What you need to do to transfer your license to Massachusetts

To transfer an out-of-state driver's license to Massachusetts, you must visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in person, bring your current out-of-state license and proof of residency, pass a vision test, and pay a fee. You do not need to take the written or road test again — Massachusetts recognizes valid licenses from other U.S. states and territories. The process takes about 30 minutes at the RMV, and your new Massachusetts license arrives by mail within two weeks.

Massachusetts requires you to transfer your license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. This means moving into a home you own or rent, getting a job, or enrolling in school full-time. Waiting longer than 30 days does not automatically invalidate your out-of-state license, but driving on an out-of-state license after you have become a Massachusetts resident is technically illegal.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an RMV branch in person with your current out-of-state license and proof you live in Massachusetts.
  • Massachusetts accepts valid licenses from all U.S. states and does not require you to retake the written or road test.
  • You will take a vision test at the RMV and pay a fee that depends on how long your new license will be valid.
  • Your new Massachusetts license is mailed to you within two weeks; you can drive on your out-of-state license until it arrives.
  • You have 30 days from the date you move to Massachusetts to complete the transfer.

Documents you must bring to the RMV

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license and one document that proves you live in Massachusetts. The RMV accepts a lease or mortgage in your name, a utility bill dated within the last 60 days, a bank statement, a property tax bill, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead showing your name and Massachusetts work address. The document must show your full name and current address.

If your out-of-state license is expired or will expire within 30 days, bring it anyway — the RMV will still transfer it. If your license was suspended or revoked in another state, you cannot transfer it to Massachusetts; you must instead take the full licensing process from the beginning, including the written and road tests.

You do not need to bring your Social Security card, but having it with you can speed up the process if there are any questions about your identity. Bring a valid form of identification if your out-of-state license has been lost or stolen.

What happens at the RMV appointment

When you arrive at the RMV, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Wait for your number to be called, then go to the window. The clerk will review your out-of-state license and proof of residency, ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file, and take a new photograph for your Massachusetts license.

You will then move to the vision testing station, where you read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you will be told on the spot and given information about scheduling a follow-up appointment after you have seen an eye doctor.

After the vision test, you will return to the clerk, pay the fee, and receive a receipt. Your new Massachusetts license will be mailed to your address within two weeks. You can continue to drive on your out-of-state license until the Massachusetts license arrives.

License fees and how long your license lasts

The fee for a Massachusetts driver's license depends on how long the license will be valid. A five-year license costs $50, and a ten-year license costs $100. The RMV will assign your expiration date based on your age and when you transfer. Drivers under 21 receive a five-year license. Drivers 21 and older can choose between five and ten years at the time of transfer.

If you are transferring from another state and your out-of-state license is still valid, Massachusetts will honor the remaining time on that license when calculating your new expiration date. For example, if your out-of-state license expires in eight months and you choose a ten-year license, your Massachusetts license will expire ten years from the date you transfer, not eight months from now.

Where to go and how to schedule an appointment

Massachusetts has RMV branches in Boston, Brockton, Framingham, Gardner, Lawrence, Leominster, Medford, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Quincy, Salem, Springfield, and Worcester. You can visit any branch; you do not have to go to the one closest to your home. Some branches are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day.

You can schedule an appointment online at mass.gov/rmv or by calling 857-368-8000. Appointments are strongly recommended, especially during peak hours (mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait one to three hours depending on the branch and time of day. If you walk in, arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon for shorter waits.

What to do if your out-of-state license is suspended or expired

If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, you cannot transfer it to Massachusetts. Instead, you must explore for a Massachusetts learner's permit, study the Massachusetts driver's manual, pass the written test, take a road test with a certified instructor, and earn your full license. This process takes several weeks and costs more than a transfer.

If your out-of-state license is expired but was never suspended, you can still transfer it. Bring the expired license along with your proof of residency. The RMV will process the transfer as normal. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, the RMV may ask additional questions about your driving history to confirm you are may be able to access to transfer.

After your Massachusetts license arrives

Your new Massachusetts license will arrive by mail at the address you provided at the RMV. Check the front and back of the card for accuracy. If your name, address, or license number is wrong, return to the RMV with the card and your proof of residency to request a correction. Corrections are usually free.

Once your Massachusetts license arrives, you should destroy your out-of-state license or return it to the RMV in the state where it was issued. Massachusetts does not require you to return your old license, but some states do. Check with your former state's DMV or equivalent agency if you want to know their policy.

Your Massachusetts license is valid for driving throughout the United States and in Canada. If you move out of Massachusetts later, you can transfer your Massachusetts license to another state using a similar process, or you can continue to renew it by mail as long as you maintain a Massachusetts address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take the written test or road test to transfer my license?

No. Massachusetts recognizes valid driver's licenses from all U.S. states and territories. You only need to take a vision test at the RMV. You do not retake the written or road test unless your out-of-state license was suspended or revoked.

Can I transfer my license if I do not have a permanent address yet?

You need proof of residency, which usually means a lease, mortgage, or utility bill in your name. If you are staying with family or in temporary housing, ask if you can use a letter from your employer, a bank statement, or a property tax bill instead. Contact your local RMV branch to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.

What if I lose my new Massachusetts license before it arrives?

Contact the RMV when ready by phone or in person. You can request a replacement card, which will be mailed to you. There is a fee for a replacement license, usually around $25. In the meantime, you can continue to drive on your out-of-state license.

How long does the transfer take from start to finish?

The appointment at the RMV takes about 30 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks. You can drive on your out-of-state license during this time, so there is no gap in your ability to drive legally in Massachusetts.

Can I renew my Massachusetts license by mail after I transfer?

Yes. After your first transfer, you can renew your Massachusetts license by mail, online, or in person. You do not have to visit the RMV every time your license expires unless you need a new photograph or want to change information on your license.