What you need to do to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Massachusetts license
To replace your Massachusetts driver's license, you can visit a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) branch in person, or you can mail in a replacement request if your license is only slightly damaged. The fastest route is in-person: you'll bring your identification, pay the replacement fee, have your photo taken, and receive a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks.
If you're replacing a lost or stolen license, you'll also need to report it to the RMV so it can't be used fraudulently. This happens automatically when you explore for a replacement in person, but if you're mailing in your request, you should call the RMV first to report the loss.
The process is straightforward, but the documents you bring matter. Bring the wrong ID and you'll have to come back. This section walks you through exactly what to bring and what to expect when you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace your license in person at any RMV branch or by mail if the damage is minor, and in-person replacement gets you a temporary license the same day.
- Bring one document that proves your identity (passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) plus proof of your Massachusetts address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- The replacement fee is $50 for a standard license and $100 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you'll need to bring payment in cash, check, or debit card.
- If your license was stolen, report it to the RMV when you explore so it cannot be used by someone else.
- Your permanent replacement license arrives by mail within two weeks; the temporary license you receive in person is valid until it arrives.
Documents to bring to the RMV
You need two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of your current Massachusetts address. The RMV is strict about what counts, so bring originals, not photocopies.
For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a Social Security card, or a state ID from another state. A school ID, library card, or credit card will not work. If you're bringing a birth certificate, it must be certified (issued by the vital records office in the town where you were born), not a photocopy from a hospital.
For your Massachusetts address, bring one current document with your name and address on it. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A piece of mail from the RMV itself also counts. If you've recently moved and haven't received a bill yet, a signed letter from your landlord or a copy of your lease with your signature will do.
In-person replacement at an RMV branch
Walk into any RMV branch during business hours with your documents and payment. You don't need an appointment for a replacement. Hand your documents to the clerk, explain that you're replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, and they'll check your documents against the RMV database.
Next, you'll have your photo taken. Wear something you're comfortable with — the photo rules are the same as for a new license. You can't wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your face, but you can wear glasses if you normally do.
Pay the fee ($50 for a standard license, $100 for a Real ID) by cash, check, or debit card. Credit cards are not accepted at most branches. The clerk will give you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks. Keep the temporary license with you while you drive — it's legal to use until your permanent one arrives.
Mailing in a replacement request
You can mail in a replacement only if your license is slightly damaged — the photo and information are still readable, and the card itself isn't bent or cracked. If your license is lost or stolen, you must go in person or call the RMV first to report it.
To mail in a replacement, send your damaged license, a check for the replacement fee ($50 or $100), and a signed letter explaining that you're requesting a replacement due to damage. Mail it to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, Attn: License Replacement, 630 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111. Include a return address.
Processing takes four to six weeks by mail, and you won't receive a temporary license. You cannot legally drive without a valid license during this time, so mailing in a replacement only makes sense if you don't need to drive while you wait.
Reporting a stolen license
If your license was stolen, report it to the RMV when you explore for a replacement. When you're in person at an RMV branch, tell the clerk that your license was stolen, not lost. They'll flag it in the system so it can't be used by someone else.
If you're mailing in a replacement, call the RMV at 617-351-4500 before you send your request. Explain that your license was stolen and provide your license number if you have it. The RMV will deactivate it in their system. Then mail in your replacement request as described above.
You don't need to file a police report to replace a stolen license, though you can if you want a record of the theft for other reasons.
Real ID versus standard license
When you replace your license, you can choose between a standard Massachusetts license and a Real ID-compliant license. The Real ID costs $50 more ($100 instead of $50) but is required for federal purposes: boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, or using certain military bases.
If you already have a Real ID license, your replacement will be Real ID by default unless you ask for a standard license instead. If you have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so when you replace it — just tell the clerk. You'll need to bring additional documents: your Social Security card and proof of your address (same as above).
Most people choose Real ID when replacing because the extra cost is small and the document is more widely accepted. But if you don't fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license works fine.
What happens after you receive your replacement
Your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks of your in-person visit. Check the envelope carefully — make sure the name, address, and license number are correct. If anything is wrong, return to an RMV branch with your temporary license and the permanent one to request a correction.
Once your permanent license arrives, destroy your temporary license. You no longer need it, and keeping it could cause confusion if you're stopped by police.
If your permanent license doesn't arrive within three weeks, call the RMV at 617-351-4500 to check the status. Provide your license number or date of birth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online?
No. Massachusetts does not offer online license replacement. You must either visit an RMV branch in person or mail in your request if your license is only slightly damaged. In-person replacement is faster and gets you a temporary license the same day.
What if I don't have a Social Security card or birth certificate?
You can bring a valid passport or state ID from another state instead. If you don't have any of these documents, contact the RMV at 617-351-4500 to ask what alternatives they accept. You may need to visit a branch in person to discuss your specific situation.
How much does a replacement license cost?
A standard Massachusetts license replacement costs $50. A Real ID-compliant license costs $100. Payment must be in cash, check, or debit card — credit cards are not accepted at most branches.
Can I drive with my temporary license?
Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days and is legal to use while you drive. Keep it with you at all times. Once your permanent license arrives, you no longer need the temporary one.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Bring proof of your new Massachusetts address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) along with your identity document. The RMV will update your address when you replace your license. You don't need a separate address change form.