Where to renew and what you'll need
In Massachusetts, you can renew your driver's license at any RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles) branch office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster — you can complete it in minutes from home — but it's only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed. If any of those don't explore to you, you'll need to visit an RMV office in person.
Before you go to an RMV office or start an online renewal, gather these documents: your current Massachusetts driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a W-2, or a tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
You'll also need to pay the renewal fee. As of 2024, a five-year renewal costs $50 and a ten-year renewal costs $100. The RMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at offices, and online renewals accept credit and debit cards only.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv takes about 10 minutes if your license is current, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
- In-person renewal at an RMV office requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within 60 days.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last moment.
- RMV offices do not require an appointment for renewals, but wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning and weekday visits are typically shorter.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you renew, whether you renew online or in person.
Renewing online through the RMV website
To renew online, go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will then ask you to confirm your address and upload a new photo or use your existing one from your current license.
After you review your information and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can use your current license to drive legally until your new one arrives.
If the online system tells you that you don't meet the requirements for online renewal, you'll need to visit an RMV office instead. This usually means your license has expired, you have medical restrictions noted on it, or your address has changed since your last renewal.
Renewing in person at an RMV office
Walk into any RMV branch with your documents and take a number at the entrance. You don't need an appointment. When your number is called, hand your documents to the clerk, who will verify your information and take a new photo for your license. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
After you pay the renewal fee, you'll receive a receipt and a temporary paper license that's valid for 45 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Use the temporary license to drive during that time.
If you want to avoid a long wait, visit an RMV office early in the morning on a weekday, or check the RMV website for real-time wait times at each branch. Some offices post current wait times online so you can choose the location with the shortest line.
When your license is expired or about to expire
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it online — you must go to an RMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a regular renewal. The process is the same, and the fee is the same, but the clerk will note that you're renewing an expired license.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last day. Many people renew several months early to avoid the rush near the expiration date. If you're unsure when your license expires, check the date printed on the front of your card.
If you're driving with an expired license, you can be stopped and cited by police. Renewing early removes that risk and gives you time to receive your new license by mail before your current one becomes invalid.
Renewing a license with medical restrictions or changes
If your current license has medical restrictions — such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or automatic transmission only — you cannot renew online. You must visit an RMV office and may need to provide updated medical documentation depending on the restriction.
If your vision, hearing, or other medical condition has changed since your last license, tell the clerk when you arrive. They will ask you to complete a medical form or may require you to have a doctor fill one out. Some restrictions can be removed or changed on the spot; others require a follow-up appointment with an RMV medical examiner.
Bring any medical documentation you have with you to speed up the process. If the RMV needs additional information from your doctor, they will contact you by mail with instructions on what to submit.
What to do if you've moved or changed your name
If you've moved to a new address in Massachusetts since your last license, you can update your address during renewal. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) along with your other documents. The clerk will update your address in the RMV system, and your new license will be mailed to your new address.
If you've changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document proving the change along with your current license and other renewal documents. The RMV will issue a new license with your updated name.
Address and name changes must be done in person at an RMV office — you cannot make these updates through online renewal.
Finding an RMV office near you and checking wait times
Massachusetts has RMV branches in most cities and towns. To find the office closest to you, visit mass.gov/rmv and use the office locator tool. The website lists each office's address, hours, and phone number.
Some RMV offices post real-time wait times on the website so you can see how long the line is before you go. If you're choosing between multiple offices, check the wait times and pick the one with the shortest line. Early morning visits on weekdays are typically faster than afternoons or weekends.
If you have questions before you visit, you can call the RMV at 857-368-8000. They can answer questions about what documents you need or whether you're may be able to access for online renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than a year?
Yes, but you must renew in person at an RMV office. Bring your expired license along with your other documents. The process is the same as a regular renewal, and you'll pay the standard renewal fee. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, so renew as soon as you can.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you renew, whether you renew online or in person. If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days that you can use to drive while you wait for your permanent license.
What if I don't have proof of my address?
You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address. Acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, insurance bills, or tax returns. If you don't have any of these, contact the RMV before you visit to ask what other documents they accept.
Can I renew someone else's license for them?
No. The person whose license is being renewed must be present at the RMV office to have their photo taken and sign the renewal paperwork. Online renewal requires the person to complete it themselves using their own information.
Do I need to take a written test or road test to renew my license?
No. License renewal in Massachusetts does not require a written test or road test. You only need to provide your documents, have a new photo taken, and pay the fee. Tests are only required if you're getting your license for the first time or if you're reinstating a suspended or revoked license.