Where to renew your Massachusetts license
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) handles all license renewals in the state. You can renew in three ways: online through the RMV website, by mail, or in person at an RMV service center. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access, taking just a few minutes. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the RMV receives your process. In-person renewal at a service center can be completed the same day, though wait times vary by location.
Not every renewal can be done online. You must renew online if your license is not expiring within the next 30 days — the RMV requires you to start the process early. If your license has already expired, you cannot use online renewal and must go in person or by mail. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information on your license, or if you have certain medical or legal restrictions on your record.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through mass.gov/rmv is available if your license expires more than 30 days away and you have not changed your name, address, or medical status since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal requires you to submit a completed process for Renewal of License or Permit (Form DL 34) along with your current license and payment, and takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at an RMV service center requires a valid form of identification and proof of your current address, and you can complete it the same day.
- Massachusetts licenses expire on your birthday, and the RMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration to the address on file.
- Renewal fees vary depending on how long your new license is valid for — typically five or ten years — and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check.
Online renewal through the RMV website
To renew online, go to mass.gov/rmv and select the renewal option. You will need your current Massachusetts license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against RMV records. If everything matches, you can complete the renewal in about five minutes and pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. The RMV will mail your new license to the address on file within seven to ten business days.
Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than 30 days ago, if you need to update your name or address, if you have a medical condition or restriction that needs review, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). If any of these explore to you, use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Mail renewal by submitting Form DL 34
To renew by mail, read or request the process for Renewal of License or Permit (Form DL 34) from the RMV website or pick one up at any RMV service center. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, date of birth, and license number. Sign and date the form. Include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles," and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
The RMV processes mail renewals in the order they are received. Processing typically takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your process. You can track the status of your renewal by calling the RMV at 857-368-8000 or checking online if you have a confirmation number. Mail renewal is a good option if you cannot visit a service center or prefer not to renew online, but plan ahead because you will not have a valid license until the new one arrives.
In-person renewal at an RMV service center
Visit any RMV service center with your current license and proof of your current address. Acceptable forms of address proof include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You can complete the renewal on the spot, pay the fee by cash, check, debit card, or credit card, and receive a temporary license when ready. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days.
RMV service centers are located throughout Massachusetts. You can find the nearest one and check current wait times on the RMV website. Some locations are busier than others, so visiting early in the day or on weekdays typically means shorter waits. If you need to change your name, address, or have medical restrictions that need review, in-person renewal is often the fastest way to handle these updates.
What documents and information you need
For any renewal method, have your current Massachusetts license ready. For online renewal, you need your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. For mail renewal, you need your current license, the completed Form DL 34, and payment. For in-person renewal, you need your current license, proof of your current address, and your Social Security card or number.
If you are renewing after a name change due to marriage, divorce, or legal petition, you will need to provide a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot complete a name change online; you must renew by mail or in person. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, bring documentation from your doctor so the RMV can review it and update your license restrictions if needed.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Massachusetts renewal fees depend on how long your new license will be valid. A five-year license costs less than a ten-year license. The exact fee amounts change periodically, so check the RMV website for current pricing before you renew. You can pay by cash (in person only), check, debit card, or credit card. If you pay by check or money order through the mail, make it payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles."
Your new license will be valid until your birthday in the year it expires. For example, if you renew in 2024 and choose a five-year license, it will expire on your birthday in 2029. The RMV will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, so you will have time to plan your next renewal.
What to do if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than 30 days ago, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. When you renew an expired license in person, bring your expired license along with your other documents. The RMV will process it as a renewal rather than a new process, which is faster and costs less than explore for a new license from scratch.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Massachusetts, even if you have already submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal (such as a confirmation number from online renewal or a receipt from mail renewal), but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as possible to avoid this situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. The RMV allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early is useful if you are planning to travel or want to avoid the rush closer to your expiration date. Your new license will be valid for the full term (five or ten years) from the date you renew, not from your current expiration date.
What if I moved and my address changed since my last renewal?
You cannot update your address online. You must renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. If you visit an RMV service center, bring both your current license and the address proof document. By mail, include the proof with your Form DL 34 and current license.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
The RMV mails your new license within seven to ten business days after you complete online renewal. You can track the status on the RMV website if you saved your confirmation number. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the RMV at 857-368-8000 to check on it.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at an RMV service center?
Appointments are not required for license renewal at most RMV service centers, but you can schedule one online to reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer during busy hours. Check the RMV website to see if your local service center offers appointments and to view current wait times.
What happens if I renew my license but it gets lost in the mail?
Contact the RMV when ready at 857-368-8000 with your confirmation number or renewal receipt. The RMV can issue a replacement license or a temporary license while you wait for a replacement. There may be a small fee for a replacement, depending on how long after your renewal you report it lost.