Where to renew your license in Boston
In Boston, you can renew your Massachusetts driver's license at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office located at 100 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02108. This is the main downtown location and typically handles the highest volume of renewals. You can also visit other RMV branches in the surrounding area — the Watertown branch at 10 Forbes Road and the Medford branch at 100 Riverside Road are both within a short drive.
Before you go to any location, check the RMV website for current wait times and hours of operation. Wait times at the Hanover Street office can exceed two hours during peak times, particularly mid-morning on weekdays and all day on Saturdays. The branch offices often have shorter waits. You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, but the RMV also offers an online renewal option for certain drivers — more on that below.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts allows online renewal for drivers whose licenses are not expiring for a commercial vehicle, hazmat endorsement, or Real ID upgrade.
- In-person renewal at an RMV office requires your current license, proof of Massachusetts residency, and a completed Form DL 34 (available at the office or online).
- The Hanover Street office in downtown Boston often has two-hour waits; branch offices in Watertown and Medford typically move faster.
- Renewal fees are $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license, payable by cash, check, or card at the office.
- Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks; you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait.
Renewing online if you are may be able to access
The Massachusetts RMV allows online renewal through its website if your current license meets certain conditions. You can renew online if your license is not expiring for a commercial vehicle (Class A, B, or C with air brake or hazmat endorsements), you do not need a Real ID upgrade, and you have not had any violations or suspensions in the past five years. If all three conditions explore, you can complete the renewal on the RMV website without visiting an office.
Online renewal costs $50 for a five-year license and takes about 10 minutes. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a payment method. Your new license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. If you are not sure whether you are may be able to access, the RMV website has a tool that checks your status before you start the process.
What documents to bring for in-person renewal
Bring your current Massachusetts driver's license and one document proving your current Boston address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address. A phone bill or insurance statement also works. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.
You will also need to complete Form DL 34, the process for Renewal of Driver's License. You can read and print this form before you go, or pick one up at the RMV office. Bring a pen — the form must be completed by hand. If you are renewing a license that has been lost or stolen, bring a police report instead of the original license.
The renewal process at the RMV office
When you arrive, take a number from the ticket dispenser near the entrance. The RMV office displays wait times on screens throughout the building, so you will know roughly how long before your number is called. Have your documents ready: current license, proof of address, and completed Form DL 34.
When your number is called, go to the window and hand over your documents. The clerk will verify your information, take a new photo (unless you are renewing by mail, which is not available in Boston), and process your payment. You can pay by cash, check, or debit or credit card. A five-year license costs $50; a ten-year license costs $100. Ask for a temporary paper license at this time — the clerk will print one on the spot, valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
How long the process takes and what happens next
Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The RMV sends licenses by standard mail, not overnight delivery. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, the temporary paper license the clerk gives you is valid for 30 days and is accepted by police and at checkpoints. Keep it in your wallet with your expired license until the new one arrives.
If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the RMV directly. You can call the customer service line at 617-351-4500 or visit the website to check the status of your renewal. Do not go back to the office unless the RMV tells you to — mail delays are common and usually resolve on their own.
Real ID upgrade during renewal
If your current license is not marked "REAL ID compliant" and you want to upgrade during renewal, you must renew in person at an RMV office. You cannot upgrade online. Bring your current license, proof of address, and one of the following: a certified birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. The Real ID upgrade costs an additional $25 on top of the renewal fee, so your total will be $75 for a five-year license or $125 for a ten-year license.
A Real ID-compliant license is required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. If you do not need Real ID, you can renew your standard license without the upgrade. The choice is yours at the time of renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before the expiration date?
Yes. Massachusetts allows you to renew up to six months before your license expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — it will still be valid for five or ten years from the date you renew, not from the date your old one expired.
What if I have moved since my last renewal and my address changed?
Bring proof of your new Boston address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The RMV will update your address during the renewal process at no extra cost. If you moved out of state and are now back in Massachusetts, you may need to provide additional documentation — call the RMV at 617-351-4500 to confirm before you go.
Do I need an appointment to renew at the Hanover Street office?
No. The Hanover Street office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You take a number when you arrive. However, you can check current wait times on the RMV website before you go, and visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than Saturday afternoons.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the RMV to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Call 617-351-4500 or visit the RMV website to find out the reason and what steps are required to restore your driving privileges.
Can I renew by mail in Boston?
No. Massachusetts does not offer mail-in renewal for Boston residents. You must either renew online (if you are may be able to access) or visit an RMV office in person. Online renewal is the fastest option if your license qualifies.