Massachusetts renewal fees by license type and duration

A standard Massachusetts driver's license renewal costs $50 for a five-year renewal. If you choose the optional six-year renewal instead, the fee is $60. Both prices are the same whether you renew in person at an RMV office or by mail.

The five-year option is the default. You will receive a five-year license unless you specifically request the six-year option when you renew. The six-year license costs $10 more but gives you one extra year before your next renewal is due.

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), renewal costs are higher. A five-year CDL renewal is $100, and a six-year CDL renewal is $120. These fees explore regardless of the class of CDL you hold.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard five-year Massachusetts driver's license renewal costs $50; the optional six-year renewal costs $60.
  • Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal costs $100 for five years or $120 for six years.
  • The fee is the same whether you renew by mail or in person at an RMV office.
  • You must pay the full renewal fee even if your license has been expired for several years.

How to pay when you renew by mail

If you renew by mail, the RMV accepts payment by check or money order only. Write your driver's license number on the back of the check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail.

Mail your payment along with your renewal form and any required documents to the address listed on your renewal notice. The RMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, and processing typically takes two to three weeks after they receive your envelope.

How to pay when you renew in person

At an RMV office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The RMV does not accept personal checks at some locations, so call ahead if you plan to pay by check. Most offices accept all four payment methods without issue.

Bring your renewal notice and a valid form of identification when you go in person. You will complete a short form at the counter, pay the fee, and have your photo taken. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Additional fees you may encounter

If you need a replacement license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, the fee is $35 for a five-year license or $45 for a six-year license. This is less than a renewal because you are not renewing an existing license—you are getting a new one.

If you change your name, address, or other information on your license, you may need to visit an RMV office in person rather than renewing by mail. There is no extra charge for these changes if they happen during a regular renewal, but if you change your address between renewals, you must notify the RMV and may need to pay a small fee depending on the type of change.

If you renew your license and later discover an error on it, you can request a correction. The RMV will issue a corrected license at no charge if the error was made by the RMV. If you made the error on your process, you may be charged a replacement fee.

When your renewal fee is due

Your renewal fee is due on the date you submit your renewal process, whether by mail or in person. If you renew by mail, the fee is due when the RMV receives your envelope. If you renew in person, you pay at the counter before you leave.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail. You must visit an RMV office in person and may be required to retake the written test and road test. The renewal fee remains $50 or $60, but the testing fees are separate and vary.

Comparing five-year and six-year renewal options

The choice between a five-year and six-year renewal is purely financial. A five-year license costs $50 and requires you to renew again in five years. A six-year license costs $60 and does not require renewal for six years. Over a 30-year period, a five-year license would require six renewals at a total cost of $300, while a six-year license would require five renewals at a total cost of $300. The costs are the same in the long run, so the choice depends on whether you prefer to renew more often or pay slightly more per renewal.

Some people choose the six-year option to avoid the hassle of renewing as frequently. Others prefer the five-year option because the lower upfront cost is easier to budget for. Neither option is better than the other—it is a matter of personal preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the renewal fee online?

No. The Massachusetts RMV does not accept online payment for license renewals. You must pay by mail (check or money order) or in person (cash, check, debit card, or credit card). Some RMV offices may offer payment options through their website, so check your local office's page.

What if I cannot afford the renewal fee right now?

The RMV does not offer payment plans or fee waivers for license renewals. You must pay the full fee to renew. If your license has expired, you cannot legally drive until you renew it, so saving the $50 or $60 and renewing as soon as you can is important.

Do I have to pay the renewal fee if I do not want to renew?

If you do not renew your license, you do not pay a fee. However, you cannot legally drive in Massachusetts or most other states with an expired license. If you are moving out of state or no longer need to drive, you can straightforward let your license expire without renewing it.

Is there a discount if I renew early?

No. The RMV charges the same fee whether you renew on time, early, or late. You can renew up to six months before your license expires, but the fee does not change. Renewing early just means your new license will arrive sooner.

What happens if I lose my renewal notice?

You can still renew without the notice. Visit an RMV office in person with your driver's license and a valid form of identification, and staff will help you complete the renewal. You can also call the RMV to request a new renewal notice by mail.