What you need to do to get a replacement license in Massachusetts
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Massachusetts driver's license, you visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in person with proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter, and you can walk out with a temporary license the same day. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot replace your license online or by mail in Massachusetts. The RMV requires you to appear in person because they need to verify your identity and take a new photograph. If your license was stolen, you should also file a police report, though the RMV does not require it to issue a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an RMV branch in person with a valid ID and proof you live in Massachusetts.
- The replacement fee is $50 for a standard license and $75 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you pay at the time of your visit.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report separately; the RMV does not require it but it protects you against fraud.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because the RMV will verify it during your visit.
Documents you need to bring to the RMV
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Massachusetts. For identity, the RMV accepts a passport, passport card, military ID, or a previous Massachusetts license or ID card. If you do not have any of those, you can bring a certified birth certificate plus a Social Security card.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a lease signed within the last 60 days works. A bank statement or insurance bill also counts.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have your card, bring a document that shows it — a tax return, W-2, or Social Security statement. The RMV will not issue a license without verifying your number against Social Security Administration records.
Where to go and how to book your visit
The RMV operates 40 branch locations across Massachusetts. You can visit any branch, not just the one closest to your address. Some branches are busier than others; branches in smaller towns often have shorter wait times than those in Boston or Worcester.
You can book an appointment online through the RMV website or walk in without one. Booking an appointment reserves your place in line and typically reduces your wait to 15 to 30 minutes. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis and may wait 45 minutes to two hours, depending on the branch and time of day. Appointments fill up quickly during lunch hours and late afternoons on weekdays, so booking early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday usually means shorter waits.
The RMV website shows real-time wait times at each branch. If you walk in and the wait is longer than you want, you can book an appointment for a later date and leave.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and provide your documents. An RMV staff member will verify your identity and residency, check your Social Security number against federal records, and ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file. This takes about five minutes.
You will then be directed to the photo station, where you sit for a new photograph. The photo is taken against a plain background and must show your face clearly. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that obscures your features. Religious head coverings are permitted if they do not hide your face.
After your photo is taken, you pay the replacement fee at the cashier. You will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 180 days and works for driving, voting, and most other purposes while you wait for your permanent card.
Replacement fees and what affects the cost
A standard Massachusetts driver's license replacement costs $50. If you want a Real ID-compliant license — which is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 2025 — the cost is $75. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and meet federal identification standards.
If your license was damaged but not lost or stolen, you may be able to exchange it for a replacement at no charge if the damage is the RMV's fault — for example, if the card is defective or the photo is unreadable. Bring your damaged license and explain the issue. The RMV staff will decide whether to charge you.
If you are replacing a license that expired more than five years ago, you may need to retake the written test and road test, which changes the process and cost. Bring your old license to your visit so the RMV can check the expiration date.
Your temporary license and when your permanent card arrives
Your temporary paper license is printed when ready after you pay the fee. It is valid for 180 days and has the same legal weight as a permanent license for driving purposes. You can use it to drive, vote, and board domestic flights. Some businesses may ask for a photo ID card rather than a paper temporary, so keep your temporary in a safe place and bring it with you when you drive.
Your permanent license is mailed to the address you provided at your visit. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you move before your card arrives, contact the RMV to update your address so the card is forwarded correctly. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, call the RMV at 617-351-4500 to report it and request a replacement.
Once your permanent card arrives, destroy your temporary license. You do not need to return it to the RMV.
If your license was stolen and you are concerned about fraud
File a police report with your local police department if your license was stolen. Give them the license number if you remember it, or tell them the RMV can provide it. A police report creates an official record that protects you if someone tries to use your license fraudulently.
After you file the report, contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This alerts lenders that you may be a victim of identity theft and makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert online, by phone, or by mail; it is free and lasts one year.
You do not need to place a fraud alert to get your replacement license, but it is a good precaution if your license included your Social Security number or if you are worried about identity theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, the RMV will not issue a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. You can check your license status on the RMV website or by calling 617-351-4500. Once the suspension ends, you can replace your lost or damaged license at that time.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can still get a replacement license, but you will need to visit the RMV in person and bring documents proving your identity and residency. The RMV will issue an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or use an alternative verification process. Call the RMV before your visit to confirm what documents to bring.
Do I need to retake the written test or road test to replace my license?
No, not for a straightforward replacement of a lost, stolen, or damaged license. You only retake tests if your license expired more than five years ago or if the RMV has reason to believe your driving skills have changed. A replacement is a straight swap of your old license for a new one.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license if I am out of state?
No. Your replacement license is mailed to the address you provide, so you do not need to pick it up in person. If you move before it arrives, update your address with the RMV so it is forwarded to you. You cannot have someone else collect it from an RMV branch.
What if my temporary license is lost or damaged before my permanent card arrives?
Contact the RMV and request a replacement temporary license. You will need to visit a branch in person again and pay another $50 replacement fee. Bring your ID and proof of residency. The RMV will issue a new temporary while your permanent card is still in the mail.