How to Renew Your Massachusetts Driver's License

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

You can renew your Massachusetts driver's license online, by mail, or at a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office. Most people renew online through the Massachusetts RMV website — it takes about 15 minutes, costs $50, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot renew online (because your license is expired by more than five years, or you need to change your address or name), you must renew by mail or visit an RMV office in person.

Your license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. Massachusetts sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it — you can renew anytime in the 30 days before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you lose the option to renew online and must use mail or visit an office.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Massachusetts RMV website is the fastest option if your license expired less than five years ago and you have not changed your address or name.
You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license and a completed Form DL 34 to the RMV.
If your license expired more than five years ago or you need to update your address or name, you must renew in person at an RMV office.
Your new license will be mailed to you; you cannot pick it up at an office unless you renew in person.

Online Renewal Through the Massachusetts RMV Website

Online renewal is available if your license expired less than five years ago, you have not changed your address or name since your last renewal, and you do not need to update your photo. Go to the Massachusetts RMV website, select "Renew a Driver's License," and enter your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current information and ask you to confirm it.

You will then choose your payment method — credit card, debit card, or electronic check — and pay the $50 renewal fee. Once your payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by Mail

To renew by mail, read and complete Form DL 34 from the Massachusetts RMV website. Print it, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address shown on the form. Include a check or money order for $50 made out to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the RMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license. If you need to change your address, write the new address on the form itself before mailing it. If you need to change your name, you must also include a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Renewing In Person at an RMV Office

Visit an RMV office if your license expired more than five years ago, you need to change your address or name, you want to update your photo, or you prefer to renew face-to-face. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

If you are changing your name, also bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change. The RMV will take a new photo, process your renewal, and charge you $50. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Wait times at RMV offices vary; check the Massachusetts RMV website for current wait times at your local office before you go.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your license expired less than five years ago, you can still renew it online, by mail, or in person using the same process. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online — you must renew by mail or visit an RMV office in person. In either case, you do not have to take a new written or road test; renewal is not the same as reapplying for a license.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Massachusetts. If you are stopped by police, you can be fined. If your license has been expired for a long time and you are unsure whether you can still renew it, call the Massachusetts RMV at 857-368-8000 to ask.

Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal

If you are renewing online and need to change your address or name, you cannot complete the renewal through the website. Instead, renew by mail or visit an RMV office in person. When you renew in person, the RMV will update your address and name on the spot. When you renew by mail, write your new address on Form DL 34 before mailing it.

If you are changing your name, you must provide a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The RMV will not process a name change without this document. If you need to change your address only (not your name), you can do this by mail or in person without any additional documents.

Fees and Payment Methods

The renewal fee is $50 for a five-year license. This is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

If you are renewing by mail and your check or money order is lost in the mail, the RMV will contact you. If you are renewing online and your payment fails, you will see an error message and can try again when ready with a different payment method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes. You can continue to drive on your current license until your new license arrives in the mail. Your current license remains valid during the renewal process, even after the expiration date shown on it, as long as you have submitted your renewal request.

What if I move before my new license arrives?

Contact the Massachusetts RMV and provide your new address. They can redirect your license to your new address if you call before it ships. If it has already been mailed, you may be able to pick it up at your local RMV office instead. Call 857-368-8000 to ask.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Only if you renew in person. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you will need to visit an RMV office instead.

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

No. The RMV will not process your renewal if you have outstanding fines or court-ordered fees. You must pay or resolve these before you can renew. Contact the court or the RMV to find out what you owe.

How do I know if I can renew online?

You can renew online if your license expired less than five years ago, you have not changed your address or name, and you do not need a new photo. If any of these do not explore to you, renew by mail or in person instead.

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.