Massachusetts driver's licenses expire every five years, and you must renew before the expiration date to keep driving legally
Your Massachusetts license will show an expiration date on the front. You can renew starting 6 months before that date. Massachusetts offers three renewal paths: online through the RMV website, by mail, or in person at an RMV office. Which one you use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you have a Real ID, and whether you need to update your photo or address.
The fastest route for most people is online renewal, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $50. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and also costs $50. In-person renewal at an RMV office takes longer due to wait times but lets you handle everything the same day and update your photo if needed.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew your Massachusetts license online, by mail, or in person starting 6 months before your expiration date.
- Online renewal costs $50, takes about 10 minutes, and is available only if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal also costs $50 and takes 7 to 10 business days; you will receive your new license by mail.
- In-person renewal at an RMV office lets you update your photo and address the same day but requires a visit and may involve a wait.
- If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you cannot renew and must retest as a new driver.
Online renewal through the Massachusetts RMV website
Online renewal is the quickest option if your current license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. Go to mass.gov/rmv, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You will answer questions about your address, medical history, and whether anything has changed since your last renewal. The system will ask you to review your information and pay the $50 fee by credit or debit card.
Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if you need to change your photo, or if you have certain medical conditions that require an in-person review.
Mail renewal using the RMV form
To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of License or Permit (Form DL 34) from mass.gov/rmv or request one by calling the RMV at 857-368-8000. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $50 to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current license if possible.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the RMV receives your form. You can continue driving on your current license during this time. Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired and you do not need to update your photo. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, call the RMV before mailing your form.
In-person renewal at an RMV office
Visit any RMV branch to renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your Massachusetts address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days). If you are renewing a Real ID license, you will also need to bring proof of citizenship or lawful status, such as a passport or birth certificate.
At the office, you will have your photo taken, answer health and safety questions, and pay the $50 renewal fee. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new plastic license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is the only option if you need to update your photo, change your address, or if your license has expired.
Real ID renewal and what documents you need
If your current license displays a gold star in the upper right corner, it is a Real ID license. Real ID licenses meet federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. When you renew a Real ID, you must bring proof of citizenship or lawful status. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or visa.
You can renew a Real ID online or by mail only if you do not need to update your photo and your license is not expired. If either of those applies, you must renew in person. The renewal fee is the same ($50) whether you are renewing a standard license or a Real ID.
What to do if your license has expired
If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot renew it. You must instead take the written test and road test as if you were a new driver and obtain a new license. If your license expired fewer than 5 years ago, you can still renew by mail or in person, but not online. Bring your expired license to the RMV office along with your other documents.
If your license expired very recently (within the last few weeks), you may still be able to renew online. Check the RMV website or call 857-368-8000 to confirm whether your specific situation qualifies.
RMV office locations and wait times
Massachusetts has RMV branches in Boston, Brockton, Fall River, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Lawrence, Leominster, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Salem, Springfield, and Worcester. You can visit any branch; you do not have to go to the one nearest your home. The RMV website shows current wait times at each location, updated throughout the day.
Branches are typically less busy early in the morning and mid-week. If you want to avoid a long wait, visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday before 10 a.m. Some branches offer online appointment scheduling through mass.gov/rmv, which lets you reserve a time slot and skip the general queue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the RMV before you can renew. Call 857-368-8000 or visit mass.gov/rmv to find out the reason for the suspension and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.
What happens if I drive after my license expires?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Massachusetts. You can be stopped and cited. If your license expired recently and you have already started the renewal process, carry proof of your process with you. If you are unsure whether your renewal went through, call the RMV before driving.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Only if you renew in person or if your current photo is more than 10 years old. If you renew online or by mail and your photo is less than 10 years old, your current photo will be used on your new license.
How much does it cost to renew in Massachusetts?
Renewal costs $50 whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. There are no additional fees unless you need to change your address or update other information at the same time.
Can I renew my license if I moved out of Massachusetts?
No. Your Massachusetts license is only valid if you are a Massachusetts resident. If you have moved to another state, you must obtain a license from that state. If you moved temporarily but still live in Massachusetts, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office.