What you need to get a Massachusetts driver's license
Massachusetts issues driver's licenses through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). To get your first license or renew an expired one, you need to visit an RMV branch in person with specific documents, pass a written test and a road test, and pay a fee. The RMV does not issue licenses by mail or online, though you can renew certain licenses online if yours is not expired and you meet other conditions.
The documents you bring depend on whether you are getting your first license or renewing. For a first license, you need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Massachusetts residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing, you need your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed.
The fee for a five-year license is $50. A ten-year license costs $100. Massachusetts also offers a Real ID-compliant license, which costs the same but allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. The Real ID version requires additional identity documents but is processed at the same RMV visit.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts requires you to visit an RMV branch in person to get your first license or renew an expired one, and you must bring proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number.
- You must pass both a written test covering traffic laws and a road test with an RMV examiner before you receive your license.
- A five-year license costs $50 and a ten-year license costs $100; Real ID versions cost the same but require extra documents.
- You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have no address changes, and you meet other conditions the RMV lists on its website.
- Wait times at RMV branches vary by location and time of year; scheduling an appointment online reduces your time in the branch.
Finding an RMV branch and scheduling an appointment
Massachusetts has RMV branches in Boston, Brockton, Framingham, Lawrence, Leominster, Medford, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Salem, Springfield, and Worcester. You can find the address and hours for each branch on the RMV website at mass.gov/rmv. Each branch handles first-time licenses, renewals, and road tests, though some branches have longer wait times than others.
You can schedule an appointment online through the RMV website. Appointments are released in batches and fill quickly, especially at popular branches and times. If you cannot find an appointment online, you can walk in without one, but expect to wait longer. The RMV recommends arriving early in the morning or on weekday afternoons to reduce wait time.
If you are getting your first license, you will need to schedule both a written test appointment and a separate road test appointment. The written test is offered at most branches and can usually be scheduled within a few weeks. The road test is more limited and may require a longer wait, depending on the branch and the season.
Passing the written test and road test
The written test covers Massachusetts traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Massachusetts Driver's Manual, which is free on the RMV website. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 18 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per appointment; if you fail, you must schedule another appointment to retake it.
The road test is conducted by an RMV examiner in your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the RMV. The examiner watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and driving on different road types. The test lasts about 20 minutes. You must have a valid permit or license from another state to take the road test. If you fail, you can schedule another test, but there may be a wait for the next available appointment.
Massachusetts requires you to pass both tests before you receive your license. Some people pass the written test but fail the road test, or vice versa. If this happens, you only need to retake the test you failed, not both.
Renewing your license online or in person
You can renew your Massachusetts license online if your license is not expired, you have not had any address changes, you do not need to update your name or other information, and you have no medical conditions that require an in-person review. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $50 for a five-year renewal or $100 for a ten-year renewal. Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks.
If your license is expired, you have changed your address, or you need to update your information, you must renew in person at an RMV branch. Bring your current license, proof of residency if your address has changed, and payment. You do not need to retake the written or road test to renew, unless your license has been expired for more than five years or the RMV has flagged your record for review.
Massachusetts licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew up to 30 days before your license expires. If your license expires while you are waiting for a renewal appointment, you can still drive legally as long as you have proof that you have scheduled a renewal appointment.
Real ID and federal compliance
A Real ID-compliant Massachusetts license allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. The Real ID version looks the same as a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. It costs the same as a standard license: $50 for five years or $100 for ten years.
To get a Real ID license, you need to bring additional documents proving your identity and residency. The RMV requires a passport, birth certificate, or state ID for identity, and a utility bill, lease, or bank statement for residency. If you are renewing, you can upgrade to Real ID at the same time. The process takes the same amount of time as a standard renewal.
If you do not have a Real ID license, you can still fly domestically and enter federal buildings with a passport or other federally accepted ID. Real ID is not required, but it is convenient if you travel frequently.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license is lost or stolen, you must report it to the RMV and request a replacement. You can do this in person at any RMV branch or by mail. Bring your proof of identity and residency, and pay a $50 replacement fee for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license. Your replacement license will arrive by mail within two weeks.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can request a replacement at an RMV branch. Bring your current license and payment. If your license is damaged and unreadable, the RMV may issue a replacement without charging a fee, depending on the damage.
While you wait for your replacement license, you can request a temporary paper license at the RMV branch. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your replacement is in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Massachusetts license if I live out of state?
No. Massachusetts requires you to be a resident to hold a Massachusetts license. If you have moved out of state, you must get a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Massachusetts resident, you can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you meet the other conditions for online renewal.
How long does it take to get a Massachusetts license after I pass the road test?
Your license is issued when ready after you pass the road test at the RMV branch. You receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your plastic license is printed and mailed to you. Your plastic license usually arrives within two weeks.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can schedule another road test appointment. There is no fee to retake the test, but you may have to wait several weeks for the next available appointment, depending on the branch. You can take the road test as many times as you need until you pass.
Can I use my Massachusetts permit to drive alone?
No. A Massachusetts learner's permit requires a licensed driver age 21 or older to be in the front seat with you. Once you pass the road test and receive your license, you can drive alone.
What is the difference between a five-year and ten-year Massachusetts license?
A five-year license expires five years from the date of issue and costs $50. A ten-year license expires ten years from the date of issue and costs $100. Both are valid for driving and identification. Older drivers and those with certain medical conditions may be required to get a five-year license instead of a ten-year license.