How to renew your Massachusetts driver's license

You can renew your Massachusetts driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready if you need your license the same day, but you'll wait in line at an RMV office.

Your may be able to access depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you've had any violations or suspensions. If you don't meet the requirements for online or mail renewal, you must go to an RMV office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal is available if your license expired less than 5 years ago, you have no suspensions or restrictions, and you're between 18 and 75 years old.
  • You'll need your current or expired license, a valid email address, and a credit or debit card to renew online at mass.gov/rmv.
  • Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send in your current or expired license along with a completed form.
  • In-person renewal at an RMV office is required if your license expired more than 5 years ago, you have an active suspension, or you need your license when ready.
  • Massachusetts licenses are valid for 5 years, and you can renew up to 6 months before expiration or up to 5 years after.

Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv

The online renewal process on the Massachusetts RMV website is the quickest route if you're may be able to access. Go to mass.gov/rmv, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

You must pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. Massachusetts charges $50 for a 5-year renewal. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license during this time.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, revoked, or restricted; if you've had certain violations in the past 5 years; if you're over 75; or if your license expired more than 5 years ago. If any of these explore, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal and what to send

To renew by mail, read and complete the process for Renewal of License form (Form DL 34) from mass.gov/rmv. Print it, sign it, and mail it along with your current or expired license to the RMV address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $50 payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles."

Mail your renewal packet to the RMV Processing Center. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the RMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to you, and you can drive on your expired license until it arrives. If you need your license sooner, don't use mail renewal — go in person instead.

Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal. If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you have an active suspension, or you have certain violations on your record, you cannot renew by mail and must visit an RMV office.

In-person renewal at an RMV office

Visit any RMV branch office to renew in person. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $50 in cash, check, or card. If you're renewing after your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you may also need to pass a vision test or written exam — call your local RMV office ahead of time to confirm what you'll need.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have an active restriction, or if you need your license the same day. The RMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

RMV offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have extended hours on certain evenings. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times and book an appointment on mass.gov/rmv to avoid a long line.

What happens if your license is expired

You can renew your Massachusetts license up to 5 years after it expires. If it's been expired for 5 years or less, you can renew online or by mail if you have no suspensions or violations. If it's been expired for more than 5 years, you must renew in person at an RMV office, and you may be required to pass a vision test or written exam.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Massachusetts. If you're pulled over, you can be fined. If your license has been expired for more than a year, you may also face additional penalties. Renew as soon as you realize your license has expired.

Suspensions, restrictions, and why you can't renew online

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to an RMV office in person. A suspension is temporary — your license will be restored on a specific date set by the RMV or a court. A revocation is permanent unless you go through a separate process to restore your license.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or a DUI conviction. If you have an active suspension, the RMV office will tell you what you need to do to clear it before your license can be renewed. This might mean paying fines, completing a program, or waiting until a specific date.

Restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only) do not prevent you from renewing online or by mail. These restrictions will carry over to your new license automatically.

Fees and payment methods

A standard 5-year Massachusetts driver's license renewal costs $50. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or debit or credit card depending on how you renew. Online renewal accepts cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders. In-person renewal accepts all four methods.

If you renew in person and need a temporary paper license to drive home, there is no additional fee — it's included in the $50 renewal cost. If you need a replacement license before your renewal is due (for example, because your license was lost or stolen), that costs $35 and requires an in-person visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Massachusetts license if I have an out-of-state address?

No. You must have a Massachusetts address to hold a Massachusetts license. If you've moved out of state, you need to get a license from your new state. If you've moved within Massachusetts, update your address at mass.gov/rmv or at an RMV office before renewing.

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

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is lost. You must go to an RMV office in person with proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of residency. The RMV will issue a replacement license and renew it in the same visit for a total of $50.

How long does my temporary paper license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within 30 days, contact the RMV to check the status.

Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition or disability?

Yes, but you may need to provide medical documentation or take a vision or written test depending on your condition. Call your local RMV office or visit mass.gov/rmv to find out what documents you need before you go in person.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to an RMV office in person with your current license and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The RMV will issue a new license with your updated name.