What you need to do to replace a lost license in Massachusetts

To replace a lost driver's license in Massachusetts, you must visit a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) branch in person with proof of identity and residency. The RMV will not issue a replacement by mail or online, even if your license was recently renewed. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and a plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Massachusetts treats a lost license the same as a damaged one — you pay the standard renewal fee (currently $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license) and follow the same in-person process. There is no separate "lost license" fee or expedited option through the RMV itself, though some cities and towns offer RMV services at their local branch offices, which may have shorter wait times than main Registry locations.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at an RMV branch with a valid form of ID and proof of your current Massachusetts address.
  • Bring your Social Security number or ITIN, as the RMV will verify your identity against state records before issuing a replacement.
  • You will pay the standard renewal fee ($50 or $100 depending on license length) and receive a temporary paper license when ready.
  • Your replacement plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; do not rely on the temporary license for out-of-state travel.
  • If you cannot visit an RMV branch, some city and town halls offer limited RMV services and may have shorter wait times.

Documents you must bring to the RMV

Bring one form of primary identification — a valid U.S. passport, passport card, REAL ID-compliant state ID, or military ID. If you do not have any of these, you may use a combination of secondary documents, but the process takes longer and requires additional verification. A birth certificate alone is not enough.

You also need proof of current Massachusetts residency. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or property tax bill in your name. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency (such as a tax notice or court document) also works.

Bring your Social Security number or ITIN. The RMV will not issue a replacement without it, as they use it to verify your identity against state and federal records. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation.

Step-by-step process at the RMV

Step 1: Check wait times and book an appointment (optional). Visit mass.gov/rmv and select "Check Wait Times" to see current lines at each branch. You can also book a free appointment online, which reserves a time slot and usually cuts your wait to 15 to 30 minutes. Walk-ins are accepted but may wait 45 minutes to two hours depending on the branch and time of day.

Step 2: Arrive with all documents. Bring your primary ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you have your old license (even though it is lost), bring any documentation of the loss — a police report, for example — though it is not required.

Step 3: Complete the process. At the RMV, you will fill out a DL 34 form (process for Massachusetts Driver's License or Identification Card). The RMV staff will help you if you are unsure. You will also be asked to confirm your address, any restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses), and your signature.

Step 4: Pay the fee and take your photo. Pay the renewal fee ($50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license) by cash, debit card, or credit card. The RMV will take a new photo. You cannot use a photo from your lost license.

Step 5: Receive your temporary license. The RMV will print a temporary paper license on the spot. This is valid for driving in Massachusetts when ready but is not accepted for air travel or as a federal ID. Keep it with you until your plastic card arrives.

When your replacement card arrives by mail

Your plastic driver's license will arrive by U.S. mail within 7 to 10 business days of your RMV visit. The RMV mails it to the address you provided at the branch. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address online at mass.gov/rmv or at another RMV branch, though this may delay delivery.

Once your card arrives, destroy the temporary paper license — it is no longer valid. If your replacement does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the RMV at 617-351-4500 or visit a branch in person to report the delay. Do not assume it is lost; mail delays happen, especially during high-volume periods.

RMV branch locations and hours

Massachusetts has seven full-service Registry of Motor Vehicles branches: Boston, Brockton, Framingham, Gardner, Leominster, Medford, and Springfield. Hours vary by location but most are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some Saturday hours at select branches. Check mass.gov/rmv for the exact hours of the branch nearest you.

Many city and town halls also offer limited RMV services, including license replacements. These municipal branches often have shorter wait times than the main Registry locations. Call your local town hall or search mass.gov/rmv for "RMV services near me" to find a municipal branch in your area.

What to do if you cannot visit an RMV branch in person

Massachusetts does not offer mail-in or online replacement for a lost license. You must appear in person at an RMV branch or a municipal RMV service location. If you are unable to travel due to disability or medical hardship, contact the RMV at 617-351-4500 to discuss your situation. The RMV may be able to arrange an accommodation, though this is handled case by case and is not may provide.

If you are out of state or out of the country, you will need to return to Massachusetts to replace your license in person. Some people in this situation choose to renew by mail when their license is not lost (which Massachusetts allows), but a lost license requires an in-person visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary paper license to fly or travel out of state?

No. The temporary paper license is valid for driving in Massachusetts only. For air travel, you need a REAL ID-compliant license, passport, or military ID. Once your plastic replacement arrives, it will be REAL ID-compliant if your original was. If you need to fly before your card arrives, use your passport or passport card instead.

What if I lost my license while traveling outside Massachusetts?

You must return to Massachusetts to replace it in person at an RMV branch. If you cannot return when ready, you can request a temporary extension of your driving privileges by calling the RMV at 617-351-4500, though this is not may provide. Once you return, follow the standard replacement process.

Do I have to pay the full renewal fee if my license was recently renewed?

Yes. Massachusetts charges the standard renewal fee regardless of when your license was last renewed. There is no prorated fee or discount for a recent renewal. The fee is $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license.

What if my replacement license arrives with an error on it?

Contact the RMV when ready at 617-351-4500 or visit a branch in person. Bring your temporary paper license and the incorrect card. The RMV will issue a corrected license at no additional charge. Errors are usually corrected within 5 to 7 business days.

Can I report my license lost to the police and get a replacement without visiting the RMV?

No. A police report does not replace the RMV process. You still must visit an RMV branch in person with your documents and pay the renewal fee. A police report is useful for your records and may help if someone uses your lost license fraudulently, but it does not speed up the replacement process.