Where to renew your Massachusetts driver's license
You can renew your Massachusetts driver's license in person at a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office, by mail, or online through the RMV website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have before expiration, and whether you need to update your photo or address.
The RMV operates branches across Massachusetts. You can find the office nearest you and check wait times on the official Massachusetts RMV website. Some branches are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day. If you renew by mail or online, you avoid the branch visit entirely, but not all renewal types may have access to for these methods.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts allows online renewal for standard license renewals if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to submit your current license, a completed process, and the renewal fee by check or money order.
- In-person renewal at an RMV branch is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address or name.
- The renewal fee for a five-year license is $50; an eight-year license costs $100. Fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks after approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Online renewal through the Massachusetts RMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your current license is not expired, you do not need a new photo, and you are not changing your name or address. The process takes about 10 minutes and you pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card.
Visit the Massachusetts RMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. After you submit your information and payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within two to three weeks.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online and must renew in person or by mail. The same restriction applies if you need a new photo for any reason.
Mail renewal and what to send
Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. You will need to complete the process for Renewal of Driver's License or Identification Card (form DL 34), which you can read from the RMV website or request by phone.
Send the completed form, your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a stamped return envelope to the address listed on the RMV website. Do not send cash. Include a note with your phone number so the RMV can contact you if there are questions. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the RMV receives your materials.
Keep a copy of everything you send, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the RMV to check the status of your renewal.
In-person renewal at an RMV branch
You must renew in person if your license is expired, you need a new photo, you are changing your name, or you are changing your address. Bring your current license, a completed process form (DL 34), proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee.
If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you are renewing an expired license, bring the same documents as a standard renewal.
Check the RMV website for wait times before you go. Some branches allow you to reserve a time slot online, which can reduce your wait. The entire process at the branch usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Massachusetts offers two renewal periods: a five-year license and an eight-year license. A five-year renewal costs $50. An eight-year renewal costs $100. You choose which period you want when you renew, and the fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Your new license will be valid from the date you renew until the expiration date printed on the card. If you renew before your current license expires, your new license will not be valid until your current one expires, so you can use your old license until then.
What happens after you submit your renewal
After you renew online or by mail, the RMV will process your process and mail your new license to the address on file. This takes two to three weeks in most cases. You will receive a confirmation number or receipt when you submit your renewal, and you can use that number to check the status of your renewal on the RMV website.
If you renew in person, you may receive a temporary license at the branch that is valid until your new license arrives. Ask the staff member whether a temporary license is available for your situation. Your permanent license will still be mailed to you within two to three weeks.
If your new license does not arrive within four weeks, or if you need to drive before it arrives, contact the RMV branch where you renewed to ask about a replacement or temporary license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license expired more than two years ago. You must renew in person at an RMV branch. Bring your expired license, a completed process form, proof of your current address, and the renewal fee.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Not always. If you renew online or by mail, your current photo will be used. If you renew in person, the RMV will take a new photo as part of the process. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you must renew in person instead.
What if I am changing my address when I renew?
You must renew in person at an RMV branch if you are changing your address. Bring your current license, a completed process form, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and the renewal fee.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?
Your new license is mailed to you within two to three weeks after the RMV processes your renewal, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew in person, you may receive a temporary license to use while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.
Can I drive with my old license while I wait for my new one?
Yes, if your old license is not expired. You can continue to drive with your current license until your new one arrives. If your license is expired, ask the RMV branch for a temporary license when you renew in person.