How to Renew Your Massachusetts Driver's License

What you need to do to renew in Massachusetts

Massachusetts lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an RMV office. Which method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people under 75 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online through the RMV website without visiting an office. If you cannot renew online, you will need to go to a branch or mail in your documents.

The RMV processes online renewals in about two weeks. Mail renewals take longer — typically four to six weeks. In-person renewals are fastest if you have an appointment, though walk-ins are accepted and may involve a wait. Your new license will be mailed to you after processing, regardless of which method you choose.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv works for most drivers under 75 whose license is valid or expired less than five years, and costs $50 for a five-year renewal or $100 for a ten-year renewal.
You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card) to renew online.
If your license has been expired more than five years, you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or you are 75 or older, you must renew in person at an RMV office.
Mail renewal requires sending your current license, a completed Form DL 34, and payment to the RMV; this method takes four to six weeks.
You can book an in-person appointment on the RMV website to avoid waiting, though appointments fill up weeks in advance during busy seasons.

Online renewal through the RMV website

Start at mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current Massachusetts driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history. This usually takes five to ten minutes.

Online renewal costs $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you are 75 or older, if you have a medical condition that requires an in-person evaluation, or if you need to change your name or address. If any of these explore, you must renew in person or by mail.

After you complete the online form and payment, the RMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Check your email for a confirmation number. If you do not receive your new license within three weeks, contact the RMV at 857-368-8000 to check the status.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read Form DL 34 from mass.gov/rmv or pick one up at any RMV office. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, date of birth, and license number. Sign and date it. Enclose your current license and a check or money order for $50 (five-year) or $100 (ten-year) made payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles."

Mail everything to: Registry of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 369, Boston, MA 02133. Do not use a personal check if you are mailing from outside Massachusetts. The RMV recommends using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date they receive your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you listed on the form.

Mail renewal works for most drivers, but not if your license has been expired more than five years, if you are 75 or older, or if you need a new photo for any reason. If you fall into one of these categories, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at an RMV office

You can renew in person at any Massachusetts RMV branch. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and payment in cash, check, or card. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

Book an appointment on mass.gov/rmv to skip the walk-in line. Appointments are free and usually available within one to three weeks, though during peak times (spring and summer) they may be booked further out. If you do not have an appointment, you can still walk in, but expect to wait. The RMV publishes wait times on its website for each branch.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired more than five years, if you are 75 or older, if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or if you need a new photo. The RMV will take your photo during the visit. You will receive your new license by mail within two weeks.

What happens if your license is expired

You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if your renewal is in progress. If you are stopped by police, you can show them your confirmation number from an online renewal or your receipt from a mail renewal to prove you have started the process, but this does not give you permission to drive. Some officers may issue a citation anyway.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to an RMV office in person. The RMV may require you to retake the written test or road test depending on how long it has been expired. Call 857-368-8000 to ask what you will need before you visit.

Renewing with a new address or name change

If you moved, you can update your address during online renewal. The system will ask for your new address and may ask you to provide proof if the address is very different from your previous one. For mail renewal, write your new address clearly on Form DL 34.

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person or by mail and bring legal proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Mail the proof with Form DL 34 and your current license. For in-person renewal, bring the proof document and your current license to the RMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired during the pandemic?

Yes. Massachusetts lifted the expiration date freeze, so all licenses are now subject to their normal expiration dates. If your license expired, you can renew it using any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person — as long as it has not been expired for more than five years.

How much does a Massachusetts license renewal cost?

A five-year renewal costs $50. A ten-year renewal costs $100. Payments are accepted by credit card or debit card for online renewal, and by check, money order, or card for mail and in-person renewal. Cash is accepted only for in-person renewals.

What if I need a REAL ID compliant license?

Massachusetts licenses are REAL ID compliant by default. You do not need to request anything special. Your renewed license will meet REAL ID standards for air travel and federal building access. If you want a standard (non-REAL ID) license, you must request it in person at an RMV office.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?

Yes, you can renew your license even if you owe a ticket or fine. However, the RMV may suspend your license if you do not pay a court-ordered fine. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the suspension before you can renew. Call 857-368-8000 to check your suspension status.

How long is my new license valid after I renew?

A five-year license is valid for five years from the date of issue. A ten-year license is valid for ten years. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your new license. You can renew again anytime within 30 days before your license expires.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.