Where to find your license class and credential number

Your license class and credential number are both printed on your Massachusetts driver's license itself. The license class appears as a letter (A, B, C, D, or M) in the upper right corner of the card. Your credential number — also called your license number — is an eight-digit number printed in the lower left corner, below your name.

If you have your physical license in front of you right now, you can read both pieces of information directly from the card without contacting anyone. The class tells you what vehicles you're legally allowed to drive, and the credential number is your unique identifier in the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles system.

If you've lost your license or need to confirm what class you hold before renewing, you can contact the Registry of Motor Vehicles directly or check your records online through their website.

Key Takeaways

  • Your license class (A, B, C, D, or M) is printed in the upper right corner of your Massachusetts driver's license card.
  • Your credential number is an eight-digit number in the lower left corner of your license, below your name.
  • Class A allows you to drive any vehicle; Class B covers most passenger cars and light trucks; Class C is for regular passenger vehicles; Class D is for motorcycles only; and Class M is for limited commercial use.
  • If you cannot locate your physical license, the Registry of Motor Vehicles can provide both your class and credential number through their online portal or by phone.

What each Massachusetts license class means

Massachusetts has five main driver's license classes, and each one permits you to operate different types of vehicles. Class A is the broadest: it allows you to drive any vehicle, including tractor-trailers and buses, and requires commercial driver's license (CDL) training and testing. Class B covers most light and medium trucks, as well as passenger vehicles, and also requires CDL credentials.

Class C is the most common license class for everyday drivers. It permits you to operate passenger cars, light trucks under a certain weight, and vans designed to carry up to 15 passengers. Class D is a restricted class for drivers who can operate only passenger vehicles and light trucks, with no commercial use allowed. Class M is specifically for motorcycles and motorized bicycles.

Your license class determines not only what you can legally drive, but also what insurance you need and whether you must pass additional tests or medical exams. If you're unsure whether your current class covers a vehicle you want to drive, the Registry can clarify the rules for your specific situation.

How to check your information online

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles allows you to look up your driver's license information through their online system without visiting an office. Go to the Registry's official website and select the option to check your license status or record. You'll need to provide your name, date of birth, and license number (or Social Security number as an alternative identifier).

The online lookup will display your current license class, credential number, expiration date, and any restrictions or endorsements attached to your license. This is useful if you need to confirm your class before explore for a job that requires a specific license type, or if you're renewing and want to verify your information is correct before the appointment.

If the online system is unavailable or you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can call the Registry's customer service line. They can confirm your class and credential number over the phone, though you may need to answer security questions to verify your identity.

What to do if you've lost your license

If your physical license is lost or stolen, you can still find your credential number and class through the Registry without replacing the card when ready. Call the Registry or use their online portal to retrieve this information. You'll need to provide personal details like your name, date of birth, and address to confirm your identity.

If you need a replacement card, you can request one in person at any Registry branch, by mail, or through their online system. The replacement process typically takes one to two weeks if you order by mail, or you can receive it the same day if you visit an office. Your license class and credential number will remain the same on the replacement card — only the physical card is being replaced, not your driving record or permissions.

License class and insurance requirements

Your Massachusetts license class affects the type and cost of auto insurance you need. If you hold a Class A or B license (commercial classes), you must carry commercial auto insurance, which is more expensive than standard personal auto insurance. Insurance companies will ask for your license class when you get a quote, so having this information ready speeds up the process.

If you hold a Class C or D license and drive a vehicle that doesn't match your class — for example, driving a truck that exceeds the weight limit for Class D — your insurance may not cover an accident. This is why confirming your class before purchasing or regularly driving a vehicle is important. Your insurance company can tell you whether a specific vehicle is covered under your current class.

Endorsements and restrictions on your license

Beyond your main license class, your Massachusetts license may carry endorsements or restrictions that further define what you can drive. An endorsement adds permission — for example, an air brake endorsement on a commercial license means you can operate vehicles with air brakes. A restriction limits what you can do — for example, a corrective lens restriction means you must wear glasses or contacts while driving.

Both endorsements and restrictions appear on your physical license card and in your Registry record. If you're unsure what a particular code means, the Registry website includes a guide to all endorsement and restriction codes. Understanding these details matters if you're changing jobs, renewing your license, or need to know exactly what vehicles you're permitted to operate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the credential number on my Massachusetts license?

The credential number is an eight-digit number printed in the lower left area of your license card, directly below your name. It's your unique identifier in the Registry system and is different from your Social Security number or date of birth.

Can I drive a truck with a Class C license?

It depends on the truck's weight. Class C covers light trucks up to a certain gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). If the truck exceeds that limit, you need a Class B license. Check your license card or contact the Registry to confirm the exact weight limit for your class.

What if my license class is wrong on my card?

Contact the Registry of Motor Vehicles when ready. Errors on your license can affect insurance coverage and your legal right to drive certain vehicles. Bring your license and proof of identity to a Registry office, or call their customer service line to report the mistake and request a correction.

Do I need a different license class to drive for a rideshare company?

Most rideshare companies require a Class C or D license for passenger vehicle driving. Some may have additional requirements beyond your license class, such as a commercial insurance rider. Check with the specific company about their license requirements before you start driving.

How often do I need to renew my license class?

Your license class doesn't change unless you request it. Your entire license (including the class) expires every five years for standard drivers, and you renew the whole license at once. If you want to upgrade to a higher class, you'll need to pass the required tests and pay the upgrade fee.