What happens when you renew your Massachusetts license

When your Massachusetts driver's license is about to expire, you can renew it through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The RMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

The renewal process itself is straightforward: you submit proof of your identity and residency, pay the renewal fee, and either take a new photo or use your existing one. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail, or you can walk out with it the same day if you renew in person at an RMV office.

Key Takeaways

  • Massachusetts lets you renew online, by mail, or in person, and you can start the process up to one year before your license expires.
  • Online and mail renewal cost less than in-person renewal because you keep your current photo, while in-person renewal includes a new photo and costs more.
  • You will need a valid form of ID and proof of your current Massachusetts address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to an RMV office in person.
  • The RMV sends renewal notices about 30 days before expiration, but you do not need to wait for the notice to renew.

Renewing online through the RMV website

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the Massachusetts RMV website and select the renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in. The system will verify your information against RMV records.

During online renewal, you keep your current photo on your new license. You will be asked to confirm your address and update it if you have moved. The renewal fee for keeping your photo is $50. Once you complete the process, you pay by credit or debit card, and your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your name, if you have medical conditions that affect your driving, or if you want a new photo. In those cases, you must renew in person.

Renewing by mail with the RMV

Mail renewal uses the same photo as online renewal and costs $50. You will receive a renewal form in the mail from the RMV about 30 days before your license expires, but you can also request one by calling the RMV at 617-351-4500 or visiting an RMV office. Fill out the form, include proof of your current address, and mail it with a check or money order to the address printed on the form.

Processing takes about two to three weeks from the time the RMV receives your process, plus mailing time in both directions. Your new license will arrive by mail. Like online renewal, mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you need a new photo or name change.

Renewing in person at an RMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you want a new photo, if you need to change your name, or if you have medical or vision issues that need to be documented. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you are may be able to access for online or mail renewal.

Bring your current license, proof of your Massachusetts address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. The renewal fee for in-person renewal is $60 if you get a new photo. You will have your photo taken at the office, and you can walk out with your new license the same day.

RMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times on the RMV website before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to book an appointment online through the RMV website.

Documents you need for any renewal method

For all renewal methods, you need to prove your identity and your current Massachusetts address. For identity, your current Massachusetts driver's license is sufficient. If you do not have your license, you can use a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card.

For proof of address, the RMV accepts a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, or insurance policy dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued document with your name and address also works. If you have moved recently and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring a document showing your old address plus a signed letter from your landlord or a utility company confirming your new address.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than five years

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to an RMV office in person. Bring the same documents as for in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number.

The RMV will take a new photo and process your renewal the same way as a standard in-person renewal. The fee is $60. You will receive your new license the same day. If you have moved out of state and then moved back to Massachusetts, or if your license was suspended or revoked, you may need to provide additional documentation or take a vision test.

Fees and payment methods

The renewal fee depends on which method you choose. Online renewal and mail renewal both cost $50 and let you keep your current photo. In-person renewal costs $60 and includes a new photo. If you renew in person and choose to keep your current photo instead of taking a new one, the fee is $50.

For online renewal, you pay by credit or debit card during the process. For mail renewal, you send a check or money order with your process. For in-person renewal, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the RMV office. The RMV does not accept payment by phone or email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have moved out of state?

No. You must have a current Massachusetts address to renew your Massachusetts license. If you have moved out of state, you need to get a license from your new state. If you have moved back to Massachusetts, you can renew your old license in person at an RMV office with proof of your new Massachusetts address.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

You must renew in person at an RMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. The RMV will issue a new license with your updated name.

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

Online and mail renewal take 7 to 10 business days for mailing, plus processing time. In-person renewal gives you your license the same day. Mail renewal also includes time for your process to reach the RMV and for the RMV to process it, so plan for two to three weeks total.

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal?

No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you are renewing by mail or online, make sure to start the process before your expiration date. If you need your license before your renewal arrives, you can renew in person at an RMV office and get your new license the same day.

What if I lost my renewal notice from the RMV?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew your license. You can renew online, by mail, or in person without it. If you want a paper form for mail renewal, call the RMV at 617-351-4500 or visit an RMV office to request one.