Change your address online, by mail, or in person at an RMV office

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) requires you to update your address within 30 days of moving. You have three ways to do it: the fastest is online through the RMV website if you have a valid Massachusetts driver's license or ID card. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a completed form or visit an RMV service center in person. The method you choose depends on whether you have your license number handy and how quickly you need the change recorded.

Your address on file affects where the RMV sends renewal notices, where traffic citations are mailed, and what address appears on your physical ID card. If you do not update it, you may miss renewal important date or have mail sent to an old address where you no longer receive it. The process itself is free and takes minutes online, but mailed forms can take two to three weeks to process.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through mass.gov/rmv are the fastest option and take effect when ready for your RMV record, though your physical card will still show the old address until renewal.
  • You must change your address within 30 days of moving, and the RMV can fine you if you do not.
  • If you mail a form, use the RMV's official Change of Address form and allow two to three weeks for processing.
  • Your address change does not automatically update your vehicle registration — you may need to handle that separately depending on your situation.

Online address change through mass.gov

Go to mass.gov/rmv and log into your account using your driver's license number and date of birth. Select "Change Address" from the menu. Enter your new address and confirm it. The system will show you when ready that the change has been recorded in the RMV database.

This method works only if you have a valid Massachusetts driver's license or ID card and you remember your license number. If you do not have online access or cannot locate your license number, use the mail or in-person methods instead. Keep in mind that while your RMV record updates when ready, your physical ID card will still show your old address until you renew it — that is normal and does not affect the validity of your ID.

Mailing a change of address form

read the "Change of Address" form from mass.gov/rmv or request one by calling the RMV at 857-247-5900. Fill in your name, license number, old address, and new address. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address listed on the form — typically the RMV's central processing office in Boston.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Without proof of address, the RMV may reject the form and send it back. Use certified mail if you want confirmation that the RMV received it, though this is not required.

In-person address change at an RMV service center

Visit any RMV service center with your driver's license or ID card and a document showing your new address. Bring your lease, utility bill, mortgage statement, or other official mail dated within the last 60 days. You do not need an appointment for an address change at most locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day.

The staff will update your address on the spot, and your RMV record will reflect the change when ready. This is the fastest way to get your address changed if you prefer not to use the online system. Check mass.gov/rmv for the service center nearest you and its current hours before you go.

What happens to your vehicle registration

Changing your driver's license address does not automatically change your vehicle registration address. If you own or lease a vehicle registered in Massachusetts, you will need to update that separately. You can do this online through mass.gov/rmv, by mail using the vehicle registration form, or in person at an RMV service center.

The RMV will mail your vehicle registration renewal notice to the address on file for your registration, not your driver's license. If these addresses do not match, you may not receive your renewal notice on time. It is simpler to update both at the same time, but they are separate records in the RMV system.

Address changes for out-of-state moves

If you are moving out of Massachusetts, you do not need to notify the RMV before you leave. However, you will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state within a set timeframe — usually 30 to 60 days after establishing residency. Your Massachusetts license remains valid for driving until it expires, but you cannot renew it by mail or online once you move out of state.

If you are moving to another state but keeping a Massachusetts address on file (for example, if you own property there), you can update your address through the online system or by mail. The RMV will continue to send mail to that address. When you eventually move back to Massachusetts or change your residency status, you can update your address again.

What to do if your address change is not processed

If you mailed a form and have not seen a confirmation after four weeks, call the RMV at 857-247-5900 to check the status. Have your license number and the date you mailed the form ready. The RMV can tell you whether the form was received and processed or if there was a problem.

If your online change did not go through, try logging in again and checking your account. If the address still shows as old, clear your browser cache and try again, or call the RMV to report the issue. If you changed your address in person and the staff confirmed it, but your RMV record still shows the old address a week later, contact the service center where you made the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have a document showing my new address?

The RMV requires proof of address dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on official letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. A bank statement or credit card statement with your new address also works.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. An expired license is still valid for address changes. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person. However, you should renew your license at the same time or shortly after, since an expired license cannot be used for identification.

Do I need to change my address if I moved within the same town?

Yes. Any change to your street address, apartment number, or zip code must be reported to the RMV within 30 days. This includes moves within the same city or town.

How long does it take for my new address to show up on my physical ID card?

Your physical card will not change until you renew your license or ID card. The address on your card is updated only when you receive a new card. Your RMV record updates when ready, but the card in your wallet will still show your old address until renewal.

What happens if I do not change my address within 30 days?

The RMV can issue a citation and fine you for failing to report an address change. The fine amount varies. More importantly, you may miss renewal notices and other important RMV mail. It is simpler to update your address promptly than to deal with missed important date or fines later.