Where and how to report your address change

You can change your address on your Massachusetts driver's license through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at an RMV office. The online method is the fastest and requires no documents — you log into your RMV account, confirm your identity, and submit the new address. The RMV processes online changes within one business day.

If you prefer mail, send a completed Form DL 34 (process for Massachusetts Driver's License or Identification Card) to the RMV with your current license and proof of your new address. Processing takes about two weeks. In-person visits at any RMV branch also use Form DL 34 and are processed the same day, though you may wait several hours depending on the location and time of day.

You do not need to pay a fee to change your address. The RMV will mail your updated license to your new address within 7 to 10 business days after approval, whether you submitted the change online, by mail, or in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through your RMV account are processed within one business day and require no documents or fees.
  • By-mail changes require Form DL 34, your current license, and proof of your new address, and take about two weeks.
  • In-person changes at an RMV office use the same form and are completed the same day, but wait times vary by location.
  • Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days after the RMV approves the change.

What documents you need for each method

For an online change, you need only your current Massachusetts driver's license number and the ability to log into your RMV account. If you do not have an account, you can create one on the RMV website using your license number and date of birth. No additional documents are required.

For a mail-in change, you must include Form DL 34 (signed and dated), your current driver's license, and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Mail the packet to the RMV address listed on the form.

For an in-person change, bring your current driver's license, Form DL 34 (you can fill it out at the office), and one proof-of-address document. The same documents accepted for mail-in changes work for in-person visits. If you do not have a current license, you will need additional identity documents — ask the RMV which ones before you visit.

Processing times and when you will receive your new license

Online changes are the fastest option. The RMV confirms your new address within one business day, and your updated license ships within 7 to 10 business days after that. You can check the status of your mailed license through your RMV account.

Mail-in changes take longer because the RMV must receive your packet, verify your documents, and process the change. Total time is usually 2 to 3 weeks from the date the RMV receives your envelope. Mail delivery itself adds time on both ends — allow extra days for your packet to reach the RMV and for your new license to reach you.

In-person changes are completed the same day you visit, but you do not receive your new license when ready. The RMV prints a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to your new address. This temporary license is sufficient for driving and identification purposes.

RMV office locations and how to find the one nearest you

Massachusetts has 20 full-service RMV branch offices across the state, plus several smaller service centers. The main office is in Boston, but most people use a branch closer to home or work. You can find the complete list of locations, hours, and services on the official RMV website at mass.gov/rmv.

Each branch handles address changes, but wait times vary significantly. Urban branches like Boston and Worcester often have longer waits, especially on weekday mornings and afternoons. Suburban and rural branches typically move faster. The RMV website shows current wait times at each location, updated throughout the day.

Some service centers offer limited services and may not handle all types of license changes. Before you visit, check the RMV website to confirm that your nearest location handles address changes. If it does not, you can use the online method or travel to a full-service branch.

What happens if you move but do not update your license

Massachusetts law does not require you to update your address within a specific number of days, but there are practical consequences to delaying. If you are pulled over for a traffic stop, an officer may question why your license shows an old address. This does not result in a ticket or fine, but it can extend the interaction.

More importantly, official mail from the RMV, courts, or insurance companies will go to the address on your license. If you receive a ticket or notice of a license suspension, you may not see it in time to respond. Vehicle registration renewal notices will also go to your old address, and missing a renewal important date can result in a lapsed registration.

For insurance purposes, your auto insurance company needs your current address. If your license address and insurance address do not match, your insurer may deny a claim or cancel your policy. Contact your insurance company separately to update your address there, even if you update your license.

Changing your address if your license is expired or suspended

If your license is expired, you can still change your address online or by mail using the same process. The RMV will update the address on your expired license record. However, you cannot use an expired license for driving or most identification purposes, so you should renew it at the same time or shortly after changing your address.

If your license is suspended, you cannot change your address online. You must visit an RMV office in person or submit a mail-in change. Bring your current (suspended) license and proof of your new address. The address change will be processed, but your license will remain suspended until you resolve the underlying issue — usually unpaid fines, unpaid child support, or a medical condition.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, check your status on the RMV website or call the RMV customer service line. They can tell you why it is suspended and what you need to do to restore it.

Updating your address with other agencies after changing your license

Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your address with other organizations. You must notify them separately. Contact your auto insurance company, vehicle registration (which the RMV handles, but confirm the address is correct), employer, bank, and any government benefits programs you receive.

The RMV will send you a new registration card for your vehicle at your new address if your registration is current. However, if your registration expires before the RMV processes your address change, you may not receive the renewal notice. Check your registration expiration date and renew online or by mail if necessary.

If you receive mail from the RMV at your old address after you have changed it, forward it to your new address or contact the RMV to confirm the change was processed. Delays in mail delivery can sometimes cause notices to arrive at the old address even after the RMV has updated their records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if I do not have an RMV account?

You can create an RMV account on the spot using your driver's license number and date of birth. The account creation takes a few minutes, and then you can when ready submit your address change. No prior account is necessary.

What if my proof-of-address document is older than 60 days?

The RMV requires proof of address dated within the last 60 days. If your documents are older, you may be able to use a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement instead. Contact the RMV before you submit to confirm which documents they will accept in your situation.

Do I need to bring my old license when I change my address in person?

Yes, you must bring your current driver's license to an RMV office to change your address. The RMV scans it as part of the process. If you have lost your license, you will need to report it lost and explore for a replacement at the same time, which requires additional documents.

Will my vehicle registration address change automatically when I update my license?

No. Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate records. You must update your registration address separately through the RMV, either online, by mail, or in person. Many people update both at the same time when they move.

How long is the temporary paper license valid if I change my address in person?

The temporary paper license issued at an RMV office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent updated license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, so you should receive it before the temporary expires. If you do not, contact the RMV to check the status.