Where to change your address on your Massachusetts license

You can change your address with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in three ways: online through their website, by mail, or in person at an RMV service center. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes without leaving home. If you prefer to go in person or mail your request, you'll need to bring or send specific documents, which takes longer.

The RMV does not charge a fee to update your address. You do not need to renew your license early or get a new photo ID unless you want to. Your current license remains valid; the address change is recorded in their system and will appear on your next renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through mass.gov/rmv take about five minutes and are processed within one business day.
  • You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to change your address online.
  • If you mail or visit in person, bring a document that shows your name and new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Your license itself does not change — only the address in the RMV database updates, and the new address appears when you renew.

Changing your address online through mass.gov

Go to mass.gov/rmv and look for the "Change Address" option under the "License and ID" section. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. After you verify this information, you'll type in your new address and confirm it.

The system will show you a summary of what you're submitting. Review it carefully — if the address is wrong, you can go back and correct it before you finish. Once you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number. The RMV typically processes online address changes within one business day, though it may take up to three business days during busy periods.

Changing your address by mail

Print the RMV's Change of Address form (Form DL 23) from mass.gov/rmv or request it by calling the RMV at 617-351-4500. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. You do not need to include a copy of your license.

Mail the signed form to: Registry of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 369, Boston, MA 02125. Include a document that shows your name and new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. The RMV will process your request within two to three weeks of receiving it. Keep a copy of what you send in case you need to follow up.

Changing your address in person at an RMV service center

Visit any RMV service center with your current driver's license and a document showing your name and new address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or similar, dated within the last 60 days). You do not need an appointment for an address change. Tell the staff member you want to update your address, and they will process it on the spot.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. The RMV's website shows which service centers are open and their typical wait times. Bring the documents with you — staff cannot process the change without proof of your new address. The change is recorded when ready in their system.

What documents count as proof of your new address

The RMV accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show both your name and your new address. These include: a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a government notice addressed to you at your new address.

The document must be an original or a clear copy — a photo of the document on your phone is not acceptable if you're going in person, though you can mail a copy. If you're changing your address online, you do not need to submit any document; the RMV verifies your identity using the information you provide.

When your new address appears on your license

Your physical license card will not change. It will still show your old address until you renew your license. However, the RMV's records update when ready (or within one business day if you submitted online), and that is what law enforcement and other agencies see when they scan or look up your license.

When you renew your license — either at the end of its five-year term or if you choose to renew early — your new license will print with the updated address. If you need a new license with your current address before your renewal date, you can request a replacement license in person at an RMV service center for a fee, though most people do not need to do this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address before I move or after?

You should change it within 30 days of moving. The RMV does not enforce this strictly, but having your current address on file is important for vehicle registration, insurance, and if you're stopped by police. You can change it before or after you move — the RMV does not require proof that you have already moved in.

What if I don't have a document showing my new address?

If you're going in person or by mail, you need a document dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have one yet, you can change your address online instead — it does not require any document. Alternatively, wait until you receive a utility bill or bank statement at your new address, then submit by mail or in person.

Will changing my address affect my car registration?

Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate. Changing your license address does not automatically update your registration. You'll need to notify your insurance company of your move, and you may need to update your registration separately depending on whether you moved within Massachusetts or from another state.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online process itself takes about five minutes. The RMV processes the change within one business day, though it may take up to three business days during peak times. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready after you submit.