What you need to do to get a replacement license in Massachusetts
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Massachusetts driver's license, you will visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the RMV office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you.
You cannot replace your license by mail or online in Massachusetts. You must appear at an RMV branch office yourself. If your license was stolen, you should also report the theft to local police and bring the police report number with you to the RMV, though it is not required to complete the replacement.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an RMV office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current Massachusetts address to replace your license.
- The replacement fee is $50 for a standard license and covers the new card plus the temporary paper license you receive when ready.
- Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days; your plastic replacement card arrives by mail within two to three weeks in most cases.
- If your license was stolen, bring a police report number to the RMV, though you can still get a replacement without one.
- You will need to have a new photo taken at the RMV, so plan for that when you visit.
Documents to bring to the RMV
Bring one form of valid photo ID and one document proving your current address in Massachusetts. The RMV accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license as photo ID. If you do not have any of those, you can bring a combination of other documents — ask the RMV ahead of time if you are unsure.
For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document must show your full name and street address and be dated within the last 60 days. A PO box does not count as proof of address.
If your license was stolen, bring the police report number or a copy of the report itself. This is optional but recommended, especially if you are concerned about identity theft.
The replacement fee and what it covers
The replacement fee for a standard Massachusetts driver's license is $50. This single fee covers both your temporary paper license (issued when ready) and your permanent plastic card (mailed to you later). There are no additional charges if you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license.
The RMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most locations. A few older branches may accept cash only, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods at your specific office.
RMV office locations and how to find your nearest branch
Massachusetts has RMV service centers across the state. You can find the full list and hours on the official RMV website at mass.gov/rmv. Each office handles license replacements, so you can visit whichever location is most convenient for you — you do not have to go to the office that issued your original license.
Many RMV offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours one or two nights per week. A few locations are open on Saturday mornings. Check the website or call your local office before you go to confirm current hours, as they change seasonally and may be affected by staffing.
Walk-ins are accepted at all RMV offices, but wait times vary widely depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning visits (right when the office opens) and mid-week visits typically have shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.
Your temporary license and when your new card arrives
When you complete your replacement at the RMV, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and has the same legal weight as your plastic card — you can drive with it, use it as ID, and present it to police if stopped. Write down the expiration date so you know when to expect your permanent card.
Your plastic replacement card is mailed to the address you provide at the RMV. Standard delivery takes two to three weeks in most cases, though mail delays can extend that. If you move before your card arrives, you can update your address with the RMV online or by phone, and they will remail the card to your new address at no extra charge.
If your plastic card does not arrive within four weeks, contact the RMV to report it. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if necessary.
If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft
A stolen driver's license is a real security risk because it contains your name, address, date of birth, and license number — information that can be used to open accounts or commit fraud in your name. Beyond getting your license replaced, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and monitoring your credit report for suspicious activity.
You can place a free fraud alert by contacting any one of the three bureaus; they will notify the others automatically. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can also check your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com.
If you discover that someone has opened accounts or made charges using your stolen license, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. This creates an official record and gives you tools to dispute fraudulent accounts.
What to do if your license is damaged but not lost
If your license is still in your possession but damaged — cracked, faded, water-damaged, or unreadable — you can still replace it using the same process. Bring your damaged license along with your ID and proof of address. The RMV will take your damaged card and issue a replacement. The fee and timeline are the same as for a lost or stolen license.
A damaged license that is still readable and in your possession does not need to be replaced when ready, but if the photo or information is hard to read, replacing it now prevents problems later when you need to use it for travel or official purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I do not have a current address in Massachusetts?
No. You must provide proof of a current Massachusetts address to replace your license. If you have recently moved out of state or are living temporarily without a permanent address, you will need to establish a Massachusetts address first or contact the RMV to discuss your situation.
What if I lost my license while traveling out of state?
You can still replace it at any RMV office in Massachusetts when you return home. Bring your ID and proof of address as usual. If you need to drive before you can get to the RMV, you can request a temporary paper license by phone or online in some cases — contact the RMV directly to ask about this option.
Do I have to take a new photo when I replace my license?
Yes. The RMV will take a new photo of you during your replacement visit. This is part of the standard replacement process and cannot be skipped. Wear something you are comfortable in for the photo, as it will be on your license for the next five years.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent plastic card should arrive by mail before that date expires. If it does not, contact the RMV to check the status.
What if my replacement card arrives damaged or with errors?
Contact the RMV when ready. They can reissue your card at no charge if there is a printing error or damage. Bring your temporary paper license or the damaged card to an RMV office, or call to report the problem and ask about a reissue by mail.