How to Renew Your Massachusetts Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Massachusetts driver's license in person at any RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles) branch, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's MyRMV portal. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, how soon you need it, and whether you've had any changes to your address or name since your last renewal.

If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you're renewing by mail or online, the documents required are the same, but you'll mail copies instead of showing originals.

Massachusetts licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew up to 30 days before expiration or up to 6 months after expiration. If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to an RMV branch in person and may need to retake the written test.

Key Takeaways

In-person renewal at an RMV branch takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you have no address or name changes; it takes 7 to 10 business days after the RMV receives your documents.
Online renewal through MyRMV is the fastest option for some drivers but is only available if you have a REAL ID-compliant license and no changes to your information.
If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you must renew in person and may be required to retake the written knowledge test.
The renewal fee is $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license; you can pay by cash, check, or card at an RMV branch.

In-person renewal at an RMV branch

Walk into any RMV branch during business hours with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The RMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. You'll pay the renewal fee ($50 for five years or $100 for ten years) and leave with your new license in hand.

Bring the originals of your documents — the RMV will not accept photocopies for in-person renewal. If you've moved, bring a document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name, bring the document that proves it (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Wait times vary by branch and time of day. The RMV's website lists all branch locations and hours. You can check current wait times online before you go, and some branches allow you to reserve a time slot through MyRMV to skip the walk-in line.

Mail renewal if your license is current

You can renew by mail only if your license is not yet expired and you have no changes to your address or name. Print the renewal form (Form DL 43) from the RMV website, include photocopies of your current license and proof of residency, and mail everything to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the renewal fee.

The RMV will process your renewal 7 to 10 business days after it receives your documents. Your new license will arrive by mail within 2 to 3 weeks after that. Do not mail cash — use a check or money order only.

If you have moved or changed your name, you cannot use mail renewal. You must renew in person at an RMV branch so the RMV can verify your new address or name change with original documents.

Online renewal through MyRMV

If you have a REAL ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner), no address or name changes, and your license is not yet expired, you can renew online through the MyRMV portal. Log in with your license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card, and submit. Your new license will arrive by mail within 2 to 3 weeks.

Online renewal is the fastest option because you do not have to visit a branch or wait for mail processing. However, it is only available to drivers who meet all three conditions: a REAL ID license, no recent changes to address or name, and a license that has not yet expired.

If your license expired more than 6 months ago or if you have moved or changed your name, the MyRMV system will not allow you to renew online. You will need to renew in person at an RMV branch instead.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than 6 months

If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to an RMV branch in person. The RMV may require you to retake the written knowledge test (the same test new drivers take) before issuing your renewed license. Whether you have to retake the test depends on how long your license has been expired and the discretion of the RMV examiner.

Bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. If the RMV requires you to take the written test, you will take it at the branch during your visit. The test covers Massachusetts traffic laws and road signs and takes about 20 minutes.

To prepare, you can study the Massachusetts Driver's Manual, which is available free on the RMV website. The manual covers all topics on the written test.

Address changes and name changes during renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Bring a document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement). You can only update your address in person at an RMV branch — mail and online renewal do not allow address changes.

If you have changed your name (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Like address changes, name changes must be done in person at an RMV branch.

If you have both an address change and a name change, you still only need one in-person visit. Bring all the required documents, and the RMV will update both at the same time.

Fees and payment methods

A five-year renewal license costs $50. A ten-year renewal license costs $100. You choose which term you want when you renew. At an RMV branch, you can pay with cash, check, or debit or credit card. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order — the RMV does not accept cash by mail. If you renew online, you must pay by debit or credit card.

There are no additional fees for address or name changes during renewal. The renewal fee covers the new license only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you must renew in person at an RMV branch and may be required to retake the written knowledge test. The longer your license has been expired, the more likely the RMV will require the test. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew in person at an RMV branch, you receive your new license when ready. If you renew by mail or online, your new license arrives by mail within 2 to 3 weeks after the RMV processes your renewal. Mail renewal processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the RMV receives your documents.

What if I need my license before the renewal is complete?

If you renew in person, you get your new license the same day. If you renew by mail or online and need your license before it arrives, you can visit an RMV branch and request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew in person at an RMV branch, yes — the RMV will take a new photo. If you renew by mail or online, the RMV will use your photo from your current license. You cannot submit your own photo for mail or online renewal.

What if my address or name changed but I did not update it during renewal?

You can update your address or name after renewal by visiting an RMV branch in person with the required documents. You do not need to renew your license again — the RMV will issue you an updated license with the new information at no additional cost.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.