How to Renew Your Massachusetts Driver's License

Massachusetts driver's licenses expire every five years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at an RMV office

Your Massachusetts driver's license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. When it expires, you have three ways to renew: through the RMV's online system, by mail using a paper form, or by visiting a Registry of Motor Vehicles office in person. Which method works for you depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how quickly you need the renewed license in your hands.

The easiest and fastest route for most people is the online renewal through the Massachusetts RMV website. You can complete it from home in about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail within two weeks. If you cannot renew online — because your license has already expired, you need a new photo, or you have a commercial license — you will need to renew by mail or in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv is available if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo, and takes about 10 minutes.
Mail renewal requires the paper form MV-44, a check or money order, and takes three to four weeks from the time the RMV receives your packet.
In-person renewal at an RMV office is necessary if your license has expired, you need a new photo, or you hold a commercial driver's license.
The renewal fee is $50 for a standard five-year license, and you can pay by credit card online, check or money order by mail, or cash or card in person.
You do not need to pass a written or road test to renew a standard driver's license unless the RMV has flagged your record or you are renewing after a suspension.

Renewing online through the RMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your current license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. Go to mass.gov/rmv, select "Renew Your License," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will answer a few questions about your address, medical history, and whether anything on your license needs to change. The system will confirm your may be able to access in real time.

If you are approved, you pay the $50 renewal fee by credit card and submit. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file, usually arriving within 10 to 14 days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. The RMV will send you a confirmation email with a tracking number so you can monitor delivery.

Online renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if you need a new photo (which is required every 16 years or at certain life events), if you have a commercial license, or if you have an outstanding suspension or medical flag on your record. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail with form MV-44

Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to an RMV office. read or request the form MV-44 (process for Renewal of Driver's License) from mass.gov/rmv. Fill it out completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and any address changes. Do not sign the form yet — you must sign it in front of a notary public or at an RMV office.

Mail your signed form, a check or money order for $50 made out to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles," and a copy of your current license to the RMV address listed on the form. Processing takes three to four weeks from the date the RMV receives your packet. You can continue driving on your current license during this time. If you want to track your renewal, include a phone number or email address on the form so the RMV can contact you if there are questions.

Mail renewal works well if your license is still valid, you do not need a new photo, and you have time to wait. However, if your license has already expired or you need a new photo, the RMV will return your packet and ask you to renew in person instead.

Renewing in person at an RMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you hold a commercial driver's license, or if you have a suspension or medical restriction on your record. Bring your current license (or expired license), proof of Massachusetts residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. Bring a check, money order, or card to pay the $50 fee.

Visit an RMV Service Center during business hours. You can check wait times and book an appointment online at mass.gov/rmv, which is strongly recommended — walk-ins are accepted but may have longer waits. The renewal process at the office takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You will have a new photo taken, answer questions about your address and medical history, and pay the fee. Your new license is mailed to you within 10 to 14 days.

If you need your license sooner, ask the RMV clerk whether a temporary paper license is available. Some offices issue a temporary license valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than a few months ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to an RMV office in person. Bring the same documents as you would for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The RMV will treat this as a standard renewal, not a reinstatement, so you do not need to retake the written or road test.

However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, or if it was suspended or revoked at any point, the RMV may require you to pass the written test or road test before renewing. Call the RMV at 617-351-4500 before you visit to confirm what you need to bring and whether testing is required in your case.

Changing information on your renewed license

If you have moved, changed your name, or need to update your address or medical information, you can make those changes during renewal. Online renewal allows you to update your address and answer updated medical questions before you submit. For mail or in-person renewal, fill out the form completely with your new information.

If you need to change your name on your license, you will need to provide legal documentation of the name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order) in addition to your renewal form. Name changes cannot be done online; you must renew by mail or in person and include the supporting document.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The standard renewal fee for a five-year Massachusetts driver's license is $50. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal accepts credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and varies depending on the class and endorsements on your license. Call the RMV or check mass.gov/rmv for the exact fee for your CDL class before you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?

No, you cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first contact the RMV to resolve the suspension or revocation. Call 617-351-4500 or visit mass.gov/rmv to find out why your license was suspended and what steps are needed to restore it. Once it is restored, you can then renew.

What if I move out of state before my license expires?

You do not need to renew your Massachusetts license if you move. You can explore for a license in your new state whenever you are ready. Your Massachusetts license remains valid until it expires, even if you no longer live in the state. However, if you keep a residence in Massachusetts, you may want to renew to keep your Massachusetts address.

How long does it take to get my renewed license if I renew online?

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes to complete. Your new license is mailed to you and usually arrives within 10 to 14 days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license faster, in-person renewal may offer a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.

Do I have to retake the written test to renew my license?

No, you do not have to retake the written or road test for a standard renewal. Testing is only required if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you are renewing after a long expiration, or if the RMV has flagged your record for medical or safety reasons.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

If your license is lost and expired, you will need to renew in person at an RMV office. Bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. The RMV will issue a new license with a new number. If your license is lost but still valid, you can request a replacement online or by mail before it expires, then renew normally when the expiration date approaches.

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.