Renew in person at the RMV, or online if you meet the requirements
Massachusetts lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or medical suspensions. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal or visit an RMV office in person. The method you choose depends on how soon you need the license and whether you have had recent changes to your driving record.
Your current license must not be expired to use online or mail renewal. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test or written exam. Massachusetts also requires you to renew your license every five years, so plan ahead if your expiration date is approaching.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv takes about 10 minutes and you receive your new license by mail within two weeks.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the RMV; processing takes three to four weeks.
- In-person renewal at an RMV office is necessary if your license is expired, you have had a medical suspension, or you have certain violations on your record.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and payment method (credit card, debit card, or check for mail) to complete any renewal.
- Massachusetts charges $50 for a five-year renewal; the fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Renew online through the RMV website
Go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License Online." You will need your current Massachusetts driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer security questions based on your driving history. You can pay the $50 renewal fee with a credit card or debit card.
Online renewal is not available if your license is expired, if you have had a medical suspension in the past five years, if you have had certain violations (such as a suspended or revoked license), or if you are over 70 years old. If any of these explore to you, use mail or in-person renewal instead. The RMV will mail your new license to the address on file, which usually arrives within two weeks.
Renew by mail if you prefer not to go online
read or request the "Renewal process for Driver's License or Identification Card" (Form DL 34) from mass.gov/rmv. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $50 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a note with your phone number so the RMV can contact you if there are questions.
Mail renewal takes three to four weeks from the time the RMV receives your envelope. Send your materials early if your license is expiring soon, because the RMV processes mail in the order it arrives. Keep a copy of the form and your payment receipt for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form.
Renew in person at an RMV office
Visit any RMV branch with your current license, proof of Massachusetts residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment of $50. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. If you are over 70, you must renew in person and may be asked to pass a vision test.
RMV offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter lines. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will be mailed within two weeks. Check mass.gov/rmv for the office nearest you and current hours.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew by mail or in person using the same process as above. You cannot renew online if your license is expired. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at an RMV office. You may also need to pass a vision test and a written exam on road rules, depending on how long it has been expired.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Massachusetts, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Do not drive until you have received your new license or temporary paper license. If you are stopped by police, show them your renewal receipt or temporary license to prove you have applied.
What to do if you have had a suspension or violation
If your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you have had a medical suspension, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an RMV office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. The RMV will review your record and may require you to pass a vision test or written exam before issuing a new license.
If your suspension has ended and you have completed any required steps (such as paying a fine or attending a hearing), the RMV can clear your record during your in-person visit. Bring any documents that show you have met the conditions of your suspension, such as a letter from the court or proof of payment. The RMV staff can tell you what documents you need before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my renewed license?
Online renewal usually takes two weeks by mail. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks from when the RMV receives your envelope. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. The new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.
What if I moved and need to update my address?
You can update your address during any renewal method. Online renewal will ask you to confirm or change your address. For mail renewal, write your new address on the form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 30 days.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
No. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. In-person renewal may use your existing photo, but the RMV can take a new one if your current photo is very old or if you request it. Ask the RMV staff when you arrive.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew by mail or online if you do not have your current license. You must visit an RMV office in person and request a replacement license. Bring proof of your identity and residency, and pay the $50 renewal fee. The RMV will issue a new license on the spot.