Getting a replacement license in Massachusetts

To replace a lost Massachusetts driver's license, you need to visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in person with proof of identity and residency. The RMV will not issue a replacement by mail or online. You can go to any full-service RMV branch — there are locations across the state — and the process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you arrive during a slower time of day.

The replacement license costs $50 and is valid for five years from the date you receive it. If your license was expiring soon anyway, you may want to renew it at the same time instead, which costs $75 but gives you a fresh five-year term. Either way, you walk out with a temporary paper license that day and receive your plastic card by mail within two to three weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an RMV branch in person with a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current Massachusetts address.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a tax return or Social Security card.
  • The replacement fee is $50, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready and a plastic card by mail within two to three weeks.
  • If your license expires within the next year, you can renew it at the same visit for $75 instead of replacing it for $50.

What documents to bring to the RMV

Bring a current government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. You also need proof that you live in Massachusetts right now. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. If you do not have one of those, a property tax bill or a letter from your landlord on their letterhead stating your address is acceptable.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. You can bring your Social Security card, or you can bring any document that shows it, such as a tax return, W-2, or 1099. If you have none of these, you can sign an affidavit at the RMV stating you do not have the number available, though this slows the process slightly.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal change — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, the RMV will issue the license under your old name.

Finding your nearest RMV branch and checking wait times

The RMV operates full-service branches in Boston, Brockton, Framingham, Lawrence, Medford, Milford, Revere, Springfield, and Worcester. Each one handles replacements. You can find the full list and hours on the Massachusetts RMV website at mass.gov/rmv.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. The Boston branch tends to be busiest on weekday mornings and all day Saturday. Branches in smaller cities like Milford or Medford often have shorter waits. Early morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday is usually faster than afternoon or weekend visits. The RMV does not publish live wait times, so you may want to call ahead: each branch has a phone number on the website.

You do not need an appointment for a replacement license. Walk-ins are accepted, though some branches have started offering optional appointment slots through the RMV website. If your branch offers them, booking a slot can save you time.

What happens if you cannot go in person

Massachusetts does not allow anyone else to pick up a replacement license on your behalf. You must be present at the RMV. If you are unable to travel to a branch — because of illness, disability, or distance — you can request a home visit from the RMV. Call the branch nearest you and ask about homebound services. The RMV will send an officer to your home to process the replacement, though this takes longer and may have a waiting list depending on demand in your area.

If you live far from any branch, the RMV's Milford location is roughly central to the state. Some people also choose to renew or replace their license during a trip to the RMV for another reason, like registering a vehicle, to combine errands into one visit.

Temporary license and receiving your plastic card

When you complete your replacement at the RMV, you receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid when ready and works for driving, showing police, and most ID purposes. Keep it with you until your plastic card arrives.

Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The RMV mails it to the address you provided at the branch. If you move before it arrives, you can contact the RMV to update your mailing address, though this may delay delivery. If your card does not arrive within four weeks, call the RMV branch where you applied and provide your license number from the temporary license.

If your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked — for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, or other violations — the RMV will not issue a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. When you arrive at the RMV, they will check your record when ready. If a suspension is active, they will tell you what you need to do to clear it, such as paying fines or completing a program.

You can check your license status before you go by calling the RMV or visiting mass.gov/rmv and using their license status tool. This saves you a trip if there is a hold on your record. Clearing a suspension can take anywhere from a few days to several months depending on the reason, so it is worth checking early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day?

Yes. You receive a temporary paper license when ready when you finish at the RMV, and it is valid for driving and ID purposes right away. Your plastic card arrives by mail in two to three weeks, but the temporary license works in the meantime.

What if I lost my license and my wallet was stolen?

Bring your passport or another government photo ID instead. If your wallet was stolen, you may also want to report it to police and get a police report number, which you can show to your bank and credit card companies. The RMV replacement process is the same whether your license was lost or stolen.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

No, reporting to police is not required to get a replacement. However, if you are concerned about identity theft — for example, if your wallet contained other documents — you can file a police report for your records. This is optional and does not affect the RMV replacement process.

Can I renew my license at the same time I replace it?

Yes. If your license expires within the next year, you can renew it instead of replacing it for $75 total. This gives you a fresh five-year term from the date you visit. Tell the RMV staff when you arrive that you want to renew rather than replace, and they will process both at once.

What if my address on the lost license was wrong?

Bring proof of your current correct address, and the RMV will update it on your replacement license. You do not need to correct the old license — it is gone. The new one will show your current address.