Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Massachusetts driver's license in person at any RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles) branch, or online through the Massachusetts RMV website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes at the branch; online renewal is faster but only works if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had any license suspensions or revocations in the past five years.
Before you go or log in, gather these documents: your current Massachusetts driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
Your license is valid for five years from the date of issue. The RMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for it — you can renew anytime in the 12 months before expiration.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Massachusetts RMV website takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs $50, but only works if your license is not expired and you have no suspensions or medical restrictions.
- In-person renewal at an RMV branch requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address, and takes about 30 minutes.
- You can renew your license anytime in the 12 months before it expires; you do not have to wait for the renewal notice.
- A renewed license costs $50 online or $55 in person and is valid for five years from the date of issue.
Renewing online through the RMV website
Go to mass.gov/rmv and click the "Renew Your License Online" button on the homepage. You will need to log in with your Massachusetts Online Services account; if you do not have one, you can create it on the same page using your email address and a password you choose.
Once logged in, enter your driver's license number and date of birth to pull up your record. Review your personal information, address, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If anything is incorrect, you cannot fix it online — you will need to visit an RMV branch in person instead. If everything is correct, proceed to upload a photo. You can use a recent photo from your phone or computer, or you can take one using your device's camera. The photo must show your face clearly, be in color, and have a plain background.
After you upload your photo, review the renewal summary and pay the $50 fee using a debit card or credit card. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.
Renewing in person at an RMV branch
Find your nearest RMV branch on mass.gov/rmv and check the hours before you go. Most branches are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some are open Saturday mornings. You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary — branches in larger cities often have longer lines during midday hours.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. Hand these to the clerk at the front desk. They will take a new photo of you at the branch (you do not bring your own), verify your information, and process your renewal. The fee is $55, paid by cash, debit card, or credit card. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your new license is printed and mailed to you.
Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, the temporary paper license is valid in Massachusetts and most other states, though some rental car companies and out-of-state police may not accept it.
If your license is expired or you have restrictions
If your license has already expired, you cannot use online renewal — you must go to an RMV branch in person. Bring the same documents (current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address), and the process is the same as a standard renewal. The fee is still $55.
If your license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required, or hearing aid required), you cannot renew online. You must visit a branch, where the clerk will verify that your medical condition has not changed. If you have had a change in your medical status, tell the clerk before they process your renewal — they may ask you to see a doctor or take a vision test before they issue your new license.
If your license has been suspended or revoked at any point in the past five years, online renewal is not available. Visit an RMV branch to renew in person. The clerk will check your record and let you know whether the suspension or revocation has been lifted and whether you can renew now or must wait.
What happens if you drive on an expired license
Driving on an expired Massachusetts license is a civil violation, not a criminal offense, but you can be fined up to $100. If you are stopped by police, they will check whether your license has expired and may issue a citation. The fine does not add points to your driving record, but the violation itself will appear on your record.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot straightforward renew it — you must reapply for a new license, which requires taking the written test and road test again. This is why renewing before expiration is important: you avoid the test requirement and the risk of a fine.
Renewing a license with a name change
If you have changed your name since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring proof of the change along with your other documents. Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can renew online or in person, but if you renew online, you will need to upload a photo of the name-change document as well as your proof of address.
If you are renewing in person, hand the name-change document to the clerk along with your other paperwork. They will update your record and issue a new license with your current name. The fee is the same: $50 online or $55 in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?
An unpaid traffic ticket does not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have an unpaid fine related to a suspended or revoked license, the RMV may not process your renewal until the fine is paid. Check your record on mass.gov/rmv or call your local RMV branch to confirm whether any holds exist on your account.
What if I lost my current license?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online. You must visit an RMV branch in person and request a replacement. Bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your address. The fee is $55, the same as an in-person renewal. You will receive a temporary paper license and your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Whether you renew online or in person, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days. If you renew online, your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.
Can I renew my license by mail?
Massachusetts does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew either online through mass.gov/rmv or in person at an RMV branch. Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions or suspensions.
What if I moved to Massachusetts from another state?
If you hold a valid out-of-state license, you do not renew it in Massachusetts — you must get a Massachusetts license instead. Visit an RMV branch with your out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Massachusetts address, and proof of your date of birth. You will take a new photo and pay $55. You do not need to take a written or road test if your out-of-state license is valid.