How to Change Your Address With the Massachusetts RMV

You can change your Massachusetts driver's license or ID address online, by mail, or in person at an RMV office

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) lets you update your address through three routes: the online system at mass.gov/rmv, a paper form mailed to the RMV, or a visit to a local RMV branch. The fastest method is online if your license or ID is not expired and you have a valid email address. If your license has expired or you need to update your vehicle registration address separately, you will need to use mail or visit in person. The RMV processes online changes within one business day; mail takes two to three weeks.

Your choice depends on how quickly you need the update and what documents you have on hand. In-person visits complete the change when ready, but online is faster if you want to avoid a trip. All three methods are free.

Key Takeaways

Online address changes work only if your driver's license or ID is current (not expired) and you have access to your RMV account or can create one.
Paper forms (Form DL 23 for licenses and Form 4 for vehicle registration) can be mailed to the RMV and take two to three weeks to process.
In-person visits at any RMV branch office complete the change when ready, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Your vehicle registration address and driver's license address are separate records and may need to be updated independently.
You do not need to renew your license to change your address unless your license is already expired.

Changing your address online through mass.gov/rmv

The online method is available at mass.gov/rmv under "Change Your Address." You will need your driver's license or ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have an existing account, log in; if not, you can create one during the process. The system will ask for your new address and confirm your email.

This route works only if your license or ID is not expired. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use the online system and must visit an RMV office or mail a form. The RMV will send a confirmation email within one business day and will mail you an updated license or ID card within seven to ten business days.

Mailing a paper form to update your address

You can request Form DL 23 (process for Massachusetts Driver's License or Identification Card) from the RMV website or pick one up at any RMV office. Fill in your new address, sign the form, and mail it to the RMV address listed on the form. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the RMV receives your form. Your updated license or ID will arrive by mail. If you also need to change your vehicle registration address, you will need to submit Form 4 (process for Vehicle Registration) separately using the same process.

Visiting an RMV office in person

Any RMV branch can process an address change on the spot. Bring your current driver's license or ID and one document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days). You do not need an appointment, though the RMV recommends checking wait times on mass.gov/rmv before you go, as some branches have longer queues during peak hours.

The RMV will update your record when ready and issue a new license or ID card before you leave. If you also need to change your vehicle registration address, bring your vehicle registration card and the same address proof, and the staff can update both records in one visit.

Updating your vehicle registration address separately

Your vehicle registration address is a separate record from your driver's license address. If you own a vehicle registered in Massachusetts, you should update the registration address as well. You can do this online at mass.gov/rmv under "Vehicle Services," by mailing Form 4 to the RMV, or in person at any RMV office.

If you update your license address online but not your registration, the two records will not match. This can cause confusion if you receive a ticket or renewal notice. The RMV recommends updating both at the same time, which is easiest to do in person.

What happens if your license is expired

If your driver's license or ID expired within the last five years, you can still change your address online or by mail. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew it to change the address — the RMV will not update an expired record without a renewal process. Renewal requires an in-person visit to an RMV office and involves a vision test and new photograph.

If your license is expired and you need to change your address quickly, visiting an RMV office is the fastest option because you can renew and update your address in one appointment. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers).

Address changes for commercial driver's licenses (CDL)

If you hold a commercial driver's license, you must update your address in person at an RMV office. The online and mail methods do not work for CDL holders. Bring your current CDL, proof of your new address, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

The RMV will process the change when ready and issue an updated CDL before you leave. If your CDL is expired, you will need to renew it as well, which requires additional documentation and a medical certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive my updated license in the mail?

The RMV typically mails updated licenses within seven to ten business days of processing your request. If you changed your address online, the card arrives within that window. If you mailed a paper form, add two to three weeks for the RMV to receive and process it before the card is mailed.

Do I need to change my address if I moved out of state?

If you moved out of Massachusetts, you should update your address with the RMV, but you will eventually need to get a driver's license from your new state. Most states require you to obtain a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving. Contact your new state's DMV for their specific timeline and requirements.

Can I change my address without renewing my license?

Yes, if your license is current (not expired). You can change your address without renewing. However, if your license is expired, you must renew it to update the address — the RMV will not process an address change alone for an expired license.

What if I do not have a document showing my new address?

The RMV requires proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, you can use a mortgage statement, insurance policy, or government benefit letter. If you have none of these, contact the RMV directly to ask about alternatives.

Will changing my address affect my vehicle registration renewal?

If you update your license address but not your vehicle registration address, you may receive renewal notices at your old address. Update both records to may support you receive all correspondence at your current address. You can do this in one visit to an RMV office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.