Massachusetts driver's licenses expire every five years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at an RMV office
Massachusetts issues licenses that expire on your birthday in the fifth year after you receive them. You can renew starting 6 months before that date. The fastest route is the online renewal system at mass.gov/rmv if you meet basic requirements — no vision test needed, no appointment required, and you get a temporary digital license when ready while the physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot renew online, you can mail your process to the RMV or visit an office in person. The method you choose depends on whether your address has changed, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the license. Each path has different wait times and document requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at mass.gov/rmv is available starting 6 months before your license expires and takes 7 to 10 business days for the physical card to arrive.
- You can renew by mail using Form DL 34 if you do not need a new photo and your address has not changed since your last license.
- In-person renewal at an RMV office is required if your address has changed, you need a new photo, or you cannot renew online for other reasons.
- Massachusetts issues a temporary digital license when ready after online renewal so you can use your phone as proof of license while waiting for the card.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence if renewing in person.
Online renewal through the RMV website
The online system at mass.gov/rmv is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You need a current Massachusetts license, a valid email address, and your Social Security number. The system will ask you to verify your identity, review your information, and pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. There is no photo requirement for online renewal — the RMV uses your existing photo from your current license.
Once you complete the online process, you receive a temporary digital license on your phone that you can use when ready as proof of license. This temporary license is valid for 180 days while your physical card is printed and mailed. The physical card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if your address has changed, if you need a new photo, or if your license was suspended or revoked.
Mail renewal with Form DL 34
You can renew by mail if your address has not changed and you do not need a new photo. read Form DL 34 from mass.gov/rmv or request it by phone at 857-368-8000. Fill out the form, include your current license, and mail it with the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Processing time for mail renewals is typically 4 to 6 weeks, though it can be longer during busy periods.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but does not require a trip to an RMV office. However, you will not receive a temporary digital license, so you will need to carry your current license until the new one arrives. If your address has changed or you need a new photo, you must renew in person instead.
In-person renewal at an RMV office
You must renew in person if your address has changed, if you need a new photo, or if you cannot renew online or by mail. Visit an RMV service center with your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of citizenship or legal presence (such as a birth certificate or passport). Bring your Social Security number as well.
Wait times at RMV offices vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the RMV website before you go. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait. Processing time at the office is usually 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. You will receive your new license on the spot if you renew in person.
Documents and fees you will need
The renewal fee for a five-year Massachusetts license is $50 if you renew online or by mail, or $50 if you renew in person. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check (by mail only). The fee is the same regardless of which method you choose.
For online renewal, you need only your current license and a valid email address. For mail renewal, include your current license with Form DL 34. For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Proof of citizenship can be a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to an RMV office, a vision test, and a new photo. You will need to bring proof of citizenship, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The process is more involved than renewal and takes longer.
If your license expired within the last two years, the RMV may allow you to renew it as if it had not expired, depending on the circumstances. Contact the RMV at 857-368-8000 to ask whether your situation qualifies for this exception before you visit an office.
Temporary digital license and using it while you wait
When you renew online, you receive a temporary digital license that appears in your phone's wallet app (Apple Wallet on iPhone, Google Wallet on Android). This temporary license is valid for 180 days and shows your name, date of birth, license number, and expiration date. You can use it as proof of license during traffic stops, at bars or restaurants, or anywhere a physical license is accepted.
The temporary digital license is not a separate document you need to read or print — it is built into your phone's wallet. If you lose your phone or switch to a new one, you can re-add the license to your new phone using the same app. Keep your current physical license with you as a backup until your new card arrives, since not all officers or businesses may be familiar with the digital version yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have moved out of state?
No. You must have a Massachusetts address to renew a Massachusetts license. If you have moved out of state, you need to explore for a license in your new state instead. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency to learn about their requirements.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), proof of residency, and proof of citizenship. The RMV will issue a new license with your updated name.
How do I renew if I am deaf or hard of hearing?
The RMV offers accommodations for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. If you are renewing in person, call 857-368-8000 in advance to request an interpreter or other information. For online renewal, you can proceed without accommodation since there is no phone or in-person interaction required.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the RMV or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to learn what steps are required to restore your driving privileges. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it through the normal process.
What if my physical license does not arrive within 10 business days?
Contact the RMV at 857-368-8000 to report the delay. Your temporary digital license remains valid for 180 days, so you can continue using it as proof of license while the RMV investigates. The RMV can reissue your physical license or provide a replacement if it was lost in the mail.