How to change your address with the Massachusetts RMV
You can change your address with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) online, by mail, or in person at an RMV office. The online method is fastest — it takes about five minutes and you do not need an appointment. If you prefer mail or in-person, both work but take longer to process. You will need your driver's license or ID number and the new address you want on file.
The RMV updates your address for your driver's license, ID card, and vehicle registration all at once. Once you submit the change, it typically shows up in the system within one to two business days for online submissions, or two to three weeks for mail. In-person changes are processed when ready while you wait.
Key Takeaways
- The online method at mass.gov/rmv is the fastest way to change your address and requires only your license number and new address.
- You can also mail a completed form or visit an RMV office in person, though both take longer than the online option.
- Your driver's license, ID card, and vehicle registration address all update together when you submit a change.
- Online changes process within one to two business days, while mail submissions take two to three weeks.
Change your address online
Go to mass.gov/rmv and look for the "Change Address" option under the "Licenses and IDs" section. You will need your Massachusetts driver's license or ID number, your date of birth, and your new address. The system will ask you to confirm your current address before showing you the form.
Fill in your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Double-check the spelling and numbers — the RMV uses this information to mail you renewal notices and vehicle registration documents. Once you submit, you will see a confirmation screen with a reference number. Write this down or take a screenshot in case you need to follow up.
The address change is usually active in the RMV system within one to two business days. Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it, but your registration and any official RMV records will reflect the new one when ready.
Change your address by mail
read the "Change of Address" form from mass.gov/rmv or pick one up at any RMV office. Fill in your name, license number, date of birth, old address, and new address. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the RMV address listed on the form itself — this varies by region, so check the form before you send it.
Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The RMV needs this to verify you actually live there. Mail the form and document together in an envelope.
Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a confirmation in the mail — the change straightforward appears in the system. If you want to confirm it went through, you can call the RMV customer service line or check online using your license number after two weeks have passed.
Change your address in person at an RMV office
Visit any RMV office with your current driver's license or ID card and a document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or similar). No appointment is needed for an address change. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photo or photocopy alone will not work.
Tell the staff member at the counter that you need to change your address. They will hand you a form to fill out or may enter the information directly into their computer. The change is processed when ready, and you can leave knowing it is in the system. Your physical license still shows the old address, but your registration and RMV records update right away.
Wait times at RMV offices vary by location and time of day. Weekday mornings are typically less crowded than afternoons or weekends. Check mass.gov/rmv for office hours and locations near you.
What documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online | License number, date of birth, new address | 1–2 business days |
| Completed form, license number, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, bank statement) | 2–3 weeks | |
| In person | Current license or ID card, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, bank statement) | when ready |
What happens to your license card and registration
Your physical driver's license or ID card will continue to show your old address until you renew it. Renewal happens every five years for standard licenses, or on a schedule set by the RMV. You do not need to get a new card just to update your address — the old one remains valid.
Your vehicle registration, however, updates when ready once the RMV processes your address change. Any renewal notices or registration documents the RMV mails to you will go to your new address. If you are waiting for a registration renewal and you change your address, make sure the RMV has processed the change before the renewal is due, or the mail may go to the old address.
If you move again before your license expires, you can change your address as many times as you need. Each change overwrites the previous one in the RMV system.
If you moved out of state or to a different country
If you no longer live in Massachusetts, you should surrender your Massachusetts license and get a license in your new state. The RMV cannot keep an out-of-state address on file for a Massachusetts license. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department to find out what documents you need to transfer your license.
If you moved to another country, you will need to surrender your Massachusetts license. You can do this by mail or in person at an RMV office. Send your license to the RMV address listed on mass.gov/rmv, or bring it to any office. You do not need to fill out a form — just include a note saying you are surrendering the license because you no longer live in Massachusetts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address if I only moved within Massachusetts?
Yes. Even if you moved to a different town or city in Massachusetts, you should update your address with the RMV. This ensures your registration renewal notices and any official mail reach you at the correct location.
What if I do not have a document showing my new address?
The RMV requires proof of your new address for mail and in-person submissions. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have any of these, contact the RMV to ask about alternatives before you submit your change.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
Yes. An expired license is still valid for an address change. You can use it to change your address online, by mail, or in person. However, you will eventually need to renew your license itself, which requires a separate process.
How long does it take to receive a new registration card with my new address?
You do not receive a new registration card just because your address changed. Your current registration card remains valid. When your registration renews (usually every two years), the RMV will mail the new registration card to your updated address.
What if I change my address but then move again before the RMV processes it?
You can submit another address change at any time. The new submission will override the previous one. If you submitted online and then moved again before it processed, straightforward submit another online change with your current address. For mail submissions, wait until the first change has processed (two to three weeks) before sending another one to avoid confusion.