You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at the RMV
Massachusetts lets you update your address without getting a new license photo or paying a replacement fee. The fastest way is online through the RMV's website if your license is current and you have a valid email address. If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a form to the RMV or walk into a service center — both take longer but work just as well.
Your address must match what the RMV has on file before you can renew your license, register a vehicle, or update your vehicle registration. Changing it now prevents delays later.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through mass.gov/rmv takes minutes and is the fastest option if your license is not expired.
- By mail, you send Form DL 34 with proof of your new address to the RMV's Boston office; this takes two to four weeks.
- In person, you visit any RMV service center with your current license and proof of address; you leave with your updated license the same day.
- Proof of address means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address.
Changing your address online
Go to mass.gov/rmv and look for the "Change Address Online" option. You will need your current Massachusetts driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask you to enter your new address.
Once you submit, the RMV updates your record when ready. You do not receive a new physical card in the mail — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the RMV's system shows your new address. When you renew your license later, the new address will print on the card.
This method works only if your license has not expired. If your license is expired, you must renew it instead, which involves a different process and may require an in-person visit.
Changing your address by mail
read or request Form DL 34 (Change of Address) from mass.gov/rmv. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Attach a copy of proof that you live at the new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and address on it.
Mail the form and proof to:
Registry of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box 369 Boston, MA 02133
Processing takes two to four weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter; your license remains valid during this time. When you renew your license later, the new address will appear on the card.
Changing your address in person at an RMV service center
Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address to any RMV service center. Proof means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address. You can also bring a voter registration card, property tax bill, or insurance policy if it shows your current address.
Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will update your record on the spot. Your physical license still shows the old address, but the RMV's system reflects the new one. You leave with no new card and no fee.
RMV service centers are located in Boston, Brockton, Fitchburg, Framingham, Lawrence, Leominster, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Salem, Springfield, and Worcester. Hours and wait times vary by location. You can check current wait times on mass.gov/rmv before you go.
What counts as proof of your new address
The RMV accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank or credit card statements also work.
Documents that do not work include a driver's license from another state, a postcard from the post office, or a letter from your landlord without an official letterhead. If you are unsure whether your document qualifies, call the RMV at 617-351-4500 before you go in person or mail your form.
Timeline and what to expect
| Method | Time to Complete | When Address Updates | Physical Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Minutes | when ready | No new card; old address stays on card until renewal |
| By Mail | 2–4 weeks | After RMV processes form | No new card; old address stays on card until renewal |
| In Person | 30 minutes to 2 hours (depending on wait) | Same day | No new card; old address stays on card until renewal |
In all three cases, your physical license keeps the old address printed on it. The new address only appears on your card when you renew your license. The RMV's internal system, however, shows your new address right away (or after processing, if you mail the form), so police, insurance companies, and other agencies see the correct address when they look you up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a new license card when I change my address?
No. You keep your current card with the old address on it. The new address updates in the RMV's system but does not print on a new card. When you renew your license at the end of its validity period, the new card will show your current address.
What if I moved out of state?
If you no longer live in Massachusetts, you should not update your address with the RMV. Instead, you will need to get a driver's license from your new state. Keep your Massachusetts license until your new state issues one.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No. You must renew your license first. The online address-change tool and the mail form both require a current, valid license. If your license is expired, contact the RMV or visit a service center to renew it, and you can update your address as part of that process.
How long does the RMV keep my old address on file?
Once you change your address through any method, the RMV replaces the old address in its system when ready (or after processing, if you mail the form). Your physical card keeps the old address until you renew, but the RMV's records show the new one.
What if my proof of address is in my spouse's name too?
Documents with both names on them work fine. The RMV only requires that your name and your new address appear on the document. It does not matter if other names are on it as well.