Massachusetts driver's licenses expire on your birthday every five years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at the RMV
Your Massachusetts driver's license expires on your birthday five years after you received it. The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. The method you choose — online, mail, or in person — depends on your age, whether your address has changed, and whether you need a new photo.
Renewing early gives you time to handle problems without driving on an expired license. If you wait until after your birthday and your license has expired, you lose the option to renew by mail or online and must go to an RMV office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts licenses expire on your birthday every five years, and you can renew up to one year early through the RMV website, by mail, or in person.
- Online renewal is the fastest option if you are between 18 and 75, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order.
- In-person renewal at an RMV office is necessary if your address changed, you need a new photo, or you are over 75.
- The renewal fee is $50 for a five-year license, and you will receive your new license by mail within two weeks of approval.
Renewing online through the Massachusetts RMV website
Online renewal is the fastest way to renew if you meet the requirements. You must be between 18 and 75 years old, your address must not have changed since your last license was issued, and you must not need a new photo. You will need your current Massachusetts driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).
Go to mass.gov/rmv and select "Renew Your License Online." Follow the prompts to verify your identity and review your information. The fee is $50, charged to your card when ready. Once approved, the RMV will mail your new license to the address on file, usually within two weeks. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your information has not changed and you do not need a new photo. You will need to complete Form DL 34 (Renewal process for Driver's License), which you can read from mass.gov/rmv or request by calling the RMV at 857-368-8000. Include your current driver's license, a check or money order for $50 made payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles," and the completed form.
Mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the RMV receives it. Your new license will be mailed to your current address. Keep your old license until the new one arrives, since you can use it to drive during the processing period.
Renewing in person at an RMV office
You must renew in person if your address has changed, you need a new photo, you are over 75, or you are renewing a commercial driver's license. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and $50 in cash, check, or card. If you are over 75, you will also take a vision test and a written test on road rules.
Find your nearest RMV office at mass.gov/rmv and check hours before you go. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You will receive your new license on the spot if you pass any required tests, or by mail within two weeks if additional processing is needed.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Massachusetts, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can be cited. If your license has been expired for more than 30 days, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to an RMV office in person and may face additional requirements or fees.
If you realize your license is about to expire and you are close to your birthday, renewing in person is the safest option because you will have your new license when ready. Online and mail renewal can take longer if there are delays, so plan ahead rather than waiting until the last week.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at an RMV office. Bring your current CDL, proof of your address if it has changed, and $50. You will take a vision test and a written test on commercial driving rules. If you have any violations or medical conditions that affect your ability to drive, the RMV may require additional documentation from your doctor.
CDL renewals are processed on the spot if you pass the tests. Plan for a longer visit than a standard license renewal because the testing takes additional time.
Replacing a lost or damaged license while renewing
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can replace it at the same time you renew. The process is the same as a standard renewal, but you will need to report the loss or damage. If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required by the RMV.
The replacement fee is included in the $50 renewal fee — you do not pay extra. Report the loss or damage when you submit your renewal form or when you arrive at the RMV office, depending on which renewal method you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?
No. The RMV will not process your renewal if you have unpaid traffic violations or fines. You must pay or resolve the violation first. Contact the court listed on your ticket or call the RMV at 857-368-8000 to find out what you owe.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Massachusetts license?
You cannot renew a Massachusetts license if you no longer live in the state. You must get a license from your new state instead. If you are still a Massachusetts resident, you can renew by mail or online as long as your address on file is current.
How long does online renewal take?
Online renewal is approved when ready, and your new license is mailed within two weeks. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If the RMV needs more information, they will contact you by email or phone.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, unless you want one. If you renew online or by mail, your old photo is used. If you renew in person, you can request a new photo for no extra charge, or keep your old one.
What if I am deployed or living overseas?
You can renew by mail from anywhere. read Form DL 34 from mass.gov/rmv, complete it, and mail it with your license and payment to the address on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from receipt.