Massachusetts driver's license renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at the RMV
You can renew your Massachusetts driver's license through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in three ways: online at mass.gov/rmv if you meet certain requirements, by mail using the renewal notice the state sends you, or in person at an RMV branch. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how long it's been since your last renewal, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew before their current license expires, but you can renew up to two years after expiration.
Massachusetts licenses expire on your birthday. The state mails a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, which includes instructions for all three renewal paths. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew using your license number and date of birth on the RMV website.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you don't need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires sending your current license and the renewal notice to the RMV.
- In-person renewal at an RMV branch is necessary if your license has been expired for more than two years or if you need to update your photo.
- Massachusetts licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew starting 30 days before that date.
- The renewal fee is $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license, paid at the time of renewal.
Online renewal: fastest if you're not expired and don't need a new photo
Online renewal through the RMV website is available if your license is still valid (not expired), you have a Massachusetts address on file, and you don't need to update your photo. You'll need your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.
You cannot renew online if your license has expired, if you've changed your name or address since your last renewal, or if you want a new photo. You also cannot use online renewal if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) or if your license was suspended or revoked.
The online renewal fee is $50 for a five-year license. You pay by debit or credit card at the time you submit your renewal.
Mail renewal: works for expired licenses up to two years old
Mail renewal is an option if your license expired no more than two years ago. The RMV sends a renewal notice to your address on file about 60 days before expiration. This notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. You mail back your current license, the signed renewal notice, and payment. The RMV processes mail renewals in about two to three weeks.
If you didn't receive a renewal notice, you can request one by calling the RMV at 857-368-8000 or by visiting an RMV branch. You'll need to provide your license number and date of birth. Once you have the notice, you can mail it with your license and a check or money order for $50 (five-year) or $100 (ten-year).
Mail renewal does not include a new photo. Your new license will have the same photo as your current one. If you need a new photo or want to update your address, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal: required if your license is expired more than two years or you need a new photo
You must renew in person at an RMV branch if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need a new photo, or if you're changing your name or address. Bring your current license, proof of Massachusetts residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
RMV branches are located in Boston, Watertown, Medford, Framingham, Leominster, Springfield, and Westfield. You can schedule an appointment online at mass.gov/rmv or by calling 857-368-8000. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment wait times are usually shorter. Processing takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your plastic license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.
The in-person renewal fee is $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license, paid at the time of renewal. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online | License number, date of birth, last four digits of Social Security number | 7–10 business days |
| Current license, signed renewal notice, payment | 2–3 weeks | |
| In-person | Current license, proof of residency, payment (name change document if applicable) | 15–20 minutes plus 7–10 business days for mailed license |
When you can start renewing and what happens if you let it expire
You can start renewing your Massachusetts license 30 days before your birthday (the expiration date). The RMV mails renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, so you'll have time to choose your renewal method. If you renew before expiration, your new license is valid when ready upon receipt.
If your license expires, you can still renew by mail or in person up to two years after expiration. After two years, you must renew in person and may be required to retake the written and road tests. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Massachusetts, even if you've already submitted a renewal process.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to pass the written test, the road test, and a vision screening before you can renew. Contact your local RMV branch to schedule these tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved out of Massachusetts?
No. You must have a Massachusetts address to renew a Massachusetts license. If you've moved, you need to get a license from your new state. You can surrender your Massachusetts license to the RMV by mail or in person.
What if I lost my license before renewal?
You can renew by mail or in person without your current license. For mail renewal, include a note explaining that your license was lost. For in-person renewal, bring your proof of residency and payment. The RMV will issue a new license with a new number.
Do I have to choose a five-year or ten-year license?
Yes. At renewal, you choose the length of your new license. Five-year licenses cost $50; ten-year licenses cost $100. You cannot renew for a different length online—you must renew by mail or in person to change the license term.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.