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 fastest and costs $50 for a five-year license. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended, you have not had a name change since your last license, and your current license is not damaged. If you do not meet those conditions, you must renew by mail or in person.
Massachusetts licenses expire on your birthday. You can begin the renewal process up to 30 days before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew through any of these methods without taking a new written or road test, as long as the expiration is recent enough that the RMV has not yet cancelled your license.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv takes about 10 minutes, costs $50 for five years, and is the fastest option if your license is not suspended and you have not changed your name.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed Form DL 34, and a check or money order to the RMV; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at an RMV office requires an appointment booked through mass.gov/rmv and takes about 30 minutes once you arrive.
- You will need to provide proof of Massachusetts residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) for any renewal method.
- If your license is suspended or you have changed your name, you cannot use online renewal and must go to an RMV office in person.
Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv
Online renewal is available 24 hours a day and is the fastest way to renew. You will need your current Massachusetts license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The RMV will verify your information against its records and send your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The cost is $50 for a five-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card during the online transaction. Once you complete the process, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number in case you need to check on your renewal status or contact the RMV.
You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you have changed your name since your last license was issued; if your current license is damaged or defaced; or if you are over 70 years old (drivers 70 and older must renew in person). If any of these explore to you, use the mail or in-person method instead.
Mail renewal with Form DL 34
To renew by mail, read Form DL 34 from mass.gov/rmv or request it by phone at 617-351-4500. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and payment to the RMV address listed on the form. Payment must be by check or money order for $50. Do not send cash.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the RMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need your license sooner, do not use mail renewal; use in-person renewal instead.
Before you mail your materials, make a photocopy of your current license for your records. The RMV will keep your old license, so you will not have it once you send it in. If your address has changed since your last license, include a proof of residency document (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) with your process.
In-person renewal at an RMV office
In-person renewal requires an appointment. Book your appointment through mass.gov/rmv by selecting your nearest RMV office and choosing an available time slot. Appointments are released in batches and can fill up quickly, especially in busy areas. If no appointments are available, check back the next day or try a different office location.
Bring your current license, proof of Massachusetts residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment of $50 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The appointment itself takes about 30 minutes from check-in to receiving your new license. You will receive your new license on the spot, so you do not have to wait for mail delivery.
In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, if you have changed your name, if you are over 70 years old, or if your current license is damaged. It is also the best option if you need your license when ready and cannot wait for mail delivery.
What happens if your license has already expired
An expired license can still be renewed without a written test or road test, but only within a certain window. Massachusetts allows you to renew an expired license for up to two years after expiration. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to explore for a new license and take both the written and road tests.
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same process as a current license. The RMV will not penalize you for the gap in validity. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renew as soon as you realize it has lapsed.
Real ID compliance and your renewed license
Massachusetts driver's licenses are Real ID compliant, which means they meet federal standards for identification at airports and federal buildings. When you renew your license, your new license will automatically be Real ID compliant. You do not need to do anything extra or pay an additional fee.
Your Real ID-compliant license will have a gold star in the upper right corner. This star means you can use your license as identification for domestic flights and entry to federal facilities. If you do not have a Real ID-compliant license and need one before your renewal date, you can visit an RMV office to upgrade, though this is not necessary for most people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is suspended?
No. You must clear the suspension first by paying any outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the RMV. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at an RMV office. Contact the RMV at 617-351-4500 to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do.
What if I changed my name since my last license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must visit an RMV office in person with your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. Bring payment of $50 for the renewal fee.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the RMV receives your envelope. In-person renewal gives you your new license when ready. If you need your license quickly, choose in-person renewal.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No. When you renew online or by mail, the RMV uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an RMV office, and the staff will take a new photo during your appointment.
What counts as proof of Massachusetts residency?
Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill dated within 90 days of your renewal. The document must show your name and current Massachusetts address. A copy is acceptable; it does not have to be the original.