What Massachusetts requires from immigrant applicants
Massachusetts issues driver's licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency. The state accepts a range of documents that prove identity and residency, including documents issued by foreign governments.
The core requirement is proof of identity, proof of Massachusetts residency, and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you have a valid passport from your country of origin, that alone satisfies the identity requirement. If you do not have a passport, Massachusetts accepts a combination of documents — for example, a birth certificate plus a consular ID card.
Massachusetts also requires a vision test and a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs. If you are under 18, you must complete a certified driver education course. If you are 18 or older, you may skip the course but must still pass both tests.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts accepts foreign passports, consular ID cards, and birth certificates as proof of identity — you do not need a U.S. document.
- You must prove Massachusetts residency with a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, and show a Social Security number or ITIN.
- The written test and vision test are required for all applicants; the driver education course is required only if you are under 18.
- You can take the written test in over 30 languages at the Registry of Motor Vehicles, including Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Arabic.
- The fee for a five-year license is $50; a ten-year license costs $100.
Documents you need to bring to the Registry
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted. The Registry will not accept documents that are expired, with one exception: a foreign passport may be expired and still count as proof of identity.
For proof of identity, bring one of the following:
- A valid or expired foreign passport
- A consular ID card (matrícula consular) issued by your country's embassy or consulate
- A birth certificate plus a second document showing your name and date of birth (such as a school record, medical record, or employment letter on official letterhead)
- A foreign driver's license plus a birth certificate
For proof of Massachusetts residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days:
- A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet)
- A lease or rental agreement
- A bank or credit card statement
- A mortgage statement
- A property tax bill
- A pay stub from a Massachusetts employer
For proof of Social Security number or ITIN, bring one of the following:
- Your Social Security card
- A W-2 form or pay stub showing your Social Security number
- A letter from the Social Security Administration or IRS showing your number or ITIN
- A tax return
If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, you can request one from the Social Security Administration or explore for an ITIN through the IRS before visiting the Registry. The process takes several weeks.
Steps to take at the Registry of Motor Vehicles
Visit a Registry branch in person. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. Bring all documents listed above, plus your completed process for a Massachusetts Driver's License or Identification Card (form DL 34). You can read this form from the Registry website or fill it out at the Registry.
At the Registry, you will:
- Submit your documents and completed form to a clerk.
- Have your photograph taken.
- Take a vision test (read letters on a chart from a set distance).
- Take the written knowledge test on a computer terminal.
- Pay the fee ($50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license).
The written test has 40 questions. You must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. You can retake the test the same day if you fail, or return another day. The test is offered in over 30 languages; tell the clerk which language you need when you arrive.
If you pass both the vision and written tests, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Timeline and wait times at Registry branches
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Branches in Boston, Worcester, and Springfield typically have longer waits than rural locations. Mornings on weekdays are usually faster than afternoons or weekends.
The Registry does not take appointments for standard driver's license applications. Some branches offer a "fast pass" system where you take a number and wait in a queue; others use a first-come, first-served model. Arrive early or call ahead to ask about current wait times at your nearest branch.
The entire process at the Registry — from submitting documents to receiving your temporary license — usually takes 30 to 60 minutes if you pass both tests on your first attempt. If you fail the written test and retake it the same day, add another 15 to 20 minutes.
What to do if your documents are missing or incomplete
If you do not have a document from the required list, the Registry may ask you to provide additional documents or a notarized statement explaining why you cannot obtain the missing document. For example, if you do not have a birth certificate, you can bring a notarized affidavit stating that you were born in a specific country and cannot obtain a birth certificate from that country's government.
If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN and cannot obtain one before your visit, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS. This process takes 4 to 6 weeks. You will need to return to the Registry once you have your ITIN number.
If your residency document is older than 60 days, it will not be accepted. You must bring a document dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved to Massachusetts and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter confirming your residency, or bring a lease agreement even if it has not yet been signed.
Renewing or replacing your Massachusetts license
A five-year license expires five years from the date it was issued. A ten-year license expires ten years from the date it was issued. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Registry branch.
To renew online, visit the Registry website and use your license number and date of birth. You will need to pass a vision test, which you can take at an optometrist's office or at a Registry branch. The online renewal fee is $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license.
If you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license, visit a Registry branch with proof of identity and residency. The replacement fee is $25.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a permanent resident or citizen to get a Massachusetts driver's license?
No. Massachusetts issues driver's licenses to all residents regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have any specific visa. You only need to prove your identity, Massachusetts residency, and a Social Security number or ITIN.
Can I use a consular ID card if I don't have a passport?
Yes. A consular ID card (matrícula consular) issued by your country's embassy or consulate is accepted as proof of identity. If you do not have a passport or consular ID, you can use a birth certificate plus a second document showing your name and date of birth, such as a school record or employment letter.
What languages is the written test offered in?
The test is offered in over 30 languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Vietnamese, Arabic, Korean, Russian, and many others. Tell the Registry clerk which language you need when you arrive. You do not need to request it in advance.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost, or return to the Registry another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Many people study the Massachusetts Driver's Manual (available free online in multiple languages) before their second attempt.
How long does it take to receive my permanent license after I pass the tests?
You receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing both tests. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one.