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, or online through the Massachusetts RMV website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.

Before you go to an RMV office or sit down to renew online, gather your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your Massachusetts residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Your license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. The RMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before it expires, but you don't have to wait for that notice to renew. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $50, but only works if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions.
In-person renewal at an RMV office requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Massachusetts address, and typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks of approval; you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
If your license is already expired, you must renew in person — online renewal is not an option.

Renewing online through the RMV website

Go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License" from the main menu. You'll be asked to enter your license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will then confirm whether you're may be able to access for online renewal — if you are, you'll proceed to answer questions about any changes to your address, name, or medical history.

The fee for online renewal is $50, paid by credit card or debit card at the end of the process. Once you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within two to three weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

If the system tells you that you're not may be able to access for online renewal, you'll need to go to an RMV office in person. This usually means your license is expired, you have medical restrictions listed on your current license, or your address has changed.

Renewing in person at an RMV office

Find your nearest RMV office on mass.gov/rmv and check whether it requires an appointment. Most offices now operate by appointment only, though a few still accept walk-ins. You can book an appointment online or by calling the office directly — the phone number is listed on the RMV website for each location.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Massachusetts address. If you've changed your name, bring the certified document showing the change. When you arrive, you'll check in at the front desk, answer questions about any medical conditions or address changes, and have your photo taken. The whole process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

The fee for in-person renewal is $50. You can pay by cash, check, or card. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the RMV office that you can use to drive while you wait for the new one to arrive.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than a few months ago, you cannot renew it online — you must go to an RMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.

The RMV treats an expired license renewal the same way as a current one, so the fee remains $50 and the process takes about 30 to 45 minutes. You will not be able to drive legally until your new license arrives, so plan your visit accordingly. If you need to drive before the new license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the RMV office, though availability varies by location.

Changing your address during renewal

If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. If you're renewing online, the system will ask you to confirm or change your address before you submit. If you're renewing in person, tell the RMV staff member about your move when you check in.

Bring proof of your new Massachusetts address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you've just moved and don't have a document in your name yet, some RMV offices will accept a letter from your landlord or a utility company confirmation email. Call your local RMV office ahead of time to ask what they accept.

Getting a temporary license while you wait

If you renew in person at an RMV office, you'll receive a temporary paper license before you leave. This temporary license is valid for driving and has the same expiration date as your new plastic license. Keep it with you while you wait for the new license to arrive by mail.

If you renew online, you do not receive a temporary license. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to drive normally. If your current license is expired or will expire before your new one arrives, you should renew in person instead so you can get a temporary license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your new license should arrive by mail within two to three weeks of approval. If you don't receive it within four weeks, contact the RMV directly — you can call the office where you renewed or use the contact form on mass.gov/rmv.

Can I renew my license if I owe a parking ticket or have unpaid fines?

Unpaid parking tickets do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, unpaid criminal fines or child support obligations may trigger a suspension that blocks renewal. If the RMV system flags a hold on your license, you'll be told at the time of renewal and given information about how to resolve it.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The RMV will update your name during renewal. If you're renewing online, you may not be able to complete the process if your name has changed; call the RMV to confirm before you start.

Do I need a new photo for renewal?

Yes. If you renew online, the RMV will use the photo from your current license. If you renew in person, you'll have a new photo taken at the RMV office. You cannot bring your own photo.

Can I renew my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You need proof of legal residency in Massachusetts, which can be a visa, green card, work permit, or other immigration document. Bring the same documents as any other renewal plus your immigration document. If you're unsure whether your document qualifies, call your local RMV office before you visit.

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.