Where to go for a Plymouth County driver license
Plymouth County does not issue driver licenses. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) issues all driver licenses in the state, regardless of which county you live in. If you live in Plymouth County, you will explore through the RMV, not through any county office.
You have two main routes: visit an RMV branch in person, or handle some transactions online through the RMV website. The closest RMV branch to you depends on where in Plymouth County you are located — the state has branches in multiple towns, and you can choose any branch regardless of your address.
Before you go to a branch or start an online transaction, gather the documents the RMV requires. What you need depends on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or damaged license.
Key Takeaways
- The Massachusetts RMV, not Plymouth County, issues driver licenses for all residents of the state.
- You can renew your license online if it is not expired more than five years and you have no medical restrictions, but new licenses and replacements require an in-person visit.
- Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to your appointment.
- RMV branches in Plymouth County and nearby towns accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.
- A standard Massachusetts driver license is valid for five years; the RMV will mail your new license to your address within two weeks.
Getting your first driver license in Massachusetts
If you have never held a Massachusetts driver license, you must visit an RMV branch in person. You cannot complete this transaction online. Bring your completed process for a Massachusetts Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 34), which you can read from the RMV website or fill out at the branch.
You will also need proof of identity (a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or valid state ID from another state), proof of your Massachusetts residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign your process.
At the branch, you will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, pass a vision screening, and have your photo taken. The RMV will mail your new license to your address within two weeks. You can drive with a temporary paper license they give you at the branch while you wait for the card to arrive.
Renewing your driver license online or in person
If your license is still valid and not expired more than five years, you may renew it online through the RMV website without visiting a branch. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes a few minutes. You will need your current license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have medical restrictions on your license, or if you need to update your name or address. In those cases, you must visit an RMV branch in person and bring the same documents as a first-time applicant: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
If you renew in person at a branch, the process is similar to getting a first license — you will have your photo taken and pass a vision screening, but you will not retake the written test. The RMV will mail your renewed license within two weeks.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it in person at any RMV branch or online if your license is not expired. To replace it online, visit the RMV website, enter your license number and date of birth, and pay the replacement fee. The RMV will mail your new card within two weeks.
If you cannot replace it online (for example, if your license is expired), visit an RMV branch with proof of identity and proof of residency. You will not need to retake the written test or vision screening — the RMV will straightforward issue a new card with the same information as your old one.
RMV branches near Plymouth County
The RMV operates branches throughout Massachusetts. If you live in Plymouth County, the closest branches are typically in Plymouth, Brockton, or Taunton, but you can visit any branch in the state. Each branch accepts walk-ins during business hours, though wait times vary.
To reduce your wait time, you can schedule an appointment online through the RMV website. Select the branch you want to visit, choose a date and time, and the RMV will hold a slot for you. Walk-ins are still accepted, but appointments move faster. Bring all required documents to your appointment or walk-in visit.
What to bring to the RMV branch
Bring your completed process for a Massachusetts Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 34) if you are getting your first license or if you could not renew online. Bring one form of proof of identity: a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, valid state ID from another state, or military ID. Bring one form of proof of residency dated within the last 60 days: a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or mortgage statement in your name.
You will also need your Social Security number — have it memorized or written down. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you to sign your process. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you do not need to bring your old license, but you should report it to local police if it was stolen.
Fees and how long it takes
A standard Massachusetts driver license costs $50 and is valid for five years. A renewal costs $50. A replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs $50. The RMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at branches.
The RMV will mail your new license to your address within two weeks of your visit or online transaction. If you need your license sooner, ask at the branch whether expedited mail is available — some branches offer it for an additional fee. You can drive with the temporary paper license the RMV gives you at the branch until your card arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail?
No, the RMV does not accept mail-in renewals. You must renew online or visit a branch in person. Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired more than five years and you have no medical restrictions.
What if I moved to Plymouth County from another state?
You must exchange your out-of-state license for a Massachusetts license within 30 days of moving. Visit an RMV branch with your out-of-state license, proof of Massachusetts residency, and proof of identity. You will take the written test and vision screening, and the RMV will issue your new Massachusetts license.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
You can walk in to any RMV branch during business hours without an appointment. However, scheduling an appointment online will reduce your wait time. Both walk-ins and appointments are accepted at all branches.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another visit. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pass before the RMV will issue your license. Study materials are available on the RMV website.
Can I get a Real ID license in Plymouth County?
Yes. A Real ID license meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. It costs the same as a standard license ($50) and requires the same documents. Ask for a Real ID license when you visit the RMV branch or select it during online renewal.