You can change your Massachusetts driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at the RMV

Massachusetts allows you to update your address on your driver's license through three routes: the online system at mass.gov/rmv, by mail with a completed form, or by visiting a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office in person. The online method is fastest and requires no documents — you log in with your license number and date of birth, confirm your new address, and the change takes effect when ready for your record. If you prefer mail or in-person service, you'll need to submit form DL 34 along with proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

The address change itself does not require a new photo or a new license card to be issued. Your existing license remains valid; only the address on file with the RMV updates. However, if you want the new address printed on a physical card, you can request a replacement card for a fee, though this is optional.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method at mass.gov/rmv is the fastest option and updates your address when ready without requiring documents or a visit to an office.
  • By mail, you submit form DL 34 with proof of your new address dated within 60 days, and processing typically takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person visits to an RMV office require the same form and proof of address but are processed on the spot.
  • Your current license remains valid after an address change; a new card is optional and costs money if you request one.
  • You must update your address within a reasonable time after moving; Massachusetts law does not specify an exact important date, but RMV recommends doing so promptly.

Online address change through mass.gov/rmv

The online portal is the simplest route if you have access to a computer or smartphone. Go to mass.gov/rmv, select "Change Your Address Online," and log in using your Massachusetts driver's license number and date of birth. You will be asked to enter your new address and confirm it. Once you submit, the change is recorded when ready in the RMV system.

This method works only if your license is currently valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license status is unclear, you can check it on the same website before attempting the address change. The online system is available 24 hours a day and does not require you to upload or mail any documents.

Mailing form DL 34 with proof of address

If you prefer to use mail, read or request form DL 34 (process for Duplicate License or Permit) from mass.gov/rmv or pick one up at any RMV office. Complete the form with your current license number, name, and new address. You must also include a document that proves you live at that address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail all work, as long as it was issued within the last 60 days and shows your name and new address.

Mail the completed form and proof of address to the RMV address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. You will receive confirmation by mail once the change is complete. Keep a copy of what you send for your records.

In-person visits to an RMV office

You can visit any RMV branch to change your address in person. Bring your valid driver's license, form DL 34 (completed), and proof of your new address dated within 60 days. The staff will process the change on the spot, and your address will be updated in the system when ready. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

If you visit without the form already filled out, RMV staff can provide a blank copy and help you complete it. However, you must still bring proof of your new address. Check mass.gov/rmv for office hours and locations near you before you go.

What counts as proof of your new address

The RMV accepts a narrow list of documents as proof of address. They must show your name, your new address, and be dated within 60 days of when you submit them. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, insurance documents, or government mail such as a tax notice or voter registration card.

Documents that do not work include pay stubs (even if they show an address), handwritten notes, or letters from a landlord or employer. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, a mortgage statement or property tax bill from the new property owner can work if you can show you are the resident. Contact your local RMV office if you are unsure whether a specific document will be accepted.

Getting a replacement card with your new address

After you change your address, your existing license card still shows the old address, but the RMV's record is updated. If you want a new card printed with the new address, you can request a replacement card. This is optional and costs money — the fee varies but is typically around $25 to $35 for a standard replacement. You can request a replacement card online, by mail, or in person at an RMV office.

A replacement card is useful if you need to show your current address on the physical card for identification purposes, such as opening a bank account or renting an apartment. However, for most purposes, the updated address in the RMV system is sufficient, and you do not need to pay for a new card.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit

If you change your address online, the update is when ready and visible in the RMV system right away. If you mail form DL 34, expect two to three weeks for processing and confirmation by mail. If you visit an RMV office in person, the change is processed on the spot, though you may wait in line depending on how busy the office is.

After your address is updated, you should receive confirmation from the RMV. If you mailed the form, confirmation comes by mail. If you changed it online or in person, you can log back into your online account or call the RMV to verify the change was recorded. Your new address will appear on any documents the RMV issues to you going forward, such as a renewal notice or a replacement license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address on my license if I moved out of state?

If you have moved out of Massachusetts and no longer live there, you should not update your Massachusetts license address to an out-of-state address. Instead, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state. Massachusetts law requires your address on file to be your actual residence. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency to learn how to transfer or obtain a license there.

What if I don't have a document dated within the last 60 days?

If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming you live at the address, along with the date you moved in. Some RMV offices will accept this in place of a standard document, though policies can vary. Call your local RMV office ahead of time to confirm they will accept a landlord letter before you visit.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?

You cannot change your address online if your license is suspended or revoked. You can still change it by mail or in person, but you will need to bring your license or other identification. If your license is expired, you may need to renew it at the same time. Contact your local RMV office to learn what documents you need to bring.

How long does a replacement card take if I request one?

A replacement card ordered online or by mail typically takes two to three weeks to arrive by mail. If you order one in person at an RMV office, some locations can issue a temporary card on the spot and mail the permanent card to you. Ask the RMV staff when you visit whether your office offers this service.

Do I need to notify my insurance company after I change my address?

Yes. Your auto insurance company should have your current address on file. After you update your license address with the RMV, contact your insurance agent or company to update your address there as well. This ensures your policy documents and any future correspondence reach you at the correct location.