How to Renew Your Massachusetts Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need before you start

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 once you arrive; the online route takes about 10 minutes from your computer and costs less. You will need your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number.

Before you go to an RMV branch or start an online renewal, check whether you are may be able to access to renew online. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years. You also cannot renew online if you need to update your address, change your name, or correct information on your license. If any of those explore, you must renew in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Massachusetts RMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $50, but only works if your license is valid and your information has not changed.
In-person renewal at any RMV branch requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online, or you can request it when ready in person at the branch.
Massachusetts licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew up to six months before expiration or up to five years after it expires.
If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid while you wait for your permanent card.

Renewing online through the RMV website

Go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew License Online" from the homepage. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. The system will pull up your record and show you what information is on file. Review it carefully — if anything is wrong, stop and renew in person instead, because online renewal does not let you make corrections.

If everything matches, you will pay $50 by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not receive a temporary license when you renew online, so if you need to drive before your new card arrives, you will need to renew in person instead or carry your old license plus the confirmation email from the RMV.

Renewing in person at an RMV branch

Find your nearest RMV branch on mass.gov/rmv and check its hours before you go. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to make an appointment at most branches, but some branches offer appointment slots online — checking ahead can save you a wait.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you are renewing your license. The clerk will review your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal. The cost is $50. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license has expired

You can renew a Massachusetts license up to five years after it expires. The process is the same whether your license expired last month or three years ago — bring the same documents and pay the same $50 fee. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it; you will need to explore for a new license instead, which requires a written test and a road test.

If your license is expired and you need to drive before you can renew, you cannot legally drive with an expired license. Renew in person at an RMV branch so you receive a temporary paper license when ready. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and gives you legal permission to drive while you wait for your permanent card.

Updating your address, name, or other information

If you have moved, changed your name, or need to correct information on your license, you must renew in person. You cannot make these changes online. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (if you moved), proof of your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order if applicable), and your Social Security number.

The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal — the clerk will review your documents, take a new photo, and process the changes. You will pay $50 and receive a temporary paper license. Your new license with the updated information arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your Massachusetts license up to six months before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date or to may support they have a valid license for an upcoming trip. The process and cost are identical whether you renew early or on the expiration date itself.

Your new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date. So if your license expires on March 15 and you renew on January 15, your new license will expire five years from January 15.

What to do if you lose your license before renewal

If your license is lost or stolen before you renew it, you cannot renew online. You must go to an RMV branch in person to report it lost or stolen and explore for a replacement. Bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID) and proof of residency. The replacement license costs $50 and arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

You will receive a temporary paper license when ready when you report your license lost or stolen. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your replacement card to arrive by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The RMV will not process a renewal if you have outstanding fines or tickets. You must pay them first. If you attempt to renew online and have unpaid fines, the system will reject your process and tell you to contact the RMV. Contact the court or the RMV to find out what you owe and pay it before trying again.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Massachusetts license?

You can renew your Massachusetts license by mail if you have moved out of state. Call the RMV at 857-368-8000 to request a renewal form, or visit mass.gov/rmv for mailing instructions. You will need to send your current license, a check for $50, and proof of residency in your new state. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Do I need a new photo every time I renew?

Yes. Whether you renew online or in person, the RMV takes a new photo for your license. If you renew online, the system uses your existing photo on file. If you renew in person, the clerk takes a new photo at the branch.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. It is a legal form of identification while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail. Once your new license arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid.

What if my new license arrives damaged or with errors?

Contact the RMV when ready. If your license has a printing error or arrives damaged, the RMV will send you a replacement at no charge. Call 857-368-8000 or visit an RMV branch with your damaged license and temporary paper license.

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.