How to renew your Massachusetts driver's 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 branch. Online renewal is fastest and costs $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license. You must be at least 69 years old to renew online; younger drivers can renew by mail or in person. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal is when ready if you bring the right documents.
Your license is may be able to access for online renewal if you have a valid Massachusetts license, have not had it suspended or revoked, and are not required to take a new photo (which happens every 30 years or after certain violations). If you do not meet these conditions, you must renew in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at mass.gov/rmv is available only to drivers 69 and older and takes about 10 minutes; you will receive your renewed license by mail in two to three weeks.
- Drivers under 69 can renew by mail or in person; mail renewal requires a completed Form DL 43 and takes two to three weeks, while in-person renewal is when ready.
- You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you need a new photo, and you cannot renew at all if your license has been expired for more than five years.
- In-person renewal at an RMV branch requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number; bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies.
- If you have an out-of-state license or are renewing after a suspension, you must renew in person and may need additional documents depending on your situation.
Online renewal for drivers 69 and older
If you are 69 or older and your license is not suspended or revoked, you can renew online at mass.gov/rmv without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your current Massachusetts driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license.
After you complete the online renewal, the RMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes two to three weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If your address has changed, update it during the online renewal process so your new license goes to the correct location.
Mail renewal for drivers under 69
Drivers under 69 can renew by mail if their license is not suspended or revoked and they do not need a new photo. read or request Form DL 43 (process for Renewal of Driver's License) from mass.gov/rmv. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $50 (five-year) or $100 (ten-year) to the RMV address listed on the form.
Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to account for processing and delivery time. The RMV will mail your new license to the address on your process. If you need to update your address, write it clearly on the form. Do not send cash. If the RMV receives your renewal after your license has expired, you can still renew by mail, but you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives.
In-person renewal at an RMV branch
You must renew in person if you are under 69, if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing after more than five years expired. Bring your current Massachusetts driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted.
Visit an RMV branch during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; the RMV website shows real-time wait times for each branch. The renewal fee is $50 for five years or $100 for ten years, payable by cash, debit card, or credit card. You will receive your new license when ready and can drive home with it the same day.
Renewing after suspension or revocation
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an RMV branch in person. Bring your current license (or a copy if it was confiscated), proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You may also need to bring documentation showing that the reason for suspension or revocation has been resolved—for example, proof of payment for unpaid fines, completion of a DUI program, or a court order lifting the suspension.
The RMV will review your case before issuing a new license. Processing may take longer than a standard renewal. If you are unsure what documents you need, call the RMV at 857-368-8000 before you visit, or check your suspension or revocation notice for specific requirements.
Renewing with an out-of-state or expired license
If you hold an out-of-state driver's license and want to switch to a Massachusetts license, you cannot renew—you must explore for a new Massachusetts license in person. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of legal presence (passport, birth certificate, or visa). The fee is the same as renewal ($50 or $100), but processing may take longer because the RMV must verify your out-of-state record.
If your Massachusetts license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must explore for a new license in person with the same documents listed above. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew by mail or in person using the standard renewal process.
What to do if you miss the renewal important date
Your license is still valid for 30 days after the expiration date printed on it. During this grace period, you can drive legally while you renew. After 30 days, your license is no longer valid and you cannot legally drive. You can still renew by mail or in person, but you must do so before you drive again.
If you have been driving on an expired license for more than 30 days, you are breaking the law and risk a fine or citation. Renew as soon as possible. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must explore for a new license in person rather than renewing, which requires additional documents and verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Massachusetts license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
The RMV will not renew your license if you have unpaid fines or tickets. Pay the fines first, then renew. If you are unsure whether you have outstanding fines, call the RMV at 857-368-8000 or check your record at mass.gov/rmv. Some courts also allow online payment.
How long does it take to get my renewed license if I renew by mail?
Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the RMV receives your form. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your expiration date. If you are close to your expiration date, renew in person instead to get your license the same day.
What if my address changed since my last license?
Update your address during online renewal, write it clearly on the mail renewal form, or tell the RMV staff when you renew in person. Your new license will be mailed to the updated address. If you do not update your address, your license will go to the old address and you may not receive it.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
You need a new photo every 30 years or after certain violations or medical events. The RMV will tell you during the renewal process if you need a new photo. If you do, you must renew in person. You cannot renew online or by mail if a new photo is required.
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended registration or unpaid parking tickets?
A suspended vehicle registration does not prevent you from renewing your driver's license—they are separate. Unpaid parking tickets also do not block license renewal. However, unpaid moving violations or criminal fines do block renewal. Check your record at mass.gov/rmv if you are unsure.