What You Need to Do Right Now

To replace a lost driver's license in Massachusetts, you must visit a RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles) branch in person with proof of identity and residency. You cannot renew or replace a license by mail, phone, or online. The RMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. The plastic license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

You do not need to report the loss to police unless you believe the license was stolen and used fraudulently. A lost license alone does not require a police report for RMV purposes.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at an RMV branch with a valid ID and proof of your current Massachusetts address.
  • The RMV issues a temporary paper license when ready, good for 30 days, while your plastic card is mailed to your address on file.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a birth certificate or tax return.
  • The replacement fee is $50 for a standard license; the fee is the same whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged.
  • If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.

Documents You Must Bring to the RMV

Bring one form of primary identification. The RMV accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of secondary documents—for example, a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a school ID plus a bank statement.

You must also prove your current Massachusetts address. Bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency (tax bill, court notice, voter registration card) also works.

Have your Social Security number ready. If you do not know it, bring a document that shows it: a birth certificate, Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. The RMV will not accept a Social Security card alone as your primary ID.

Step-by-Step Process at the RMV

Step 1: Get a number. When you arrive at an RMV branch, take a ticket from the kiosk or ask staff for a number. Wait for your number to be called.

Step 2: Tell the clerk you need a replacement license. Hand over your documents. The clerk will verify your identity and address, check your driving record, and confirm you are not disqualified from holding a license.

Step 3: Pay the fee. The replacement fee is $50. The RMV accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most branches, but call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific location.

Step 4: Take your temporary license. The clerk will print a temporary paper license on the spot. This is valid for 30 days and has the same legal weight as your plastic license for driving, identification, and age verification. Write down the expiration date.

Step 5: Wait for your plastic license. Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you have moved since your last license was issued and did not bring proof of your new address, the card will go to your old address, and you will need to contact the RMV to request a remail.

RMV Branch Locations and Hours

Massachusetts has 23 RMV branch locations. The main office is in Boston, but branches are spread across the state in cities including Worcester, Springfield, Framingham, New Bedford, and Fitchburg. Hours vary by location but typically run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some branches open Saturday mornings.

Visit mass.gov/rmv to find the branch nearest you, see current wait times, and confirm hours before you go. Some branches are busier than others; early morning or mid-week visits usually mean shorter waits. You cannot make an appointment for a replacement license; the RMV operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

What Happens If Your Address Has Changed

If you have moved since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address to the RMV. Without it, the RMV will mail your new license to the address on file—your old address—and you will have to request a remail, which adds time.

Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail (tax bill, voter card, court notice) dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail with your name and current address is usually enough.

If Your Temporary License Expires Before Your Plastic Card Arrives

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. In almost all cases, your plastic license will arrive within that window. If it does not, contact the RMV at 617-351-4500 to check the status. Do not drive on an expired temporary license; if your plastic card has not arrived by day 30, call the RMV before your temporary license expires.

If the RMV confirms the card is lost in the mail, they can issue you a second temporary license at no additional cost. You will need to return to an RMV branch in person to get it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license at a different RMV branch than the one I usually go to?

Yes. Any RMV branch in Massachusetts can issue a replacement license. You do not have to go to the branch closest to your home or the one where you originally got your license. Go to whichever branch is most convenient for you.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You still must go to an RMV branch in Massachusetts to get a replacement. The RMV does not issue replacements by mail or through other states' DMVs. If you are out of state and need to drive, you can use your temporary paper license (if you already got one) or a passport as ID until you return to Massachusetts.

Do I have to pay the $50 fee if my license was damaged, not lost?

Yes. The replacement fee is $50 whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. The fee is the same for all three situations.

What if I find my old license after I get a replacement?

Destroy it or return it to the RMV. Do not carry or use both licenses. If you are pulled over with two valid licenses, you may face questions about which one is current. The RMV recommends cutting up your old license and throwing it away.

Can I get a REAL ID-compliant replacement license at the same time?

Yes. If your current license is not REAL ID-compliant and you want to upgrade, bring the same documents plus your original birth certificate or passport. The fee for a REAL ID replacement is $50, the same as a standard replacement. Tell the clerk you want a REAL ID license when you hand in your documents.