Where to change your address in Massachusetts

You can change your address on your Massachusetts driver's license in three ways: online through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) website, by mail, or in person at an RMV service center. The online method is fastest and requires no documents — you log in with your license number and date of birth, update your address, and the change takes effect when ready. By mail, you send a completed form with proof of your new address to the RMV. In person, you visit a service center with your current license and proof of address.

The RMV operates service centers across Massachusetts, including locations in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Fitchburg, plus smaller offices in many towns. Hours vary by location; some are open Monday through Friday only, while larger centers have extended hours. You can find your nearest center and check hours on the RMV website before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the RMV website take effect when ready and require no documents or fees.
  • By mail, you need a completed form and one document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • In-person changes at an RMV service center require your current license and proof of address but are processed on the spot.
  • You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee to change your address — it is a separate transaction.

Online address change through the RMV website

The online method is the fastest route. Go to mass.gov/rmv, log into your account using your license number and date of birth, and select the option to update your address. You enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. The system confirms the change when ready, and your license record is updated right away. You do not need to upload documents, pay a fee, or wait for anything in the mail.

One limitation: online changes work only if your license is not expired and your account information matches what the RMV has on file. If your name has changed since you got your license, or if your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.

Changing your address by mail

To change your address by mail, read the Address Change form from the RMV website or request one by phone at 857-368-8000. Fill out the form with your name, license number, and new address. Include one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail all work. Mail both the form and the document to the RMV address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes two to four weeks. The RMV will send you a new license with your updated address in the mail. You do not need to include a check or money order — there is no fee for an address change. Keep your old license until the new one arrives; your old license remains valid for identification until the replacement shows up.

In-person address change at an RMV service center

Walk into any RMV service center with your current driver's license and one document showing your new address. Bring the same types of proof as you would by mail: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. Take a number at the service center and wait for your turn. The agent will update your address on the spot and issue you a new license before you leave.

In-person changes are processed when ready, so you walk out with your new license the same day. There is no fee. Service times vary depending on how busy the center is — some locations have short waits, while others during peak hours can take an hour or more. Arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means shorter waits.

What counts as proof of your new address

The RMV accepts a narrow list of documents as proof of address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name works. So does a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or government mail like a tax return or voter registration card. The document must show your name and your new address and be dated within the last 60 days.

Documents that do not work include a cell phone bill, a printed email, a screenshot, or a letter you wrote yourself. If you just moved and have not received any mail at your new address yet, ask your landlord or mortgage lender for a letter on their letterhead confirming your residency. Some RMV agents will accept that if it is dated recently and shows both your name and address.

Timing and what to expect

Online changes are when ready. By mail, expect two to four weeks. In person, you get your new license the same day. Your old license remains valid for identification until your new one arrives (if you changed by mail) or until you leave the service center (if you changed in person).

You do not need to notify the RMV separately or fill out any other forms. A single address change updates your driver's license record. If you also have a Massachusetts ID card, you will need to change that address separately using the same three methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address on my license if I move?

Massachusetts law requires you to notify the RMV of an address change within 30 days of moving. Failing to do so can result in a fine, though enforcement is uncommon. More practically, keeping your license current prevents problems if you are pulled over or need to show ID.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew it instead of just changing the address. If it expired fewer than five years ago, you can change the address online or by mail, but you will need to renew within a set timeframe. Contact the RMV to confirm your license status before you try to change your address.

What if I moved out of state?

If you moved to another state, you should get a driver's license in your new state rather than updating your Massachusetts address. Once you have a new license, you can surrender your Massachusetts license to the RMV by mail or in person. Massachusetts will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in the state.

Do I need to bring my old license to change my address online?

No. Online changes require only your license number and date of birth. You do not need to have your physical license in front of you, though having it nearby makes it easier to find your number.

Will I get a new license photo if I change my address?

No. An address change does not trigger a new photo. Your new license will have the same photo as your current one. If you want a new photo, you must renew your license, which is a separate process.