How to change your address with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles

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 10 minutes and costs nothing. You will need your driver's license or ID number, your date of birth, and your new address. The RMV will update your driver's license, ID card, and vehicle registration records all at once.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to handle it in person, you can mail a form or visit a branch office. Both routes take longer but work just as well. Your old address will stop appearing on official records within a few business days of the change going through.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at mass.gov/rmv takes about 10 minutes and updates your driver's license, ID card, and vehicle registration at the same time.
  • You will need your RMV ID number (on your license or ID card), your date of birth, and your new address to change it online.
  • If you mail the change, use Form DL 34 for a driver's license or ID card, or Form MV 14 for vehicle registration only.
  • Visiting an RMV office in person works if you do not have internet access, but expect to wait and bring proof of your new address.
  • The RMV updates your records within a few business days, but allow extra time if you mailed the request.

Changing your address online

Go to mass.gov/rmv and look for the "Change Address" option in the online services section. You will be asked to enter your RMV ID number (printed on the front of your driver's license or ID card), your date of birth, and your new street address. The system will confirm what records it has on file — your driver's license, ID card, and any vehicles registered to you.

Review the information carefully before you submit. Once you confirm, the change is sent to the RMV's system right away. You do not need to print anything or mail anything. Your new address will appear on your records within a few business days. You do not need to pay a fee for an online address change.

If you cannot find the online form or run into an error, you can call the RMV's customer service line at 857-368-8000 to ask for help or to request a paper form instead.

Mailing an address change form

If you want to mail your address change, you will use one of two forms depending on what you need to update. Form DL 34 covers both your driver's license or ID card and your vehicle registration. Form MV 14 is for vehicle registration only, if you do not need to update your license or ID.

You can read both forms from mass.gov/rmv or call 857-368-8000 to request one by mail. Fill in your current information, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address printed on the form — usually the RMV's main office in Boston, though some regional offices accept mail too.

Mailed requests typically take two to three weeks to process. The RMV will send you a new license or ID card with your updated address if you used Form DL 34. If you only updated vehicle registration with Form MV 14, you will not receive a new card in the mail — your registration record will straightforward be updated in the system.

Changing your address in person at an RMV office

You can visit any RMV branch office to change your address. Bring your current driver's license or ID card and proof of your new address. Proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address.

RMV offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning and mid-week tend to be less busy. You can check current wait times on mass.gov/rmv before you go. There is no fee to change your address in person.

The staff member will update your records on the spot. If you need a new driver's license or ID card with your updated address, you can request one at the same visit, though there is a fee for a replacement card. Your vehicle registration will be updated in the system within a few business days.

What happens to your old address

Once your address change is processed, the RMV stops using your old address for official records. However, it may take a few extra days for the change to show up everywhere — in the RMV's online lookup system, on printed documents, and in records shared with other agencies.

If you receive mail at your old address from the RMV after you have changed it, it is usually a piece that was already in the mail before your change went through. You can forward it to your new address or contact the RMV to confirm the change was received. If you are moving out of state, changing your address with the RMV does not transfer your license to another state — you will need to get a new license from that state's motor vehicle agency.

Changing registration for a vehicle you just bought

If you bought a vehicle and need to register it at your current address, that is a different process from an address change. You will need to register the vehicle itself, not just update an existing registration. Bring your proof of ownership (the title or bill of sale), proof of your identity, and proof of your current address to an RMV office, or mail the registration form with those documents.

New vehicle registration takes longer than an address change — usually two to four weeks by mail. You can also register online through mass.gov/rmv if you have the vehicle's VIN and title information. Once registered, your address will be on file with that vehicle from the start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address with the RMV if I moved?

Yes. Your license and vehicle registration should show your current address. If you get pulled over or have an accident, an outdated address can cause confusion. Some insurance companies also check your RMV address, so keeping it current helps avoid problems with your policy.

How long does it take to see my new address on my license?

If you changed it online or in person, your registration records update within a few business days. Your physical driver's license or ID card will show your old address until you request a replacement card. You can request a replacement at an RMV office or by mail for a fee.

What if I do not have proof of my new address?

If you are changing your address online, you do not need to provide proof — the system only asks for your address. If you are visiting in person, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and new address on it.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes, you can change your address even if your license is expired. However, if your license has been expired for more than a few years, the RMV may require you to renew it at the same time. Call 857-368-8000 to ask about your specific situation before you visit an office.

What if I changed my address online but it did not go through?

Check your email for a confirmation message from the RMV. If you did not receive one, try the online form again. If it fails a second time, call 857-368-8000 or visit an RMV office in person. Staff can tell you what went wrong and help you complete the change.