How to Renew Your Massachusetts Driver's License

Massachusetts license renewal happens online, by mail, or in person depending on your age and how long it's been since you last renewed

Massachusetts offers three paths to renew your driver's license: online through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) website, by mail using a renewal form, or in person at an RMV office. Which one you can use depends on your age, whether your license is expired, and how many years you're renewing for. Most people under 75 can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If you're 75 or older, you must renew in person.

Your license is valid for five years from the date of issue. The RMV will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for it to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv takes about 10 minutes and costs $50 for a five-year license if you're under 75 and your license is not expired.
Mail renewal requires the renewal notice the RMV sends you, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks to process.
In-person renewal at an RMV office is required if you're 75 or older, or if your license has been expired for more than five years.
You'll need a valid form of ID and proof of Massachusetts residency for any renewal method.
Real ID-compliant licenses cost $35 extra but are required for domestic air travel starting May 2025.

Online renewal through the RMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License" from the main menu. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against RMV records and ask whether you want a standard license or a Real ID-compliant license.

The fee is $50 for a five-year standard license or $85 for a five-year Real ID license. You pay by credit or debit card during the transaction. Once approved, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you're 75 or older, or if you need to update your address or other information on the license itself.

Mail renewal using your renewal notice

The RMV mails renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form you fill out, your payment amount, and instructions for where to send it. You'll write a check or money order for either $50 (standard) or $85 (Real ID) and mail both the form and payment to the address listed on the notice.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the RMV receives your envelope. Mail can be slow, so send it at least three weeks before your license expires if you need it by a specific date. If you lose your renewal notice, you can read the form from mass.gov/rmv or call the RMV at 617-351-4500 to request a replacement notice. Mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years.

In-person renewal at an RMV office

You must renew in person if you're 75 or older, if your license expired more than five years ago, or if you need to change your address, name, or other information on the license. Visit mass.gov/rmv to find your nearest RMV office and check hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. You can book an appointment online, which reduces wait time, or walk in during open hours.

Bring your current license, proof of Massachusetts residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days), and payment of $50 or $85 depending on the license type. If you're renewing because your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to pass a vision test or written exam depending on how long it's been. The RMV staff will tell you what's required when you arrive. Your new license is issued on the spot.

Real ID versus standard license

A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a Real ID license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you renew before that date and don't choose Real ID, you can still fly with a passport or other federal ID document, but a Real ID license is simpler.

Real ID renewal costs $35 more than a standard license ($85 total instead of $50 for five years). You don't need to do anything special to get it—just select "Real ID" when you renew online or by mail, or ask for it when you renew in person. If you already have a Real ID license, your renewal will automatically be Real ID unless you choose otherwise.

What to do if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew online or by mail using the same process as a non-expired license. If it expired more than five years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal—you must go to an RMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The RMV may require you to pass a vision test or written exam depending on how long the license has been expired.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Massachusetts. If you're stopped by police, you can be cited. If your license expired while you were out of state or unable to renew due to a documented hardship, contact the RMV at 617-351-4500 to discuss your situation before renewing.

Changing your address or other information during renewal

If you need to change your address, name, or other details on your license, you cannot do it online or by mail. You must renew in person at an RMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. If you're changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Some RMV offices allow you to update your address without renewing your license if it's not yet expired. Call 617-351-4500 or check mass.gov/rmv to see whether your local office offers this service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but only in person at an RMV office. Licenses expired more than five years require an in-person visit and may require a vision test or written exam. Licenses expired between one and five years can be renewed in person, by mail, or online using the standard process.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Online renewals are mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the date the RMV receives your envelope. In-person renewals are issued when ready at the office.

What if I move out of state before my license expires?

You should get a driver's license in your new state. Massachusetts will not renew your license if you're no longer a resident. If you move back to Massachusetts before your license expires, you can renew it using any of the three methods.

Do I need a Real ID license if I only drive in Massachusetts?

No. A Real ID license is only required for domestic air travel and federal building access. If you don't fly or visit federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient for driving.

What if the RMV rejects my online renewal?

The system will tell you why—usually because your information doesn't match RMV records, your license is expired more than five years, or you're 75 or older. Try renewing by mail or in person, or call 617-351-4500 to resolve the issue before trying again online.

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.