What you need to do to renew in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, you can renew your driver's license in person at a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the RMV website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew before their current license expires, though you can renew up to two years after expiration.
Your license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. The RMV will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to begin the process. You can start renewing as soon as you want, even a year in advance.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts allows online renewal for most people whose licenses are not expired and who do not need a new photo, and the process takes about 10 minutes on the RMV website.
- If your license has already expired or you need a new photo, you must renew in person at an RMV office, and appointments are required.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is still valid and you do not need to update your photo or address information.
- You will need your current license, proof of Massachusetts residency, and a valid Social Security number to renew through any method.
- The renewal fee is $50 for a five-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check depending on your renewal method.
Renewing online through the RMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. Go to the Massachusetts RMV website and select "Renew a Driver's License" from the main menu. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.
The online system will ask you to confirm your address and other personal information, then review the renewal terms. You pay the $50 fee by credit card or debit card at the end. Once you submit, you should receive your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you need to change your address, or if your photo is more than 10 years old. In those cases, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at an RMV office
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your address. You must schedule an appointment through the RMV website before you go to an office — walk-ins are not accepted. Appointments can be booked up to 60 days in advance.
Bring your current license, proof of your Massachusetts address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
The appointment itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken at the office, answer a few questions to confirm your information, and pay the $50 renewal fee by cash, check, or card. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If your current license is expired and you need to drive before the new one arrives, ask the RMV staff about a temporary paper license.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is available only if your license is still valid, you do not need a new photo, and you are not changing your address. Complete the renewal form (DL 44R), which you can read from the RMV website or request by calling the RMV at 857-368-8000.
Mail the completed form along with your current license, a check or money order for $50 made payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles," and a copy of proof of your Massachusetts address. Send everything to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes about two to three weeks longer than in-person or online renewal, so plan ahead if you are close to your expiration date.
What happens if your license has already expired
You can still renew a license that expired up to two years ago. However, you must renew in person at an RMV office and cannot use the online or mail methods. You will need to schedule an appointment and bring the same documents as for a standard in-person renewal.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to explore for a new license rather than renew. This is a different process that requires a written test and road test. Contact the RMV directly to understand what steps explore to your situation.
While your license is expired, you cannot legally drive. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited for driving without a valid license, even if your renewal is in progress.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee is $50 for a five-year license. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online and in-person renewals accept credit cards and debit cards, while mail renewal requires a check or money order.
If you are renewing in person and paying by check, make it payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles." Some RMV offices also accept cash, but call ahead to confirm your local office's payment options.
Tracking your new license and what to do if it does not arrive
After you renew, the RMV does not send a tracking number or confirmation email. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days if you renewed online or in person, or within two to three weeks if you renewed by mail. Mail delivery can vary, so allow extra time during holiday periods.
If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, call the RMV at 857-368-8000 to check the status. Have your license number and date of birth ready. If the license was lost in the mail, the RMV can issue a replacement and mail it again at no additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I just moved to Massachusetts?
No. You must have a Massachusetts address and proof of residency to renew a Massachusetts license. If you recently moved to the state, you need to explore for a new Massachusetts license rather than renew your out-of-state license. Contact the RMV for the steps to transfer your license from another state.
What if my name changed since I got my current license?
You can renew with a name change, but you must do it in person at an RMV office. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your Massachusetts address. The fee is still $50.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
No. You keep the same photo unless it is more than 10 years old or you choose to update it. If your photo is older than 10 years, you must renew in person so a new photo can be taken. You can also request a new photo during any in-person renewal, even if your current photo is recent.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
For online and mail renewal, you must handle it yourself since you need to log in or sign the form. For in-person renewal, you cannot send someone else to the appointment in your place — you must be present for your photo and to verify your information.
What if I lost my current license before renewing?
You can still renew online or by mail if you have your license number and other required information. If you cannot remember your license number, call the RMV at 857-368-8000 and they can look it up using your name and date of birth. If you prefer to renew in person, you can do that without your physical license.