Massachusetts driver's license renewal by mail or online
Massachusetts lets you renew your driver's license by mail or through the RMV's online system without visiting an office, as long as your license is not expired and you meet a few basic conditions. The mail route takes about two weeks; the online route takes minutes but requires a credit or debit card and a valid email address. Both methods work only if your current license is still valid, your name and address have not changed, and you have no medical conditions that need to be reviewed by an RMV examiner.
If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you need to change your name or address, you must visit an RMV branch in person. The same applies if you have a commercial license, a motorcycle endorsement, or restrictions that require a medical review.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Massachusetts RMV website takes about 15 minutes and costs $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license.
- Mail renewal requires you to submit your current license, a completed form, and payment by check or money order, and takes roughly two weeks from the time the RMV receives your envelope.
- You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if your name or address has changed, or if you hold a commercial or motorcycle license.
- The RMV will mail your new license to the address on file, so update your address in person or through the online system before you renew if you have moved.
Online renewal through the RMV website
The fastest way to renew is through the Massachusetts RMV's online portal at mass.gov/rmv. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your name, date of birth, and address, then upload a new photo or use the one from your current license.
Payment is by credit card or debit card only. The fee is $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation email with a transaction number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If the online system rejects your process, it will tell you why — usually because your license is expired, your name or address has changed, or your medical status needs review. In that case, you must visit an RMV branch.
Mail renewal with a paper form
To renew by mail, you need to submit your current license, a completed Form DL 34 (process for Renewal of License), and a check or money order for $50 (five years) or $100 (ten years). You can read Form DL 34 from mass.gov/rmv or request it by calling the RMV at 857-368-8000.
Mail your envelope to the address listed on the form — the RMV has multiple processing centers, and the form will direct you to the correct one. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your old license back; otherwise, the RMV will destroy it. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the RMV receives your mail.
Do not send cash. The RMV will not process your renewal if payment is missing or illegible. If your check bounces, the RMV will contact you and may charge a fee.
When you must visit an RMV branch in person
Mail and online renewal are not available if your license expired more than five years ago. You also cannot use either method if your name has changed since your license was issued — you will need to bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to an RMV branch.
If you have moved and need to update your address, you can do so online before renewing, or you can wait and update it in person. However, if you renew by mail or online without updating your address first, your new license will be mailed to your old address, and you will have to visit a branch to correct it.
Commercial driver's licenses, motorcycle endorsements, and any license with medical restrictions or vision corrections must be renewed in person. The RMV examiner will review your medical history and may ask you to take a vision test.
Address changes and name corrections
If you have moved, update your address through the online system before you renew, or bring proof of your new address to an RMV branch. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and new address.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, you must visit an RMV branch and bring the original or certified copy of the document that proves the change. The RMV will not process a name change by mail or online.
What to expect after you renew
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you renewed online or by mail, you should receive it within 7 to 14 business days. The RMV will send it via standard mail, not overnight or tracked delivery, so allow extra time if you live outside Massachusetts.
Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. You do not need to do anything else. If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the RMV at 857-368-8000 or check your account on mass.gov/rmv to confirm the address where it was sent.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your old one is about to expire, you can print a temporary license from the online system. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used as proof of a valid license while you wait for the physical card.
Fees and payment methods
A five-year renewal costs $50; a ten-year renewal costs $100. These are the standard fees set by Massachusetts and do not vary by age or driving record. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders only — do not send cash.
If you are a military member stationed outside Massachusetts, you may be able to renew by mail without sending your current license. Contact the RMV to ask about this option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired last year?
Yes, as long as it expired less than five years ago. You can renew by mail or online. If it expired more than five years ago, you must visit an RMV branch in person.
What happens if I move after I renew but before my new license arrives?
Contact the RMV at 857-368-8000 with your new address. They can redirect your license to the correct address if they have not yet mailed it. If it has already been sent, you may need to visit a branch to update your address.
Do I need a new photo for online renewal?
No. The online system will use the photo from your current license unless you choose to upload a new one. If you want a new photo, you can upload it during the renewal process, but it is not required.
How long does mail renewal take compared to online?
Online renewal is much faster — you will receive a confirmation within minutes and your license within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the date the RMV receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time on both ends.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial licenses, motorcycle endorsements, and licenses with medical restrictions must be renewed in person at an RMV branch. The examiner will review your medical history and may conduct a vision test.