How to Renew Your Massachusetts Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

Massachusetts lets you renew your driver's license in three ways: online through the RMV website, by mail, or in person at an RMV service center. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a service center usually means waiting, but you walk out with a temporary license the same day.

Before you start, gather your current Massachusetts driver's license, a valid Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to bring these documents for online or mail renewal — you will answer questions about them instead — but you will need them if you renew in person.

Your license is valid for five years from your birthday. You can renew it up to six months before it expires. The RMV will not process a renewal after your license has already expired, so plan ahead.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv takes 10 minutes and costs $50 if you are under 70 and your license is not suspended or revoked.
Mail renewal requires a completed form DL-43 (available on the RMV website), your current license, and a check or money order; processing takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at an RMV service center requires an appointment booked through the RMV website — walk-ins are not accepted.
You must renew before your license expires; the RMV will not process a renewal for an expired license.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail and must appear in person with documentation of why the suspension was lifted.

Online renewal through the RMV website

Go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer a few questions about whether your vision, medical conditions, or driving record have changed since your last renewal. Answer honestly — lying on these questions is fraud and can result in criminal charges.

Online renewal costs $50 if you are under 70. If you are 70 or older, renewal is free. You pay by debit card or credit card at the end. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have an outstanding warrant, if your medical certification has expired, or if you need to change your name or address. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal with form DL-43

read or request form DL-43 from mass.gov/rmv. Fill it out completely — incomplete forms are returned without processing. Include your current license, a check or money order for $50 (or $0 if you are 70 or older), and proof of your current address if you have moved since your last renewal. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the RMV receives your envelope. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait. Your new license will arrive by mail. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the RMV at 857-368-8000 to check the status.

Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal — you cannot use it if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you need to change your name or address. The advantage is that you have a paper record of what you submitted, which can be useful if there is a problem.

In-person renewal at an RMV service center

Book an appointment through mass.gov/rmv at least one week in advance. Walk-ins are not accepted. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, tax return, or W-2), and proof of your current address. If your name has changed, bring the legal document that shows the change.

At your appointment, an RMV clerk will check your documents, take a new photo, and ask you to sign. You will pay $50 (or $0 if you are 70 or older) by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within 10 business days.

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need to change your name or address, or if you have medical conditions that require a hearing or vision test. It is also the only option if you do not have a valid email address for online renewal or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face.

What happens if your license has expired

Once your license expires, you cannot renew it through the normal process. You must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person appointment, a written test, and a road test. This is a much longer process than renewal.

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you may be able to restore it without taking the road test again — this is called a reinstatement. Contact the RMV at 857-368-8000 to ask whether you are may be able to access. If you are, you will need to appear in person with your expired license and proof of address.

Do not drive on an expired license. Massachusetts law treats this as driving without a valid license, which can result in a fine and points on your record.

Fees and payment methods

A five-year renewal costs $50 for drivers under 70. Drivers 70 and older renew for free. You can pay by cash (in person only), check, money order, debit card, or credit card. The RMV does not accept payment plans or installments.

If you are renewing by mail, make your check or money order payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing online, you will enter your card information on a find page. If you are renewing in person, you can pay at the counter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Yes, unpaid tickets do not block renewal. However, if you have an outstanding warrant related to a criminal charge, the RMV system will flag it and you cannot renew online or by mail. You must appear in person, and the RMV may refuse to process your renewal until the warrant is resolved.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

You can update your address during online or mail renewal by answering the address question on the form or website. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address. Updating your address on your license is free and happens automatically when you renew.

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

Your new license arrives by mail in seven to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until it arrives. If you need to drive out of state before your new license arrives, bring your confirmation email as proof of renewal.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

Yes, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is the fastest option. If you are renewing by mail, send your envelope to the RMV address on form DL-43. You cannot book an in-person appointment if you are not in Massachusetts, but you can renew when you return.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew a lost license. Instead, you must request a replacement, which requires an in-person appointment. Bring proof of your identity and address. A replacement costs $25 and takes the same amount of time as renewal. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it at your next renewal date.

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.