How to Change Your Address on a Massachusetts Driver's License

What You Need to Do

To change the address on your Massachusetts driver's license, you have three options: update it online through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) website, do it by mail, or visit an RMV branch in person. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail and in-person visits take longer but work if you prefer not to use the online system.

You do not need to pay a fee to change your address. The RMV treats an address change as a transaction that keeps your existing license valid; you are not renewing or replacing it unless you also request a new photo or card for another reason.

Your new address becomes official the moment the RMV processes your request. You do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive to use your new address for other purposes — banks, employers, and other agencies can verify the change through the RMV's records once it is processed.

Key Takeaways

The online address change at mass.gov/rmv takes 10 minutes and costs nothing, with your new card arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to change your address online.
If you mail or visit in person, bring your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days.
Your address change is official in the RMV system when ready after processing, even if you have not yet received the new card in the mail.
If you have moved out of state or your license is expired, you cannot use the online method and must visit an RMV branch or mail in your request.

Online Address Change Through the RMV Website

The fastest route is the RMV's online address change portal at mass.gov/rmv. Log in with your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will display your current address and let you enter your new one. You can complete the entire process in about 10 minutes.

After you submit your new address online, the RMV mails you a new card with the updated address printed on it. This card arrives in 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances. Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification during that time.

The online method is only available if your current license is valid (not expired) and you still live in Massachusetts. If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you have moved out of state, you must use the mail or in-person options instead.

Mailing Your Address Change to the RMV

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a completed form to the RMV. Use Form DL 34, which is the Address Change form. You can read it from mass.gov/rmv or request it by phone at 857-368-8000.

Include with your form: your current driver's license (or a photocopy), proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, and a signed cover letter with your name and phone number. Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your new location.

Mail the packet to:

Registry of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box 369022 Boston, MA 02136-9022

Processing by mail typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. Your new card will be mailed to the address you provide. During this time, your old license remains valid for identification purposes.

Changing Your Address in Person at an RMV Branch

You can also visit any RMV Service Center to change your address. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or similar document dated within 60 days). The transaction takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how busy the branch is.

The RMV branch will process your address change on the spot and issue you a new card before you leave. This is the fastest way to get a card with your new address in hand, though you will need to wait in line. Check the RMV website for branch locations and hours before you go; some branches operate by appointment only.

If you visit in person, bring your current license and proof of address. You do not need to fill out any forms beforehand — the RMV staff will handle the paperwork. There is no fee for an address change.

Proof of Address Documents the RMV Will Accept

The RMV requires proof that you actually live at your new address. The document must be dated within 60 days of your request and show your name and the new address. Here are the documents the RMV accepts:

Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
Lease agreement or rental contract
Mortgage statement or property tax bill
Bank or credit card statement
Insurance policy (auto, home, or renters)
Government mail (tax documents, voter registration, court papers)
Paycheck stub showing your new address

The document does not have to be an original — a photocopy or printed email is acceptable. It must show both your name and your new address clearly. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, a lease agreement or a letter from your landlord on official letterhead can work as a substitute.

What Happens After You Change Your Address

Once the RMV processes your address change, your new address is when ready active in their system. You can use this updated information for other government transactions, bank account changes, voter registration updates, and employment records — you do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive.

If you change your address online or by mail, your new card will be mailed to the address you provided. If you changed it in person at an RMV branch, you receive the new card before you leave. Keep your old card until the new one arrives; both are valid for identification during the transition.

If you move again before your new card arrives, you can submit another address change request. The RMV will mail the card to your most recent address on file. There is no limit to how many times you can update your address.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting an illegible or incomplete proof of address. Make sure your utility bill, lease, or other document clearly shows your full name and complete new address. If the document is hard to read, the RMV may reject it and ask you to resubmit. Photocopies are fine, but they must be clear enough to read every word.

Using a document older than 60 days. The RMV will not accept proof of address dated more than 60 days before your request. If your utility bill is from three months ago, get a more recent one or use a different document. Bank statements and paycheck stubs are usually easier to obtain quickly.

Trying to change your address online when your license is expired. The online system only works for valid licenses. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew it before you can change the address online. If it expired less than five years ago, you can still use the online system to change the address, but you will need to renew the license separately afterward.

Not including a signed cover letter with a mail-in request. If you mail Form DL 34, include a brief letter with your name, phone number, and signature. This helps the RMV staff match your form to your records and contact you if there are questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online process itself takes about 10 minutes. The RMV then mails your new card, which arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Your address is updated in the RMV system when ready after you submit the request, so you can use the new address for other purposes right away — you do not have to wait for the card.

Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?

No. Changing your address on your Massachusetts driver's license is free. There is no fee whether you do it online, by mail, or in person at an RMV branch.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

It depends on how long ago it expired. If your license expired less than five years ago, you can change the address online or by mail. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew your license first, which requires a visit to an RMV branch. You can renew and change your address at the same time during that visit.

What if I move before my new card arrives?

You can submit another address change request. The RMV will mail the card to your most recent address on file. If you changed your address online or by mail the first time, you can do the same again. There is no penalty for multiple address changes.

Is my old license still valid while I wait for the new card?

Yes. Your old license remains valid for identification purposes until your new card arrives. Both cards show you are the same person; the RMV's system reflects your current address when ready after processing, even if the physical card has not yet been delivered.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.