What you need to get a Massachusetts driver's license
Massachusetts issues driver's licenses through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). To get your first license, you will need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a road test. You must be at least 16 years old to hold a learner's permit and at least 17 to hold a full license (or 16 and 9 months if you complete an approved driver education course).
Before you go to the RMV, gather these documents: proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth abroad), proof of Massachusetts residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian's signature on your process.
The RMV accepts appointments and walk-ins at its branch locations across the state. You can book an appointment online at mass.gov/rmv or call 857-368-8000. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day; the RMV website shows current wait times for each branch.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a written test, vision test, and road test to get a Massachusetts driver's license; a learner's permit is required first and lasts for two years.
- Bring proof of identity, proof of Massachusetts residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to the RMV.
- You can book an appointment online at mass.gov/rmv or walk in; appointment wait times are typically shorter than walk-in times.
- A standard Massachusetts driver's license is valid for five years; renewal can be done in person, by mail, or online depending on your age and license type.
- If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process, and you will have restrictions on driving hours and passengers until age 18.
The learner's permit and road test requirements
Before you can take the road test, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months. To get a learner's permit, you pass the written test and vision test at the RMV. The written test covers Massachusetts traffic laws and road signs; the RMV provides a study guide on its website. You can take the written test in English or in one of several other languages.
Once you have your learner's permit, you must practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat. There is no minimum number of practice hours required by law, but the RMV recommends at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 hours at night. If you are under 18, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. while holding a learner's permit.
When you are ready, you schedule a road test through the RMV. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be tested in. The road test fee is included in your license fee.
License fees and how long your license lasts
A five-year Massachusetts driver's license costs $50 if you are 18 or older. If you are 16 or 17, your license is valid until age 18 and costs $30. A junior operator's license (for drivers under 18) has additional restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot carry passengers under 18 unless a licensed adult 25 or older is in the front seat.
When your license expires, you can renew it in person at an RMV branch, by mail, or online through mass.gov/rmv if you meet certain conditions. Online renewal is available if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no outstanding violations, and you do not need to update your photo. Mail renewal takes about two weeks; online renewal is when ready.
If you need to renew in person, the process is the same as getting a new license: bring proof of identity and residency, pass a vision test, and pay the renewal fee. You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license was suspended or revoked.
Real ID compliance and what it means for your license
Massachusetts driver's licenses are REAL ID compliant, which means they meet federal standards for identification. A REAL ID license can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. All Massachusetts licenses issued since 2009 are REAL ID compliant; if your license was issued before that, you can renew it to get a compliant version.
When you renew your license, the RMV will issue a REAL ID license automatically unless you specifically request a non-compliant license. There is no additional fee for REAL ID compliance. If you do not have a REAL ID license and need to fly domestically or enter a federal building, you can use a passport or passport card instead.
Changing your name or address on your license
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your license within 30 days. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency to an RMV branch. There is no fee to change your name.
If you move to a new address in Massachusetts, you must update your license within 30 days. You can do this online at mass.gov/rmv, by mail, or in person at an RMV branch. Online address changes are when ready and free. If you move out of Massachusetts, you must surrender your Massachusetts license and get a license in your new state.
Suspended or revoked licenses and how to restore driving privileges
Your Massachusetts license can be suspended or revoked for reasons including unpaid traffic fines, driving under the influence, accumulating too many points for traffic violations, or failing to maintain auto insurance. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent until you take steps to restore your license.
If your license is suspended, you cannot drive legally. To find out why your license was suspended, contact the RMV at 857-368-8000 or check your status online at mass.gov/rmv. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines, you must pay them. If it is due to lack of insurance, you must provide proof of current coverage. If it is due to points, you may need to complete a driver improvement course or wait out the suspension period.
If your license is revoked, the process to restore it is more involved and depends on the reason for revocation. For a DUI revocation, you must wait a minimum period (typically one to five years depending on your record), complete a substance abuse program, and pass a written test before you can reapply. Contact the RMV or a lawyer for specific steps in your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Massachusetts license online?
Yes, if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no outstanding violations, and you do not need to update your photo. Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs $50 for a five-year license. You can renew online at mass.gov/rmv up to one year before your license expires.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test after waiting at least two weeks. There is no limit to how many times you can take it, but you must pay the test fee each time. Many people find it helpful to schedule more practice driving with a licensed adult before retaking the test.
Do I need to take a written test again if I renew my license in person?
No. When you renew in person, you only need to pass a vision test and provide proof of identity and residency. You do not retake the written or road test unless your license was suspended or revoked.
What is the difference between a junior operator's license and a regular license?
A junior operator's license is for drivers under 18 and has restrictions: no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., and no passengers under 18 unless a licensed adult 25 or older is in the front seat. A regular license has no such restrictions. You automatically get a regular license when you turn 18.
How do I check if my license is suspended?
You can check your license status online at mass.gov/rmv or call the RMV at 857-368-8000. Have your license number or date of birth ready. The RMV will tell you if your license is suspended, why, and what you need to do to restore it.