How to Renew Your Massachusetts Driver's License

What you need to do to renew in Massachusetts

Massachusetts lets you renew your driver's license in person at an RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's MyRMV portal. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expired, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people can complete the process without a road test or written exam.

The RMV processes renewals faster in person — typically the same day — but you will need an appointment, which you book through MyRMV. Mail renewals take two to three weeks. Online renewal through MyRMV is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, but not everyone can use it.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online through MyRMV if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo, which takes a few minutes and costs less than in-person renewal.
In-person renewal at an RMV office requires an appointment booked through MyRMV and takes about 30 minutes, but you leave with your new license the same day.
Mail renewal is an option only if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo, and takes two to three weeks.
You will need to bring your current license, proof of Massachusetts residency (a utility bill or lease counts), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
Massachusetts charges $50 for a five-year renewal or $100 for a ten-year renewal, and you choose the length when you renew.

Online renewal through MyRMV

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you do not need a new photo, your address has not changed, and you have not had any license suspensions or medical issues reported to the RMV. The entire process takes about five minutes, and you pay $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license.

To start, go to mass.gov/rmv and log into MyRMV with your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your license number and date of birth. Answer the questions about your address, medical history, and whether you have had any violations since your last renewal. Pay by debit or credit card. The RMV mails your new license within two weeks, and your current license stays valid until the new one arrives.

In-person renewal at an RMV office

Renewing in person is necessary if your license is expired, you need a new photo, your address has changed, or you were denied online renewal. You must book an appointment through MyRMV — walk-ins are not accepted at most offices. Appointments fill up quickly, especially near the end of the month, so book as soon as you know you need to renew.

Bring your current license, proof of Massachusetts residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN. The RMV will take a new photo and ask about any medical conditions or violations. The appointment usually takes 30 minutes. You pay the same fee as online renewal — $50 for five years or $100 for ten years — and you receive your new license before you leave the office.

Mail renewal

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you do not need a new photo, and your address has not changed. You cannot renew by mail if you have had any license suspensions or if the RMV has flagged a medical concern. To renew by mail, call the RMV at 617-351-4500 and ask them to send you a renewal form, or read the form from mass.gov/rmv.

Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $50 (five-year) or $100 (ten-year), and mail it to the address on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency. The RMV processes mail renewals in two to three weeks. Your current license remains valid while you wait for the new one.

What documents to bring or include

For any renewal method, you need your current Massachusetts driver's license. You also need proof that you still live in Massachusetts — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address all work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Have your Social Security number or ITIN ready. If you are renewing in person, bring these documents with you. If you are renewing by mail, include a photocopy of your proof of residency. For online renewal, you will enter your Social Security number directly into MyRMV.

Renewal fees and license length

Massachusetts charges $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license. You choose which length you want when you renew. The ten-year option costs more but means you will not need to renew again for a decade. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

If you are over 70 years old, you can only get a five-year license, and the fee is still $50. Payments for online renewal are by debit or credit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit, credit, and checks.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can still renew it without taking a written test or road test. You must renew in person at an RMV office — you cannot use online or mail renewal. Bring the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to explore for a new license as if you were a first-time driver. This means taking the written test and road test, and paying the full fee for a new license rather than a renewal fee. Contact the RMV directly to find out what steps you need to take.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to six months before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will be valid for five or ten years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.

What if I need to change my name or address?

If you are changing your name, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are only changing your address, you can renew in person or by mail if your license is not expired. Online renewal will not work if your address has changed.

How long does it take to get my new license?

In-person renewal is the fastest — you leave with your new license the same day. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. Online renewal takes about two weeks for the RMV to mail the license to you. Your current license stays valid until the new one arrives, so you can drive legally during the wait.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You will need to explore for a replacement license first, which requires an in-person visit to an RMV office. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it using any of the three methods. If your replacement is recent, you may be able to renew it when ready without waiting.

Can I renew if I have unpaid traffic fines or suspensions?

No. If your license is suspended or if you have unpaid fines, the RMV will not process a renewal. You must resolve the suspension or pay the fines first. Contact the RMV or the court that issued the fine to find out what you owe and how to pay it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.