What you need to do to renew in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, you renew your driver's license through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). The process depends on whether your license is still valid, whether it expired recently, and whether you want to renew in person or by mail. Most people can renew by mail if their license hasn't been expired for more than two years, but some situations require an in-person visit to an RMV office.
The RMV is part of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). You cannot renew at a local police station or town hall — you must go through the RMV directly, either by visiting a branch office, mailing in your renewal, or using their online system for certain renewals.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts allows mail-in renewal for most people whose license expired within the last two years, but you must send the correct form and documents to the RMV's Springfield office.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at an RMV branch office and may need to retake the written test.
- You can check your license status and find RMV branch locations on the MassDOT website at mass.gov/rmv.
- Renewal by mail typically takes four to six weeks from the date the RMV receives your materials, so plan ahead if you need your license for a specific date.
- Some renewals require a new photo, medical certification, or vision test — the RMV will tell you which documents you need when you contact them.
Renewing by mail if your license is not expired or recently expired
If your Massachusetts driver's license expired within the last two years, you can renew by mail. You will need to send Form DL 34 (process for Renewal of Driver's License) to the RMV's Springfield office. You can read this form from mass.gov/rmv or request it by phone at 857-368-8000.
Along with the completed form, include a photocopy of a document that proves your identity and Massachusetts residency — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works for residency. You will also need to include your current license or a photocopy of it. Mail everything to: Registry of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 369, Springfield, MA 01102-0369.
The RMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. Once they receive your materials, expect four to six weeks for processing. You will receive your new license by mail at the address on file. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at an RMV branch office instead.
Renewing in person at an RMV branch office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, or if the RMV notifies you that your renewal requires an in-person visit. To renew in person, visit any RMV branch office during their business hours. Most branches are open Monday through Friday, though some have limited Saturday hours. You can find branch locations, hours, and current wait times on mass.gov/rmv.
Bring your current license (or expired license if you still have it), proof of Massachusetts residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing after a lapse of more than two years, you may need to pass a vision screening and retake the written test. The RMV staff will tell you what you need when you arrive.
In-person renewals are usually completed the same day, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks. Some RMV branches allow you to reserve a time slot online through mass.gov/rmv, which can reduce wait times.
When you need a medical certification or vision test
Massachusetts requires a vision test for all license renewals. If you renew by mail, you can have your vision tested at an optometrist or ophthalmologist and submit their report with your renewal form. If you renew in person, the RMV will conduct a vision screening at the branch office at no additional cost.
If you are over 70 years old, have certain medical conditions, or take medications that affect driving, the RMV may require a medical certification form signed by your doctor. The RMV will notify you if this applies to your renewal. You cannot renew by mail if a medical certification is required — you must visit a branch office in person.
What to do if your license has been suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the standard process. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation — this might mean paying outstanding fines, completing a driver improvement course, or waiting out a suspension period. Contact the RMV directly at 857-368-8000 to find out what you need to do before you can renew.
Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can proceed with renewal by mail or in person, depending on how long your license has been expired. The RMV can tell you which route applies to your situation.
How to check your license status before you renew
Before you start the renewal process, check whether your license is still valid and whether any holds or suspensions are on your record. You can check your license status on mass.gov/rmv by entering your license number and date of birth. This takes less than a minute and tells you whether you can renew by mail or must visit a branch office.
You can also call the RMV at 857-368-8000 to ask about your license status. Have your license number and date of birth ready. The RMV can also tell you which documents you will need for your specific renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
Massachusetts does not currently offer full online renewal through the RMV website. You can renew by mail or in person. The RMV website allows you to check your license status and find branch locations, but you cannot complete the entire renewal process online.
What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?
You can update your address on the renewal form when you renew by mail, or tell the RMV staff when you renew in person. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.
How much does it cost to renew a Massachusetts driver's license?
The renewal fee varies depending on the type of license and how long it is valid for. Check mass.gov/rmv or call 857-368-8000 for current fees. If you renew by mail, include a check or money order with your process. If you renew in person, the RMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you must visit an RMV branch office in person to report it and renew. Bring proof of identity and residency. The RMV will issue a replacement license with a new number. You cannot renew by mail if your license is lost.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your own license in person or by mail yourself. A family member or representative cannot submit a renewal on your behalf, even with written permission. If you are unable to visit an RMV office, mail-in renewal is your only option.