Book your appointment online or by phone before you visit

Massachusetts requires you to schedule an appointment before renewing your driver's license in person. You cannot walk into an RMV branch without one — you will be turned away. The RMV offers two ways to book: through their website at mass.gov/rmv or by calling 857-368-8000.

Online booking is faster and shows you available times when ready. By phone, you may wait on hold, but a representative can answer questions about what documents to bring. Both methods are free. Appointments typically fill 2 to 4 weeks out, depending on the branch location and time of year.

Key Takeaways

  • You must book an appointment online at mass.gov/rmv or by phone at 857-368-8000 before visiting any RMV branch.
  • The online system shows available dates and times in real time, and you can choose the branch and time that work for you.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency, and any documents required for your specific renewal type when you arrive.
  • Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all required documents, or you may be asked to reschedule.
  • If you cannot keep your appointment, cancel it online or by phone so someone else can use that slot.

How to book online at mass.gov/rmv

Go to mass.gov/rmv and look for the "Schedule an Appointment" button on the homepage. Click it and select "Driver's License Renewal" from the menu. You will be asked to enter your current license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

Next, choose your preferred RMV branch from the list. Massachusetts has branches in Boston, Watertown, Medford, Quincy, Brockton, Worcester, Springfield, and Fitchburg. The system will show you available dates and times for that location. Select the date and time that work for you, then confirm your appointment. You will receive a confirmation number by email or text — save this number.

The entire process takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account or log in; the system uses your license information to find your record.

How to book by phone

Call 857-368-8000 during business hours. Wait times vary, but the line is typically shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Have your current license and Social Security number ready when you call.

Tell the representative you need to renew your driver's license and ask what branch locations have openings. They will read available times to you and book the appointment once you choose one. Ask them to repeat your confirmation number and appointment time before you hang up, and write it down.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Bring your current Massachusetts driver's license and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The name on the document must match the name on your license.

If you are renewing a standard license and have not changed your name, address, or other information since your last renewal, you may only need these two items. If anything has changed, bring the document that proves the change — for example, a marriage certificate if you changed your name, or a deed if you moved.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your full Social Security number. You will also need to bring a REAL ID-compliant document if you want your new license to be REAL ID-compliant. This can be a U.S. passport, passport card, or birth certificate. If you do not bring one, your new license will not be REAL ID-compliant and you will not be able to use it for domestic air travel after May 2025.

What happens at your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Check in at the front desk and give them your confirmation number. An RMV representative will call you to a window, verify your documents, and take a new photo. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

You will pay the renewal fee at the window. The cost depends on how long your new license is valid for — typically $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card.

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the appointment that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.

If you need to cancel or reschedule

Cancel your appointment as soon as you know you cannot make it. Go back to mass.gov/rmv, click "Schedule an Appointment," and select "Cancel an Appointment." Enter your confirmation number and follow the prompts. You can also call 857-368-8000 to cancel by phone.

Canceling frees up the slot for someone else and prevents you from being marked as a no-show. If you miss an appointment without canceling, you may face a delay before you can book another one.

What to do if no appointments are available

If the online system shows no available times at any branch, check back the next day. The RMV releases new appointment slots regularly, and they fill quickly. Early morning or late afternoon slots tend to open up more frequently than midday times.

You can also try calling 857-368-8000 — sometimes the phone line has access to slots that do not appear online, or a representative can put you on a waitlist. If you are in a time-sensitive situation, ask the representative whether any branch has sooner availability or whether you can renew by mail instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license without an appointment?

No. The RMV will not serve you without a scheduled appointment. If you arrive without one, you will be asked to leave and book a time online or by phone.

What if I lose my confirmation number?

Call 857-368-8000 and give the representative your license number or Social Security number. They can look up your appointment and provide a new confirmation number. You can also log back into mass.gov/rmv and retrieve it from your appointment history.

Can someone else go to my appointment for me?

No. You must attend your appointment in person. The RMV needs to take a new photo and verify your identity. If you cannot attend, cancel and reschedule for a time that works for you.

How far in advance should I book my appointment?

Book as soon as your license is within 60 days of expiring. Appointments fill 2 to 4 weeks out depending on the branch and season. Booking early gives you more time options and reduces the risk of your license expiring before you can renew it.

What if my appointment is at a branch far from my home?

The online system lets you choose any branch in Massachusetts. If the nearest location has no openings, try branches further away — they may have more availability. You can renew at any RMV branch regardless of where you live.