How to Renew Your Massachusetts Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

In Massachusetts, you can renew your driver's license at any RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles) branch office, by mail, or online through the MassDOT website — but not all renewal types work for all three methods. If your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions or violations on your record, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you need to update your address, photo, or medical information, you must renew in person at an RMV branch.

For any in-person renewal, bring your current license (or expired license if it's been less than five years), proof of Massachusetts residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing by mail, send your current license, a completed Form DL 34 (the renewal process), and a photocopy of your proof of residency. Online renewal requires you to log into your MassDOT account with your license number and date of birth.

Key Takeaways

Massachusetts offers three renewal methods — online, by mail, and in person — but your may be able to access for each depends on whether your license is expired and whether you need to update your information.
Online and mail renewal work only if your license is not expired and you have no medical or violation issues; expired licenses and address changes require an in-person visit to an RMV branch.
Bring your current or recently expired license, proof of Massachusetts residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to any in-person renewal.
Processing times vary: online renewals typically take one to two weeks, mail renewals take two to four weeks, and in-person renewals are usually completed the same day.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval if you renew online or by mail; in-person renewals issue a temporary license when ready.

Online renewal through MassDOT

The fastest way to renew is through the MassDOT website if you are may be able to access. Log in with your license number and date of birth, answer questions about your current address and any medical conditions, pay the renewal fee (currently $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license, though fees can change), and submit. You will receive a confirmation email, and your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have no outstanding violations or medical holds, and you do not need to change your address or photo. If you have forgotten your MassDOT login credentials, you can reset them on the website using your license number and Social Security number. If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you will need to renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal and what to send

To renew by mail, read Form DL 34 from the MassDOT website or request it by calling the RMV at 857-368-8000. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any changes to your medical history. Make a photocopy of the front and back of your current license and a photocopy of your proof of residency. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash.

Mail your completed form, photocopies, and payment to the address listed on Form DL 34 (currently the RMV's Boston office, though this can change). Keep a copy of everything you send. Mail renewal takes two to four weeks from the date the RMV receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail once approved. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, call the RMV to confirm they received your renewal.

In-person renewal at an RMV branch

If you must renew in person, visit any RMV branch office during business hours. Bring your current or recently expired license, proof of Massachusetts residency, and your Social Security number. You will fill out Form DL 34 at the office, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the branch is.

When you finish, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is valid for all driving purposes. RMV branch hours and locations are listed on the MassDOT website; some branches require you to book an appointment online, while others accept walk-ins. Check your local branch's policy before you go.

Fees and how long the license lasts

Massachusetts driver's licenses are valid for five or ten years depending on which you choose at renewal. A five-year license costs $50, and a ten-year license costs $100. These fees are current but may change; check the MassDOT website before you pay to confirm the current amount. If you are renewing by mail or online, you pay at the time you submit. If you are renewing in person, you pay at the RMV office.

Your new license will expire on your birthday in the year it is due. For example, if you renew in March 2024 and choose a five-year license, it will expire on your birthday in 2029. You can renew up to 30 days before your current license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for less than five years, you can still renew by mail or in person using the standard process. If it has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at an RMV branch and may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired. Call the RMV at 857-368-8000 before you go to confirm what tests you will need.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Massachusetts, even if you have a renewal in progress. If you are stopped by police, you can show them your temporary paper license (if you renewed in person) or your confirmation email (if you renewed online or by mail) as proof that your renewal is pending, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew before your license expires to avoid this situation.

Updating your address or medical information

If you need to change your address on your license but your license is not yet expired, you have two options: renew early (you can renew up to 30 days before expiration), or visit an RMV branch to update your address without renewing. Address-only updates do not require a new photo or fee and take about 10 minutes. If you are renewing anyway, your new address will be printed on your new license automatically.

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — such as vision loss, seizures, or a condition that causes loss of consciousness — you must report it to the RMV. You can do this by mail using Form DL 44 or in person at an RMV branch. The RMV may require a medical report from your doctor before they renew your license. Do not wait until your license expires to report a medical change; the RMV can suspend your license if you do not disclose a condition that affects your safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I owe a traffic fine or have unpaid parking tickets?

Outstanding traffic fines do not prevent renewal, but unpaid parking tickets from certain municipalities may. Contact the RMV or the municipality that issued the ticket to confirm whether it will block your renewal. If it will, you must pay or resolve the ticket before you can renew.

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

You must renew in person at an RMV branch. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. You will fill out a replacement form and a renewal form together, have your photo taken, and pay both fees (replacement and renewal). The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal.

How do I know if I am may be able to access for online or mail renewal?

The MassDOT website will tell you when you try to log in. If the system says you are not may be able to access, it means your license is expired, you have a medical hold, or you have an outstanding violation. You must renew in person. You can also call the RMV at 857-368-8000 to ask about your specific situation.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

It depends on the branch. Some RMV locations require online appointments, while others accept walk-ins. Check the MassDOT website for your local branch's policy. If appointments are required and none are available, you may need to visit a different branch or try again later.

What if my new license does not arrive within 10 business days?

Call the RMV at 857-368-8000 with your confirmation number or receipt. They can check whether your license was mailed and provide a tracking update. If there was a delay in processing, they can reissue it. Do not assume it is lost until you have confirmed the status with the RMV.

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.