Renewing your Massachusetts driver's license online or by mail
You can renew your Massachusetts driver's license without visiting an RMV office if you meet certain conditions. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) offers two main paths: an online renewal through their website, or a mail-in renewal using a form they send you. Both routes take several weeks, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.
Online renewal is faster than mail and lets you see when ready whether you're may be able to access. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. Mail renewal works if you don't have internet access or prefer not to use it, though you'll wait longer for processing.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts allows online renewal through mass.gov/rmv if your license is not expired and you meet age and status requirements.
- Mail renewal requires you to return a renewal form the RMV sends to your address, along with payment, and takes four to six weeks to process.
- You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your address or name.
- The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid — typically $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license.
- If you're over 70 years old, you must renew in person at an RMV office, not online or by mail.
Who can renew online through mass.gov
Online renewal is available only if your current license is still valid (not expired), you are under 70 years old, and your license status is clear — meaning it has not been suspended or revoked. You also cannot have any outstanding fines, holds, or court orders attached to your license record.
If you need to change your address, legal name, or any other information on your license, you cannot use online renewal. You'll need to visit an RMV office in person or use mail renewal and include a form documenting the change. Similarly, if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license with a motorcycle endorsement, online renewal is not available.
Steps to renew online
Go to mass.gov/rmv and look for the "Renew Your License" link on the homepage. You'll be taken to a page where you can check your may be able to access by entering your license number and date of birth. If you're may be able to access, you can proceed to the renewal process.
Fill in the online form with your current information. You'll confirm your address, emergency contact, and organ donor status. At the end, you'll pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The RMV will send you a confirmation number when ready, and your new license will be mailed to your address within two to three weeks.
Keep your confirmation number in case you need to check the status of your renewal or contact the RMV. If your new license does not arrive within four weeks, you can call the RMV at 857-368-8000 to ask about the delay.
Renewing by mail if you receive a renewal notice
The RMV mails renewal notices to drivers whose licenses are expiring soon. The notice includes a form you need to complete, sign, and return with payment. Mail the form and a check or money order to the address printed on the notice — do not send cash.
Processing mail renewals takes four to six weeks from the date the RMV receives your form. Send your renewal at least six weeks before your license expires to avoid running out of time. If you lose the renewal notice, you can request a new one by calling 857-368-8000 or visiting an RMV office.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you've moved since your last renewal, update your address online or at an RMV office before sending in your mail renewal form, or your new license will go to your old address.
What to do if you're over 70 or have a suspended license
Drivers over 70 years old must renew in person at an RMV office. You cannot use online or mail renewal. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. Some RMV offices require an appointment; check mass.gov/rmv to find your nearest office and see whether you need to book ahead.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit an RMV office in person. The RMV will review your record and explain what steps you need to take before you can renew. This might include paying outstanding fines, completing a driver improvement course, or waiting out a suspension period.
Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts
The renewal fee depends on the validity period you choose. A five-year license costs $50, and a ten-year license costs $100. You can choose which length you prefer when you renew online or on the mail form. The ten-year license is more expensive but means you won't need to renew again for a decade.
Drivers under 70 can choose either length. Drivers 70 and older who renew in person receive a license valid for five years only, regardless of which option they might prefer. Payment must be made at the time of renewal — online by credit or debit card, or by check or money order if renewing by mail.
What happens if your license expires before your new one arrives
If you've submitted your renewal online or by mail and your current license expires before the new one arrives, you are still considered to have a valid license during the processing period. Carry your confirmation number (from online renewal) or a copy of your mailed renewal form as proof that you've renewed. Police and other officials understand that processing takes time.
However, it's safer to renew well before your expiration date. If you're stopped and your physical license has expired, even with proof of renewal in progress, some situations may cause complications. Renewing at least four weeks before expiration gives you a buffer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
No, online renewal requires a valid (not expired) license. If your license has expired, you must renew in person at an RMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. You may also need to pass a vision test depending on how long it's been expired.
What if I moved and my renewal notice went to my old address?
Call the RMV at 857-368-8000 and update your address in their system. They can mail a new renewal notice to your current address, or you can renew online if you're may be able to access. If you've already received the notice at your old address, you can still use it — just make sure to include your current address on the form.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
No. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. You only get a new photo if you renew in person at an RMV office. If you want a new photo before your license expires, you can visit an office and request a replacement license with a new photo for a fee.
How do I check if my renewed license has been mailed?
If you renewed online, use your confirmation number at mass.gov/rmv to check the status. If you renewed by mail, call 857-368-8000 with your license number. They can tell you whether your renewal has been processed and mailed. Processing typically takes two to three weeks for online renewals and four to six weeks for mail.
What if I need my license before the new one arrives?
You can visit an RMV office and request a temporary paper license while you wait for your renewed license to arrive in the mail. The paper license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving and identification purposes. There is a small fee for this service.