Where to go and what to bring

The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) handles all Massachusetts driver's license replacements. You can replace a lost license in person at any RMV service center, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster — you'll leave with a temporary license the same day — but the mail route works if you cannot get to an office.

Before you go or mail anything, gather these documents: a valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state license), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your Massachusetts address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your original license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

The RMV charges a replacement fee. The cost depends on how much time remains on your current license — the closer it is to expiration, the lower the fee. You can pay by cash, check, or card at service centers; mail-in requests require a check or money order.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an RMV service center in person or mail your request with original documents; there is no online replacement option for a lost license.
  • Bring a valid photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address — all originals, not copies.
  • An in-person replacement takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary license when ready; a mailed replacement takes 7 to 10 business days.
  • The replacement fee varies based on how long your current license is valid, and you must pay at the time of replacement.

Replacing your license in person at an RMV office

Walk into any RMV service center during business hours with your documents. The RMV operates service centers in Boston, Watertown, Medford, Brockton, Worcester, Springfield, Fitchburg, and several other cities. You can find the full list and hours on the RMV website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have reduced Saturday hours.

When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you need to replace a lost license. Hand over your documents and the clerk will verify them against the RMV database. They will take a new photo (unless your license photo is less than five years old, in which case they may reuse it). You will sign the back of the new license and pay the fee.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. This temporary license works for driving, voting, and age verification while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. The permanent license ships within 7 to 10 business days. Do not throw away the temporary license — you may need it if your permanent license is delayed.

Mailing in your replacement request

You can mail your replacement request to the RMV if your current license has not expired and you do not need a new photo. This means your license photo must be less than five years old. If your license has already expired or your photo is older than five years, you must go in person.

Send the RMV a completed Form DL 34 (process for Duplicate License), a check or money order for the replacement fee, a photocopy of your valid photo ID, and a photocopy of your proof of address. Do not send original documents — the RMV will not return them. Include a note with your name and current phone number so the RMV can contact you if there is a problem.

Mail everything to: Registry of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 369, Boston, MA 02133. The RMV processes mail requests in the order they arrive. Your replacement license will arrive by mail 7 to 10 business days after the RMV receives and processes your request. This means the total time from mailing to receiving your new license is typically two to three weeks.

What to do if you cannot find your documents

If you do not have a valid photo ID, you can bring two documents from the RMV's secondary ID list instead. These include a birth certificate, passport card, military discharge papers, or a notarized affidavit from someone who knows you. The RMV website lists all accepted secondary documents.

If you cannot locate your Social Security card, bring a W-2, 1099, tax return, or bank statement showing your full Social Security number. A notarized statement from your employer also works. The RMV must verify your number before issuing a replacement license.

If your proof of address is missing, a utility bill in someone else's name at your address works if you bring a lease or mortgage statement showing your name. Alternatively, you can bring a bank statement, insurance bill, or government letter addressed to you at your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Replacing a license that has already expired

An expired license cannot be replaced by mail — you must go in person to an RMV service center. The RMV treats an expired license as a new process rather than a replacement, which means you will need to pass an eye test and may need to retake the written exam depending on how long it has been expired.

If your license expired less than two years ago, you only need the eye test. If it expired more than two years ago, you must pass both the eye test and the written exam. Bring the same documents you would for a regular replacement: valid photo ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.

The fee for renewing an expired license is higher than the fee for replacing a lost one. Check the RMV website for the current renewal fee before you go.

Getting a replacement if you are out of state

If you have moved out of Massachusetts but still hold a valid Massachusetts license, you can mail in a replacement request using the same process described above. Your temporary license and permanent replacement will be mailed to your out-of-state address.

If you have moved to another state and want to keep your Massachusetts license, you can renew it by mail without visiting an RMV office. However, if you have already obtained a license in your new state, you should check that state's rules about holding multiple licenses — most states do not allow it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary license to drive out of state?

Yes, your temporary Massachusetts license is valid for driving in all 50 states and Canada. It works the same way as your permanent license for the 45 days it is valid. If you are traveling and your permanent license has not arrived, bring the temporary license with you.

What if my permanent license arrives damaged or with wrong information?

Contact the RMV when ready. If the license is damaged, you can exchange it for free at any service center. If the information is wrong — your name, address, or date of birth — bring proof of the correct information and the RMV will issue a corrected license for free.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

No, reporting to police is not required to replace your license. However, if you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to file a report for your records in case someone uses it fraudulently. This is separate from the RMV replacement process.

How long does a replacement license last?

Your replacement license is valid until the same expiration date as your original lost license. If your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement also expires in 2027. You do not get a fresh five-year term.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license if I cannot go to the RMV?

No, you must go in person to receive your temporary license. However, once your permanent license arrives by mail, anyone can pick it up from your mailbox. If you are concerned about mail theft, you can request that the RMV hold your license for pickup at a service center instead of mailing it.