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) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the MassRMV website if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations. The fastest route depends on your situation: online renewal takes minutes if you are may be able to access, mail renewal takes two to three weeks, and in-person renewal at an RMV office typically takes 30 minutes to an hour but can vary by location and time of day.

Before you choose your method, gather your current driver's license, proof of Massachusetts residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed since your last renewal, bring proof of your new address. If you are renewing in person, you will also need to bring a document that proves your identity and citizenship — a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. The RMV website lists all acceptable documents in full.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through MassRMV.org is available if your license is not expired, you have no serious violations, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works for most people, but you must submit your current license with your process and cannot change your address by mail.
In-person renewal at an RMV office requires proof of identity, citizenship, and residency, and is necessary if your license is expired, you have had violations, or you need to update your address or name.
Your renewed license will arrive by mail within two weeks of approval if you renew by mail or in person; online renewals are processed when ready and you can print a temporary license.
Massachusetts licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.

Online renewal through MassRMV.org

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to MassRMV.org, select "Renew Your License," and answer the questions about your driving record and personal information. The system will tell you when ready whether you can renew online. You cannot renew online if your license is expired, if you have had a suspension or revocation, if you have unpaid traffic violations or child support obligations, or if you have changed your name or address since your last renewal.

If you are may be able to access, the process takes about 10 minutes. You will pay the renewal fee (currently $50 for a five-year license) by credit or debit card. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number and can print a temporary license valid for 30 days while your new license is mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within two weeks. Keep your temporary license with you while you drive.

Mail renewal: when it works and what to send

Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you have no suspensions, revocations, or serious violations on your record. The RMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires; you can also request a renewal form from the RMV website or by calling 857-368-8000.

Complete the form, include your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and proof of residency. Mail everything to the address on the form. Do not send cash. The RMV will process your process and mail your new license within two to three weeks of receiving it. You cannot change your address or name by mail; if either has changed, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at an RMV office

You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you have had violations or suspensions, if you need to change your address or name, or if you did not receive a renewal notice. Bring your current license, proof of identity and citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and proof of your current Massachusetts address. If your address has changed, bring documents showing both your old and new addresses.

Visit any RMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some are open Saturday mornings. You can check wait times and book an appointment on the MassRMV website, which often reduces your time in the office. Bring all documents with you; missing documents will delay your renewal. Pay the renewal fee in cash, by check, or by card at the office. Your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks.

What happens if your license is expired

If your Massachusetts license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it — you must take a new road test and written exam. If it expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew by mail or in person without retesting, but you cannot renew online. Bring your expired license to an RMV office along with your proof of identity, citizenship, and residency.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Massachusetts, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped, you can show the officer your confirmation number or temporary license if you renewed online, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.

Address and name changes during renewal

If you have moved, you must update your address when you renew. You cannot do this by mail — you must renew in person at an RMV office. Bring proof of both your old address (your current license) and your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). The RMV will update your address in the system and mail your new license to your new address.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must also renew in person. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. The RMV will issue a new license with your updated name.

Renewal fees and what to expect after you submit

A five-year Massachusetts driver's license renewal costs $50. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or card, depending on your renewal method. Online and in-person renewals accept all payment types; mail renewal requires check or money order only. If you are renewing online, you will be charged when ready. If you are renewing by mail or in person, you will pay at the time you submit your process.

After you submit your process, you will receive a confirmation number. If you renewed online, you can print a temporary license when ready. If you renewed by mail or in person, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two weeks. If you do not receive your license within three weeks, contact the RMV at 857-368-8000 with your confirmation number. Do not drive without a valid license or temporary license while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid child support?

No. The RMV will not renew your license if you have unpaid traffic violations or child support obligations. You must resolve these issues first. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the child support enforcement agency to find out what you owe and how to pay. Once you have paid or made a payment arrangement, you can renew.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license. You must go to an RMV office in person and request a replacement license at the same time you renew. Bring proof of identity, citizenship, and residency. The RMV will issue a new license with the same number and expiration date as your original.

How long is my temporary online license good for?

Your temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date you print it. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within two weeks, but if it does not, the temporary license gives you a buffer. Do not drive after the temporary license expires; if your permanent license has not arrived, contact the RMV when ready.

Can I renew my license if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?

CDL renewals have different rules and cannot be done online or by mail. You must renew in person at an RMV office. Bring your current CDL, proof of identity and citizenship, proof of residency, and your medical certificate if required. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, but you may need to pass a medical exam depending on your CDL class.

What if my name or address is wrong on my current license?

Correct it during renewal. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your correct name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and correct address (utility bill or lease). If you are renewing by mail, you cannot correct your address — you must renew in person instead. Online renewal will not work if your information does not match the RMV's records.

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.