Renew Your Massachusetts 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 the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an RMV office is when ready if you need your license the same day, but you will wait in line.

Not everyone can renew online. You must have a valid Social Security number on file, a current Massachusetts address, and a license that is not suspended or revoked. If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to an RMV office in person and pass a vision test and written exam. If you are over 70, you must renew in person every 5 years.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal at mass.gov/rmv is available if your license is not expired more than 5 years, not suspended, and you have a valid Social Security number on file.
  • You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee online.
  • The renewal fee is $50 for a standard 5-year license or $100 for a 10-year license; mail and in-person renewal cost the same.
  • Drivers over 70 must renew in person every 5 years and pass a vision test; younger drivers can renew online or by mail until their license expires.
  • Your new license will be mailed to your address on file; if that address is wrong, update it before you renew or your license will go to the old address.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route

Go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current Massachusetts driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card. The system will verify your identity using information from your license and Social Security record. If verification succeeds, you will see a summary of your current information — name, address, height, eye color — and a chance to correct any errors before you pay.

The renewal fee is $50 for a 5-year license or $100 for a 10-year license. Pay by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Do not expect a temporary paper license — you will need to carry your old license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than 5 years; if you have an outstanding ticket or court order; or if your address or name has changed and you have not updated it with the RMV yet. If any of these explore, use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Mail Renewal: What Documents You Need

read the "Renewal of License" form (Form DL 34) from mass.gov/rmv or request it by phone at 857-368-8000. Fill in your name, license number, date of birth, and current address. Sign and date the form. Include a check or money order for $50 (5-year) or $100 (10-year) made payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash.

Mail the completed form and payment to: Registry of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 369, Boston, MA 02125. Include your current license or a copy of it if you want to keep the original while your renewal is being processed. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the RMV receives your envelope. There is no tracking number, so if you need to know the status, call 857-368-8000 and have your license number ready.

Mail renewal is a good option if you cannot go online and do not need your license when ready. It works for any driver whose license is not expired more than 5 years and is not suspended or revoked. If your address has changed since your last renewal, write the new address clearly on the form and include a proof of residency document — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

In-Person Renewal at an RMV Office

Visit any RMV branch office with your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $50 or $100. You do not need an appointment for standard license renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The RMV website shows current wait times at each office. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if the RMV does not have it on file.

At the office, you will have your photo taken and your vision tested. If you pass the vision test, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. Your new license will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form (Form DL 43) signed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired more than 5 years, if you are over 70, if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you have a suspended or revoked license. It is also the only option if you need to change your name, gender marker, or address at the same time as renewal.

Address Changes and License Corrections

If your address has changed since your last renewal, you must update it before or during the renewal process. Online renewal will not proceed if your address on file does not match your current residence. For mail renewal, write your new address on the form and include proof of residency. For in-person renewal, bring proof of residency and the staff will update your record while you are there.

Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement. A driver's license from another state or a passport does not count as proof of residency.

If you need to change your name or gender marker on your license, you must do this in person at an RMV office. Bring your current license, proof of the name or gender change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or updated birth certificate), and proof of residency. You can do this at the same time as renewal.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

A standard 5-year Massachusetts driver's license costs $50 to renew. A 10-year license costs $100. These fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. There are no additional fees for vision tests or photo updates. If you renew online or in person, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or cash (in person only). If you renew by mail, you must pay by check or money order.

The fee covers the license itself and the cost of mailing it to you. If your license is lost or stolen before it arrives, you can request a replacement at an RMV office for an additional $25 fee. If you change your mind about the 5-year versus 10-year option after you have paid, you cannot get a refund — you will have to wait until your next renewal to switch.

Drivers Over 70: Special Renewal Rules

If you are 70 or older, you must renew your license in person every 5 years instead of every 5 or 10 years. You will pass a vision test and a written exam on road signs and traffic laws. The exam is the same one given to new drivers. You can study for it using the Massachusetts Driver's Manual, available free at mass.gov/rmv.

You cannot renew online or by mail if you are over 70. Schedule an appointment at an RMV office by calling 857-368-8000 or booking online at mass.gov/rmv. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment of $50. If you fail the vision test, you will be referred to an eye doctor. If you fail the written exam, you can retake it the same day or return another day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my license expires before my renewal arrives?

If you renew online or by mail and your new license has not arrived by your expiration date, you can still drive legally while you wait. Keep your confirmation number or receipt from your renewal. If you are stopped by police, show them your old license and your confirmation number. The RMV records show that your renewal is in progress.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or court order?

No. The RMV will not process your renewal if there is an outstanding ticket, fine, or court order on your record. You must resolve the ticket or court matter first. Call 857-368-8000 to find out what is holding up your renewal, or contact the court or police department that issued the ticket.

What if my Social Security number is not on file with the RMV?

You cannot renew online if your Social Security number is not on file. You can renew by mail or in person instead. If you want to add your Social Security number to your record for future renewals, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number to an RMV office and ask staff to update your file.

Do I need a new photo every time I renew?

Yes. If you renew in person, you will have a new photo taken at the office. If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license will be used on your new license unless your current license is more than 10 years old, in which case you must renew in person to have a new photo taken.

Can I renew my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have a valid visa or immigration status that allows you to drive in Massachusetts. You must have proof of your legal presence in the United States. Bring your passport, visa, work permit, or other immigration document to an RMV office. You can renew by mail or in person, but not online.