Massachusetts renews licenses by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation
You can renew your Massachusetts driver's license without visiting an RMV office if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) offers three paths: mail-in renewal (takes 7 to 10 business days), online renewal through the RMV website (when ready confirmation, physical card arrives in 7 to 10 days), or in-person at an RMV branch. Which route you take depends on whether you meet the mail and online requirements, how soon you need the card, and whether you want to update your photo.
Your license expires on your birthday. The RMV typically sends a renewal notice 60 days before expiration, though you can renew up to 6 months early. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or online as long as it expired fewer than 2 years ago; if it expired more than 2 years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv takes minutes and is the fastest option if your license meets the requirements (not suspended, no medical restrictions, no name or address change).
- Mail renewal requires you to complete Form DL 34, include a check or money order, and mail it to the RMV; processing takes 7 to 10 business days plus mail time.
- In-person renewal at an RMV branch is required if your license is suspended, you have medical restrictions, or your license expired more than 2 years ago.
- The renewal fee is $50 for a 5-year license; you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your renewal method.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and a new photo if renewing in person and want an updated photo on your card.
Online renewal through the RMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option and requires no mail time. Go to mass.gov/rmv, select "Renew Your License," and log in with your Massachusetts Online Services account (you can create one during the process if you do not have one). You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against RMV records and confirm whether you are may be able to access to renew online.
If you are may be able to access, you will pay the $50 renewal fee by credit or debit card. The RMV will issue a temporary digital license that you can use when ready on your phone or print out. Your physical card will be mailed to your address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You do not get a new photo during online renewal; your current photo stays on file.
Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, you have medical restrictions that require RMV review, your name or address has changed since your last renewal, or your license expired more than 2 years ago. If any of these explore, use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Mail renewal using Form DL 34
Mail renewal works if you meet the same requirements as online renewal. read Form DL 34 from mass.gov/rmv or request it by calling the RMV at 857-368-8000. Complete the form with your name, license number, date of birth, and current address. Include a check or money order for $50 made payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash.
Mail your completed form and payment to: Registrar of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 369, Boston, MA 02133. Include your current license with the envelope if possible (the RMV will return it). Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the RMV receives your form, plus mail time in both directions—plan for 2 to 3 weeks total. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so if you need to drive before your new card arrives, keep your current license with you.
Mail renewal does not include a new photo. Your current photo remains on your license. If you want to update your photo, you must renew in person at an RMV branch.
In-person renewal at an RMV branch
Renew in person if your license is suspended, you have medical restrictions, your name or address has changed, your license expired more than 2 years ago, or you want a new photo on your card. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal.
Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you want a new photo, the RMV will take one at the branch. If you are renewing because your address changed, bring two documents that show your new address—one can be your proof of residency, and the second can be a utility bill, lease, or government document.
Visit mass.gov/rmv to find your nearest branch and check wait times. Many branches allow you to book an appointment online, which can significantly reduce your wait. Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer waits. Bring payment of $50 by cash, check, money order, or credit card. You will receive your new license on the spot if you renew in person.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired fewer than 2 years ago, you can renew by mail or online using the same process as a standard renewal. You do not need to retake any tests. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives, so do not delay.
If your license expired more than 2 years ago, you must renew in person at an RMV branch. The RMV may require you to retake the written knowledge test and vision test before issuing your new license. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, and be prepared to spend extra time at the branch. Call 857-368-8000 or check mass.gov/rmv to confirm what tests your specific situation requires before you visit.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The standard renewal fee for a 5-year Massachusetts driver's license is $50. This fee is the same whether you renew by mail, online, or in person. If you are renewing in person and want a new photo, there is no additional charge—the photo is included in the renewal fee.
Payment methods vary by renewal type. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, money order, and credit card. Do not send cash by mail. If you are paying by check or money order, make it payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles."
Documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Payment Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, date of birth, last 4 digits of SSN | Credit or debit card | when ready digital license; physical card in 7–10 business days |
| Completed Form DL 34, current license (optional) | Check or money order | 7–10 business days processing plus mail time (2–3 weeks total) | |
| In-person | Current license, proof of residency (dated within 90 days) | Cash, check, money order, or credit card | Same day (may require appointment or have wait time) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you renew by mail or online, your new card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive after processing, plus mail time. If you need to drive before then, renew in person at an RMV branch and you will receive your new license the same day.
What if my address changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at an RMV branch. Bring your current license and two documents showing your new address (such as a utility bill and a lease agreement, both dated within 90 days). The RMV will update your address during the renewal process.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No. Online and mail renewal keep your current photo on file. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an RMV branch. The RMV will take a new photo at no extra charge as part of the $50 renewal fee.
What if my license has been suspended?
You cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit an RMV branch in person. The branch staff will check your suspension status and may require you to resolve the suspension before issuing a new license. Call 857-368-8000 before visiting to understand what you need to do.
How do I check the status of my renewal?
For online renewals, you will see confirmation when ready and can check your temporary digital license in your Massachusetts Online Services account. For mail renewals, call 857-368-8000 with your license number to ask whether the RMV has received and processed your form. For in-person renewals, you receive your license the same day.