Getting a replacement license in Massachusetts

You can replace a lost Massachusetts driver's license in person at any RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles) office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes at the office and you leave with a temporary license the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but works if your license hasn't expired and you have no outstanding violations or suspensions.

You'll need to bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Massachusetts residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and a form of photo ID if you have one. If you don't have photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents instead — a birth certificate and a passport work, or a birth certificate and a bank statement. The RMV will take a new photo during the in-person visit.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your license in person at any RMV office the same day, or by mail in two to three weeks if your license is current and you have no violations.
  • Bring proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of Massachusetts residency dated within 60 days, and a photo ID or two non-photo documents.
  • The in-person fee is $50 for a standard license; the mail fee is the same but you avoid the trip to the RMV office.
  • Your temporary license is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent one to arrive by mail.

Replacing your license in person at an RMV office

Walk into any RMV office during business hours with your documents. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Massachusetts RMV website.

Tell the staff member at the counter that you need to replace a lost license. They will verify your documents, take a new photo, and collect the $50 fee. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. Bring the temporary license with you while you drive until the permanent one arrives.

If you want to avoid waiting in line, some RMV offices offer online appointment scheduling through their website. You can reserve a specific time slot up to 30 days in advance. Even with an appointment, bring all your documents — the appointment only reserves your time, not your transaction.

Replacing your license by mail

You can mail in your replacement request if your current license has not expired and you have no active suspensions or violations on your record. read the process for Duplicate License form (Form DL 34D) from the Massachusetts RMV website, or call the RMV at 857-368-8000 to request it by mail.

Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, and license number if you remember it. Attach a copy of your proof of residency (utility bill or lease), a copy of your proof of Social Security number, and a check or money order for $50 made out to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash.

Mail the envelope to: Registry of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 369, Boston, MA 02125. The RMV will process your request in two to three weeks and mail your new license to the address on file. If you need to drive before it arrives and your license is still valid, you can legally drive without it as long as you can prove you mailed the replacement request — keep a copy of your mailed form or a receipt from the post office.

What counts as proof of residency and Social Security

For residency, bring an original or copy of a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and your current Massachusetts address. A cell phone bill counts. A credit card statement does not.

For your Social Security number, bring your actual Social Security card, or a W-2, 1099, or tax return from the last two years. A paycheck stub works if it shows your full Social Security number. If you don't have any of these, you can bring a birth certificate and a passport or state ID from another state instead — the RMV will use those to verify your identity without the Social Security documents.

If you don't have photo ID

You don't need a photo ID to get a replacement license. Instead, bring two documents from this list: a birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a state ID from another state, or a tribal ID. The RMV will use these to confirm your identity before taking your new photo.

If you have none of these documents, call the RMV at 857-368-8000 before you go in. They can tell you what other documents might work in your situation, or whether you need to get a birth certificate or passport first. Getting a birth certificate from the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records takes about two weeks by mail and costs $14.

Temporary license and driving while you wait

Your temporary license is a printed piece of paper that the RMV gives you at the counter. It is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is in the mail. Keep it in your car or wallet — police will accept it as proof of licensure if you are stopped.

If your permanent license arrives before the 30 days are up, the temporary one becomes invalid. Destroy it or keep it for your records. If 30 days pass and your permanent license hasn't arrived, call the RMV at 857-368-8000 to check the status. Delays sometimes happen, especially during busy seasons.

Replacing a license that has expired

If your lost license has already expired, you cannot use the mail-in process. You must go to an RMV office in person and renew your license at the same time you request the replacement. Bring the same documents as above, plus $50 for the replacement fee and $50 for the renewal fee — $100 total.

The process is the same: you'll get a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If your license expired more than five years ago, the RMV may require you to pass a vision test or written exam before they issue a new one. Call ahead to confirm what the RMV office will need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if I have an outstanding ticket or violation?

No. If you have an unpaid ticket, a suspension, or an active violation on your record, you cannot replace your license by mail or in person until it is resolved. Contact the court or the RMV to find out what you owe or what action is needed. Once it is cleared, you can proceed with the replacement.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it through the Massachusetts RMV by mail or in person. You do not need to be in Massachusetts to mail in your request. If you are traveling and need to drive when ready, you can use your passport or state ID from another state as proof of identity until your Massachusetts license arrives.

Do I need an appointment to replace my license in person?

Appointments are not required, but they are available and can save you time. You can schedule one online through the RMV website up to 30 days ahead. Walk-ins are accepted during all office hours, though you may wait longer during busy times like lunch hours or late afternoon.

How long does the permanent license take to arrive?

By mail it usually takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the RMV processes your request. If you applied in person, that clock starts the day after your visit. If you mailed in your form, it starts after the RMV receives and processes it, which can add a few days. Your temporary license covers you for 30 days, so you have time.

What if my address changed since my last license?

Tell the RMV staff when you explore in person, and they will update your address on the new license. If you are mailing in your request, write your current address on the form and include proof of residency at that address. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.