What you need to do to renew in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, though some situations require an in-person visit.
Your Massachusetts license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. The RMV sends renewal notices to your address on file about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv takes about 10 minutes and works if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or address changes.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment to the RMV.
- In-person renewal at an RMV office is necessary if your license is expired by more than five years, you need a Real ID, or you have had a suspension or medical flag on your record.
- A standard Massachusetts license costs $50 for five years; a Real ID costs $75 and requires proof of citizenship and residency documents.
- You can check your renewal status and find your local RMV office on mass.gov/rmv.
Renewing online through the RMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current Massachusetts license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against RMV records and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have had a suspension or medical restriction, if you have moved and not updated your address with the RMV, or if you are explore for a Real ID for the first time. If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access, you will need to use mail or in-person renewal instead.
If you are may be able to access, you will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The RMV will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works for most people and takes two to three weeks from the time the RMV receives your materials. You will need to complete Form DL 34 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), which you can read from mass.gov/rmv or request by calling the RMV at 857-368-8000. You will also need to include your current license and a check or money order for $50 (or $75 for a Real ID).
Mail your completed form, license, and payment to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 369, Boston, MA 02125. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your old license back. The RMV will send your new license to the address on file.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but does not require you to visit an office or meet specific may be able to access rules. However, if your address has changed since your last license was issued, you should update it before mailing your renewal materials, or include a proof of residency document (such as a utility bill or lease) with your process.
Renewing in person at an RMV office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you are explore for a Real ID for the first time, if you have had a suspension or medical restriction on your license, or if you need to update your photograph. In-person renewal also allows you to change your name, address, or other information on your license at the same time.
Find your nearest RMV office on mass.gov/rmv and check the office hours before you go. Many offices operate by appointment only, and you can book a time slot on the website. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment. If you are renewing a Real ID, you will also need to bring proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or passport) and a second form of ID.
Processing times at RMV offices vary by location and time of day. Some offices can issue a temporary license on the spot while your permanent license is mailed, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Call ahead or check the office website to see whether your location offers this service.
Understanding Real ID and when you need it
A Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued identification. Starting in May 2025, you will need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Massachusetts license will no longer be accepted for these purposes after that date. If you plan to fly or visit federal offices, you should renew to a Real ID before your current license expires.
A Real ID costs $75 instead of $50 and requires proof of citizenship and residency. You can explore for a Real ID online if your current license is not expired and you meet the other online renewal requirements, but the RMV will mail you a form asking you to submit documents by mail or in person. You cannot complete a Real ID renewal entirely online; you must either mail in your documents or visit an office.
If you do not plan to fly or enter federal buildings, you do not need a Real ID. A standard license will continue to work for driving and other purposes.
What to do if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for five years or less, you can renew it by mail or online (if you meet the online requirements). If it has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at an RMV office. You cannot drive on an expired license, even if you have started the renewal process.
If you are renewing a license that expired more than five years ago, bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment to an RMV office. The office will process your renewal and may issue a temporary license while your permanent license is mailed.
Costs and payment methods
A standard five-year Massachusetts driver's license renewal costs $50. A Real ID renewal costs $75. These are the only fees; there are no additional charges for online, mail, or in-person renewal.
For online renewal, you can pay by credit or debit card. For mail renewal, you must send a check or money order. For in-person renewal, most RMV offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card, though you should call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
Yes, you can continue to drive on your current license until it expires, even if you have already submitted your renewal process. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you should not drive. If you are renewing in person and the office issues a temporary license, you can drive on that temporary license until your permanent license arrives.
What if I moved and did not update my address with the RMV?
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you should update your address before renewing online. If you are renewing by mail or in person, include a proof of residency document such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. The RMV will mail your new license to the address you provide, not the old address on file.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days for the new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewals also take 7 to 10 business days for the permanent license, but some offices issue a temporary license on the spot that you can use when ready.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
If you have lost your license, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit an RMV office in person to report the loss and explore for a replacement or renewal. Bring proof of residency and payment. The office will issue a new license with the same expiration date as your lost license.
Do I need an appointment to renew at an RMV office?
Most Massachusetts RMV offices now operate by appointment only. Check mass.gov/rmv to find your nearest office and book a time slot. Walk-in service may be available at some locations, but calling ahead or booking online is faster and more reliable.