updates

If you have moved since your license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. For online renewal, you cannot proceed if your address has changed — you must renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, complete Form DL 43 and include it with your payment and renewal notice. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

Name changes require in-person renewal and a certified copy of the document that shows your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot change your name online or by mail. If you have changed your name, you must visit an RMV office.

Special Rules for Commercial Licenses and Restricted Licenses

Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at an RMV office. Bring your current CDL, proof of address, and payment. The RMV will conduct a medical examination and vision test. Commercial licenses expire on your birthday and cost $50 for a five-year renewal.

Licenses with restrictions (such as corrective lenses required, automatic transmission only, or daylight driving only) can be renewed online or by mail if the restriction has not changed. If you need to add, remove, or change a restriction, you must renew in person. Bring documentation of the change (such as an updated eye exam or medical form) to your appointment.

Fees and Payment Methods

Standard driver's license renewal costs $50 for a five-year license. If you are 70 or older, renewal costs $30 for a two-year license. Commercial license renewal costs $50 for five years. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Online renewal accepts debit cards, credit cards, and e-checks. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit cards, credit cards, and checks. The RMV does not accept payment plans or partial payments.

What Happens If Your License Expires

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Massachusetts. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. If your license has expired, you cannot renew by mail — you must visit an RMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and payment.

If your license expired more than five years ago, the RMV may treat it as a new process rather than a renewal. You will need to pass a vision test and written exam. Contact the RMV before visiting to confirm what documents and tests you will need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail once your license has expired. You must visit an RMV office in person with your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment. If your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to take a written exam and vision test.

What if I did not receive my renewal notice?

Contact the RMV at 617-351-4500 to confirm your address on file. If your address is correct, request a replacement renewal notice. You can also renew in person at any RMV office without the notice, or renew by mail if you know your license number and expiration date.

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

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive it within 10 business days, contact the RMV.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at an RMV office?

Some offices require appointments and some accept walk-ins. Check mass.gov/rmv to find your nearest office and see whether it accepts appointments or walk-ins. Booking an appointment online usually results in a shorter wait time.

Can I renew my commercial license online?

No, commercial licenses must be renewed in person at an RMV office. You will need to pass a medical examination and vision test. Bring your current CDL, proof of address, and payment of $50.

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.