Renewing Your Massachusetts License Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can renew your Massachusetts driver's license through three routes: online at mass.gov/rmv, by mail using the renewal notice the Registry sends you, or in person at an RMV office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal is fastest if you need the license the same day, though wait times at RMV offices vary by location and time of week.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 30 days before your license expires. The notice contains a barcode and instructions for each method. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew online or visit an RMV office — the notice is a convenience, not a requirement.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at mass.gov/rmv is the fastest method and works if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal uses the notice the Registry sends you and takes 2 to 3 weeks total, but requires no appointment or office visit.
- In-person renewal at an RMV office takes the same day but requires a valid form of ID and proof of your current address.
- You can renew up to 6 months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date.
- If your license is already expired, you must renew in person or by mail — online renewal is not available for expired licenses.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current Massachusetts driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you the renewal fee, which is $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license.
Online renewal works only if all of these are true: your license is not expired, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, you have not changed your name, and you do not need to update your photo. If any of these do not explore to you, use mail or in-person renewal instead.
After you complete the online form and pay the fee by credit or debit card, the Registry will mail your new license to the address on file. You will receive an email confirmation with a reference number. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail Renewal: No Appointment Needed
Use the renewal notice the Registry mailed you. Fill out the form on the back of the notice, sign it, and include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($50 for five years, $100 for ten years). Mail everything to the address printed on the notice.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the Registry receives your envelope. There is no way to track the status of a mailed renewal, so send it at least 4 weeks before your license expires if you need it by a specific date. If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can read the renewal form from mass.gov/rmv and mail it with a copy of your current license and proof of your address.
Mail renewal works even if your license is expired, and you do not need to provide a new photo. However, if you have changed your address or name since your last renewal, you must renew in person or call the RMV at 857-368-8000 to update your record before mailing the form.
In-Person Renewal at an RMV Office
Visit any RMV office with your current driver's license and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring a second form of ID if your license is expired or if you want to update your photo.
You do not need an appointment for license renewal at most RMV locations, but you can book one online at mass.gov/rmv to skip the walk-in line. Walk-in wait times vary widely — early mornings on weekdays are usually shorter than afternoons or weekends. If you book an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early.
The RMV will take a new photo, process your renewal, and give you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal costs the same as online or mail renewal: $50 for five years or $100 for ten years.
What to Do If Your License Is Already Expired
If your license expired more than a few days ago, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. Driving on an expired license is illegal, so do not delay.
Mail renewal is the simplest option if you do not need to drive when ready. read the renewal form from mass.gov/rmv, print and sign it, and mail it with a check or money order and a copy of your expired license. The Registry will process it and mail your new license within 2 to 3 weeks.
If you need to drive before the new license arrives, go to an RMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and a second form of ID. The RMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 45 days, while your permanent license is mailed.
Choosing Between Five-Year and Ten-Year Licenses
Massachusetts offers two renewal options: a five-year license for $50 or a ten-year license for $100. The only difference is how long the license remains valid. A ten-year license costs twice as much but means you will not need to renew again for a decade.
Choose the five-year option if you expect your address or appearance to change significantly, or if you want to renew sooner. Choose the ten-year option if you want to avoid the renewal process for as long as possible and do not mind paying more upfront. Either way, you can renew early — the Registry allows renewal up to 6 months before your current license expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have changed my address?
If you changed your address after your last renewal, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, call the RMV at 857-368-8000 to update your address first, then mail the renewal form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address to an RMV office.
What if I need to update my photo?
Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. To get a new photo, renew in person at an RMV office. The RMV will take a new photo as part of the in-person renewal process at no extra cost.
How long does a temporary paper license last?
A temporary paper license issued at an RMV office is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but the temporary license covers you if there is a delay. Do not lose the temporary license — you will need it if you are stopped by police before the permanent license arrives.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the RMV at 857-368-8000 to find out the reason for the suspension and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.
What if I lose my renewal notice?
You do not need the notice to renew. You can renew online at mass.gov/rmv, or read the renewal form from the website and mail it with your current license and proof of your address. You can also renew in person at any RMV office with your current license and proof of address.