How to Renew Your Massachusetts Driver's License

Massachusetts driver's licenses expire 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 in the fifth year after you received it. The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

The method you choose depends on your situation. If your vision, address, or name has not changed and your license is not suspended or revoked, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an RMV office. If you need to update information or your license has restrictions, you'll need to renew 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 costs $50 and takes about 10 minutes if your vision, address, and name have not changed since your last license.
Mail renewal requires the renewal notice the RMV sends you, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks to arrive.
In-person renewal at an RMV office is required if you need a new photo, have vision changes, or want to update your address or name.
You can drive on an expired license for up to 30 days after expiration while your renewal is being processed.

Online renewal through the RMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to mass.gov/rmv, create or log into your RMV account, and select "Renew License." You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask whether your vision, address, and name are still correct. If you answer yes to all three, you can complete the renewal in about 10 minutes.

The fee is $50, paid by debit or credit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to upload a photo—the RMV uses the photo from your current license. If you have a REAL ID-compliant license and want to keep that status, online renewal maintains it automatically.

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years. You also cannot use online renewal if you need to change your address, name, or vision correction information, or if you want a new photo.

Mail renewal with your renewal notice

The RMV mails renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. To renew by mail, sign the back of the notice, include a check or money order for $50 made out to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles," and mail it back in the envelope provided.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the RMV receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail after that. Like online renewal, mail renewal uses your current photo and does not require you to visit an office. You can only use this method if your vision, address, and name have not changed.

If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail. Contact the RMV at 617-351-4500 or visit mass.gov/rmv to request a new notice, or go to an RMV office to pick one up in person.

In-person renewal at an RMV office

You must renew in person if you need a new photo, have had vision changes, want to update your address or name, or if your license is suspended or revoked. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The fee is $50. You will take a new photo at the office, and your new license will be issued on the spot or mailed to you depending on the office location. Some RMV offices issue licenses when ready; others mail them. Call ahead or check mass.gov/rmv to find out which service your local office provides.

Wait times at RMV offices vary. You can schedule an appointment online at mass.gov/rmv, which usually reduces your wait. Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer waits, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon.

What happens if your license expires before renewal arrives

You can drive on an expired license for up to 30 days after the expiration date if you have proof that you submitted a renewal request. Keep your renewal notice, confirmation email, or receipt showing you renewed. If a police officer stops you during those 30 days, show them your expired license and your proof of renewal.

After 30 days, driving on an expired license is illegal. If you renewed online or by mail and your new license has not arrived, contact the RMV at 617-351-4500. They can check the status of your renewal and, if there is a delay, may issue a temporary license that you can print and carry.

Renewing a license that expired more than two years ago

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it—you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means taking the written test, the road test, and providing proof of residency and identity. You can schedule a road test appointment through mass.gov/rmv.

If your license expired between one and two years ago, you can still renew it, but you must do so in person at an RMV office. You cannot use online or mail renewal for licenses in this window.

REAL ID and license renewal

Massachusetts REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. If you have a REAL ID license and renew online or by mail, your new license will also be REAL ID-compliant. You do not need to do anything extra or provide additional documents.

If you have a standard (non-REAL ID) license and want to upgrade to REAL ID during renewal, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of your current address. The fee is the same—$50.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

No. The RMV will not process your renewal if you have unpaid tickets or fines. Contact the court or the municipality where the ticket was issued to pay it or set up a payment plan. Once resolved, you can renew your license.

What if I changed my name since my last license?

You must renew in person. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The RMV will issue a new license with your updated name.

How long does it take to get a license after renewing in person?

Some RMV offices issue licenses on the spot; others mail them within 7 to 10 business days. Call your local RMV office or check mass.gov/rmv to find out which service your location provides before you visit.

Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you must visit an RMV office in Massachusetts. Some military personnel stationed overseas may be able to renew through the RMV's military program—contact 617-351-4500 to ask.

What if my renewal notice got lost in the mail?

Contact the RMV at 617-351-4500, visit mass.gov/rmv to request a replacement notice, or go to a local RMV office to pick one up. You can also renew online without the notice if you meet the requirements for online renewal.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.