What to bring when you renew in person
Massachusetts requires you to bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need to bring your birth certificate or passport unless your name has changed since your last license was issued. If your name is different now, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Proof of residency means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. It needs to be dated within the last 60 days. A phone bill, insurance statement, or government mail also works. Bring the original or a certified copy — a photo of the document on your phone will not be accepted.
Proof of your Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration. You do not need to bring your passport or birth certificate to prove your identity at the RMV counter, though you will need them if you are renewing by mail and your license has been expired for more than five years.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current Massachusetts license, a recent utility bill or lease showing your address, and your Social Security card or a tax document.
- If your name has changed, bring the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order that documents the change.
- Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement.
- If you are renewing by mail and your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to include your birth certificate and passport.
Renewing by mail instead of in person
You can renew by mail if your license is not expired or has been expired for fewer than five years. Mail your current license, a completed process form (Form DL 34), and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the RMV. You do not need to send copies of your proof of residency or Social Security number when renewing by mail — the RMV already has that information on file.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail. You must go to an RMV branch in person and bring your birth certificate and passport along with the documents listed above. The RMV will not accept a renewal by mail after that point because they need to verify your identity in person.
What happens if your name or address changed
If you moved, update your address at the RMV when you renew. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. If you changed your name, bring the document that shows the change and be prepared to answer questions about when the change happened and why.
If you changed your name but have not updated your Social Security record yet, tell the RMV staff. They will still issue your new license with your current legal name, but you may need to update your Social Security record separately with the Social Security Administration to avoid problems later with taxes or benefits.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for a five-year license is $50. A ten-year license costs $100. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or debit card at an RMV branch. If you are renewing by mail, send a check or money order only — the RMV does not accept credit cards or debit cards by mail.
Some RMV branches accept online payment before you arrive, which can speed up your visit. Check the RMV website to see if your local branch offers this option. You will still need to bring all your documents in person.
If you lost your license or it was stolen
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it by mail. You must go to an RMV branch and report it. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number as listed above. The RMV will issue a replacement license with a new number. There is an additional fee for a replacement beyond the renewal fee — check the RMV website for the current amount.
If your license was stolen, you can also file a police report, though it is not required to get a replacement from the RMV. Having a police report can help if someone uses your old license number fraudulently.
Preparing your documents before you go
Make a checklist of what you need: current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and proof of your Social Security number. If your name changed, add the document that shows the change. Check that your proof of residency has your current address and is not older than 60 days — utility companies and banks date statements on the day they are sent, so a statement from two months ago will not work.
If you are going in person, arrive during a time when the branch is less busy. The RMV publishes wait times on its website for each branch. Bring all documents in originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If you are renewing by mail, make a copy of everything you send in case you need to follow up.
What to expect after you submit
If you renew in person, you will usually receive your new license in the mail within two to three weeks. If you renew by mail, it takes longer — typically four to six weeks. The RMV will mail your new license to the address you provided on your process.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the RMV for a temporary paper license at the branch. This is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent license. If you renewed by mail, you cannot get a temporary license — you will need to wait for the permanent one to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
Massachusetts does not offer online renewal. You must renew in person at an RMV branch or by mail. Some branches let you pay online before you arrive, but you still need to go in person to complete the renewal.
What if my proof of residency is older than 60 days?
The RMV will not accept it. Bring a more recent statement from the same company, or bring a different document like a lease or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Utility companies and banks send statements monthly, so you can usually get a current one quickly.
Do I need to bring my passport to renew?
No, unless your license has been expired for more than five years and you are renewing in person. For a standard renewal, your current license, proof of residency, and Social Security number are enough.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Massachusetts address on file?
Update your address with the RMV before or when you renew. Bring proof of your new out-of-state address dated within 60 days. If you no longer live in Massachusetts and do not plan to return, you should surrender your Massachusetts license and get a license in your new state instead.
How long does a renewed license last?
A five-year license is valid for five years from the date of issue. A ten-year license is valid for ten years. The RMV will print the expiration date on your new license. You can renew again anytime during the last year before it expires.