What you need to do to change your Massachusetts driver license
To change your Massachusetts driver license — whether you need a new photo, updated address, name change, or a replacement for a lost or damaged card — you visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in person with the right documents. Massachusetts does not allow you to change your license by mail or online. You must appear at an RMV branch, bring proof of identity and residency, and pay the applicable fee. The process takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your old license until the new one arrives, as long as it has not been suspended or revoked. If your old license was lost or stolen, you should report it to the RMV at the same time you request the replacement, so the old card cannot be misused.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an RMV branch in person with a valid ID and proof of Massachusetts residency to change your license.
- The fee for a standard replacement or change is $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license, depending on your age and license type.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can drive on your old license until it arrives.
- If your license was lost or stolen, report it to the RMV at the same time you request the replacement to prevent fraud.
- RMV branches are busiest on Mondays and Fridays; visiting mid-week or mid-morning often means shorter waits.
Documents you must bring to the RMV
The RMV requires two things: proof of identity and proof of Massachusetts residency. Your current Massachusetts driver license counts as proof of identity. If you do not have it (because it was lost or stolen), bring a U.S. passport, passport card, or REAL ID-compliant state ID from another state.
For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill, or a letter from a government agency. A credit card bill does not count. If you have recently moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a lease or mortgage statement instead.
If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The RMV will not process a name change without it.
Fees and license types in Massachusetts
A standard five-year driver license costs $50. A ten-year license costs $100. You are may be able to access for the ten-year license if you are 18 or older and have not had your license suspended or revoked in the past five years. If you are under 18, you receive a five-year license at no charge if it is your first license; replacements cost $50.
If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, the fee is the same as a regular renewal. There is no additional "replacement" charge. If you are changing only your address or name, you also pay the standard renewal fee.
The RMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all branches. Some branches have ATMs on-site if you need cash.
How to find your nearest RMV branch and book an appointment
Massachusetts RMV branches are located in most cities and towns. You can find the nearest one and check current wait times on the official RMV website at mass.gov/rmv. The site lists all branch locations, hours, and phone numbers.
You do not need to book an appointment in advance for a license change, but the RMV offers an online reservation system that lets you reserve a time slot. Reservations reduce your wait time significantly — often to 15 minutes or less. To reserve a slot, visit mass.gov/rmv, select your branch, and choose an available date and time. You will receive a confirmation number to bring with you.
If you prefer to walk in without a reservation, go early in the day or mid-week. Mondays and Fridays are the busiest days. If you are unable to visit in person, you cannot change your license by phone or mail; you must appear at a branch.
What happens after you submit your process
After you submit your documents and pay the fee, the RMV staff will take a new photo (unless you are only changing your address, in which case they may use your existing photo). You will sign the back of a temporary license receipt, which you can use to drive when ready while you wait for your new card to arrive by mail.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided at the RMV within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the RMV branch where you applied and provide your confirmation number. Do not throw away your old license until the new one arrives; if the new card is lost in the mail, you will need the old one as proof of identity.
Changing your address without renewing your license
If you have moved but your license is not yet due for renewal, you can update your address at the RMV without paying a renewal fee. You still must visit in person with proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The RMV will issue you a new card with the updated address at no charge, and it will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Keeping your address current is important. If you are pulled over and your license shows an old address, you may face questions from law enforcement. If you receive a ticket or citation, the RMV will mail it to the address on your license, so an outdated address can cause you to miss court dates or payment important date.
If your license was suspended or revoked
If your Massachusetts license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward walk into the RMV and request a replacement. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, DUI conviction, or accumulation of points from traffic violations.
Contact the RMV directly at 617-351-4500 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you must take to restore it. Once you have satisfied the requirements — paying fines, completing a DUI program, or waiting out a suspension period — you can return to the RMV to request reinstatement. The RMV will tell you whether you need to take a written test or road test before your license is restored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my license if I do not have a current address in Massachusetts?
No. You must provide proof of residency in Massachusetts 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, bring a letter from your landlord or a mortgage statement. If you are homeless, contact the RMV directly to discuss options.
What if I lost my license and do not know where to report it?
Report the loss to the RMV when you visit to request a replacement. Tell the staff member that your license was lost, and they will flag the old card in the system so it cannot be used fraudulently. You do not need to file a separate police report unless you suspect identity theft.
How long can I drive on my old license while I wait for the new one?
You can drive on your old license indefinitely until the new one arrives, as long as the old license is valid and not suspended. Once your new license arrives by mail, the old one is no longer valid. Destroy it or return it to the RMV.
Do I need a REAL ID to change my driver license in Massachusetts?
No. A standard Massachusetts driver license is separate from a REAL ID. You can request either one when you visit the RMV. A REAL ID costs the same as a standard license but is required for federal air travel and entry to military bases. If you want to upgrade to REAL ID, tell the RMV staff when you explore.
What if the RMV loses my process or my new license does not arrive?
Contact the RMV branch where you applied within two weeks of your visit. Provide your confirmation number and the date you applied. The RMV will investigate and reissue your license if needed. If your new license was lost in the mail, the RMV can send a replacement at no additional charge.