Where to change your address with the Massachusetts RMV
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) handles address changes for your driver's license, learner's permit, and vehicle registration. You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at an RMV service center. The online option is fastest and available 24/7, but not all document types can be updated that way.
Massachusetts residents must notify the RMV within 30 days of moving. If you don't update your address and get pulled over, you can be cited for failing to report a change of address, even though the violation itself carries no points on your license.
Your vehicle registration and driver's license can have different addresses in Massachusetts, but keeping them the same prevents confusion with law enforcement and mail delivery. If you move and only update one, the RMV's records will show a mismatch.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts requires you to report an address change to the RMV within 30 days of moving, or you may be cited.
- The RMV's online system lets you change your driver's license address when ready if you have a valid Massachusetts license and a Social Security number on file.
- Vehicle registration address changes must be done online, by mail, or in person — the online method is fastest and requires your registration number and plate number.
- If you change your address online, you do not need to visit a service center or pay a fee for the driver's license update.
- Mail-in changes take 7 to 10 business days; in-person changes are processed the same day you visit.
Changing your driver's license address online
The RMV's online address change system is the quickest method for updating your driver's license. Go to mass.gov/rmv, select "Change Address Online," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will then enter your new address and confirm the change.
The system updates your record when ready. You do not receive a new physical license card — your current card remains valid at your old address, but the RMV's database shows your new one. When you renew your license in the future, the card will print with the updated address.
Online changes work only if your license is currently valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired or you have a learner's permit, you must use mail or in-person methods instead.
Changing your vehicle registration address
Vehicle registration address changes are handled separately from your driver's license. You can change your registration address online at mass.gov/rmv by selecting "Change Address Online" and choosing the vehicle registration option. You will need your registration number (found on your registration card) and your plate number.
Like the license change, the online registration update is when ready and free. Your current registration card remains valid; the new address appears in the RMV system and on your next renewal notice.
If you have multiple vehicles registered in Massachusetts, you must update each one separately. Commercial vehicles and vehicles registered to a business may have different procedures — contact the RMV directly if your vehicle falls into either category.
Changing your address by mail
To change your address by mail, read the "Change of Address" form from mass.gov/rmv or request one by calling the RMV at 617-351-4500. Fill out the form with your current license or registration number, your new address, and sign it. Mail it to the RMV address listed on the form.
Mail-in changes typically take 7 to 10 business days to process. There is no fee. You do not need to include your old license or registration card — the RMV uses the form to update its records.
Keep a copy of the form for your records. If you are changing both your license and registration address, you can use the same form for both, but you must list both documents on it.
Changing your address in person at an RMV service center
You can visit any RMV service center to change your address. Bring your current driver's license or registration card and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address.
In-person changes are processed the same day. There is no fee. You do not receive a new physical license card on the spot — the address change is recorded in the RMV system, and your next renewal will show the new address.
RMV service centers operate by appointment only in most locations. Book your appointment at mass.gov/rmv or call 617-351-4500. Wait times vary by location and time of day, but appointments typically can be scheduled within a few days.
What counts as proof of your new address
The RMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and insurance documents as proof of address. The document must show your name, your new address, and be dated within the last 60 days. A printed utility bill, lease, or bank statement works; a screenshot or email does not.
If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, you can use a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, stating your name, the new address, and the move-in date. Some RMV staff accept this; others do not, so call ahead if you are unsure.
You do not need proof of address for online changes — the system assumes you are updating your own record. For mail-in changes, the RMV does not request proof, but keep documentation in case questions arise later.
If your license or registration is suspended or revoked
If your driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot use the online address change system. You must change your address by mail or in person. The same applies if your registration is suspended for unpaid excise tax or other violations.
Changing your address does not lift a suspension or revocation. The RMV will update your address in its system, but your license or registration remains invalid until you resolve the underlying issue — paying fines, completing a safety course, or meeting other requirements.
If you are unsure whether your license or registration is suspended, call the RMV at 617-351-4500 or check your status online at mass.gov/rmv before attempting an online change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get a new license card when I change my address?
No. Your current license card remains valid even after you change your address online or by mail. The RMV updates its database, and your new address appears on your next renewal card. If you need a replacement card with the new address before renewal, you can request one in person at an RMV service center for a fee.
What if I move out of state?
If you move to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state within the timeframe it requires — usually 30 to 60 days. You do not need to formally notify the Massachusetts RMV that you have left the state, but you should not maintain an active Massachusetts license once you are a resident of another state. Surrendering your Massachusetts license to the new state's DMV is the standard practice.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
You cannot use the online system if your license is expired. You must change your address by mail or in person. If you are changing your address in person, you can renew your license at the same time, which requires a new photo and updated information.
How long does an address change take to show up in the RMV system?
Online changes are when ready. Mail-in changes take 7 to 10 business days. In-person changes are processed the same day. Law enforcement can see your updated address in the RMV database when ready after processing, so there is no delay in their records.
Do I have to change my address if I move within Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts law requires you to report any change of address to the RMV within 30 days, whether you move across town or across the state. Failing to do so can result in a citation, even though it carries no license points.