Where to renew and what method works for you

You can renew your Massachusetts driver's license in three ways: online through the RMV website, by mail, or in person at an RMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal at an RMV office is necessary if you don't meet online requirements or need to update your photo or address.

Your renewal method depends on what type of license you have, how long it's been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renewing a standard license that hasn't been expired for more than five years can use online or mail. If your license has been expired longer than that, or if you're renewing a commercial license, you'll need to go in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv takes about 10 minutes and costs $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license.
  • You can renew online only if your license expired within the last five years and you don't need a new photo or address change.
  • Mail renewal requires the renewal notice you received from the RMV, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks total.
  • In-person renewal at an RMV office is required if your license has been expired longer than five years or if you're renewing a commercial license.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to any in-person appointment.

Renewing online through the RMV website

Go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information and show you whether you're may be able to access to renew online. If you are, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card — $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license.

After you complete the online transaction, the RMV mails your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. Online renewal does not include a new photo, so your current photo stays on your license.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your address, if you need a new photo, or if you're renewing a commercial license. If any of these explore to you, use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Renewing by mail

The RMV sends renewal notices by mail about 30 to 60 days before your license expires. This notice includes a form and instructions. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($50 for five years or $100 for ten years), and mail it to the address shown on the notice. Do not send cash.

Mail your renewal at least two weeks before your license expires to avoid it lapsing. The RMV typically processes mail renewals within two to three weeks of receiving them. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided. Like online renewal, mail renewal does not include a new photo.

If you lost your renewal notice, you can request a new one by calling the RMV at 857-368-8000 or visiting mass.gov/rmv. You can also renew in person at any RMV office without the notice, though you'll need to bring other documents.

Renewing in person at an RMV office

Visit any RMV office in Massachusetts with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photo is not enough.

You can schedule an appointment online at mass.gov/rmv or walk in during office hours. Appointments typically have shorter wait times. At your appointment, you'll have a new photo taken unless you request to keep your current photo. The fee is $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Your new license is issued on the spot. You can drive home with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license is expired

You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you've started the renewal process. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person. The RMV may require you to retake the written test and eye exam depending on how long it's been expired.

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still use online or mail renewal. The expiration date doesn't affect your ability to renew through these methods, but you should not drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, go to an RMV office for in-person renewal to get a temporary license when ready.

Fees and payment methods

Massachusetts driver's license renewal costs $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license. All three renewal methods accept these fees. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders only — do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards.

If you're renewing a commercial license, the fee is higher and varies by license class. Check mass.gov/rmv for the exact fee for your license type. Commercial licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail — you must renew in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but not online or by mail. You must renew in person at an RMV office. Depending on how long it's been expired, the RMV may require you to retake the written test and eye exam. Call 857-368-8000 or check mass.gov/rmv to find out what's required for your situation.

What if I moved and need to change my address?

You cannot change your address during online renewal. Use mail renewal if you have your renewal notice, or go in person to any RMV office. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for the permanent license to arrive by mail. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready, valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Online and mail renewals keep your current photo. In-person renewal includes a new photo unless you specifically ask to keep your old one. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you'll need to renew in person instead.

What if I don't receive my renewal notice in the mail?

Call the RMV at 857-368-8000 or visit mass.gov/rmv to request a new notice. You can also renew in person at any RMV office without the notice — just bring your current license, proof of residency, and Social Security number.