Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Massachusetts driver's license at any of the 40 Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) locations across the state, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The fastest route is usually the RMV office nearest you, where you can walk in or book an appointment online at mass.gov/rmv. If you renew by mail, you'll send your current license, a completed Form DL 34, and the renewal fee to the RMV's mail processing center in Boston.

Before you go or mail anything, gather these documents: your current Massachusetts driver's license, proof of Massachusetts residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need a new photo unless your current license photo is more than 10 years old or you choose to update it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew at any RMV office, by mail, or online if your license is not expiring within 30 days and you have no medical conditions that require an in-person exam.
  • Bring your current license, proof of Massachusetts residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to any RMV office.
  • The renewal fee is $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license; you choose the term when you renew.
  • Mail renewal takes four to six weeks, while in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days of approval, whether you renew in person or by mail.

Renewing online if you're may be able to access

Massachusetts allows online renewal through mass.gov/rmv if your license is not expiring within the next 30 days, you have no medical conditions that require an in-person exam, and you have not had any license suspensions or revocations. The online process takes about 10 minutes: you'll enter your license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number, then pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card.

Online renewal does not let you update your photo or change your address. If you need either of those, you must renew in person at an RMV office. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online transaction.

In-person renewal at an RMV office

Walk-in service is available at all RMV locations, but wait times vary widely depending on the office and time of day. You can check current wait times on the RMV website before you go. If you prefer not to wait, you can book a timed appointment online at mass.gov/rmv; most offices have appointments available within one to two weeks.

When you arrive, bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The RMV staff will take a new photo (unless you're using your current one), verify your information, collect the renewal fee, and issue your temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address, tell the RMV staff before you leave—they can update it when ready.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works only if your license is not expiring within 30 days and you have no medical conditions requiring an exam. Complete Form DL 34 (available at mass.gov/rmv), sign it, and mail it with your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to: Registry of Motor Vehicles, Mail Processing Center, 630 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111.

Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the RMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to you after approval. If you need your license before the new one arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at any RMV office in person. Do not send cash through the mail; use a check or money order only.

Renewal fees and license terms

Massachusetts charges $50 for a five-year license or $100 for a ten-year license. You choose which term you want when you renew. The ten-year license costs more but means you won't need to renew again for a decade. Both fees are the same whether you renew in person, by mail, or online.

If you're renewing after your license has already expired, you still pay the standard renewal fee—there is no penalty surcharge. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives, so do not delay if your license is close to expiration.

What to do if your license is already expired

If your license expired more than a few days ago, you should not drive until your new license arrives. You can still renew using any of the three methods above—in-person, by mail, or online (if you're may be able to access). The process is the same, and the fee does not change.

If you're stopped by police while your license is expired, you may receive a citation. Renewing as soon as possible protects you from that risk. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, visit an RMV office in person and ask for a temporary paper license, which is valid for 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I moved out of Massachusetts?

No. If you no longer live in Massachusetts, you must surrender your Massachusetts license and get a license from your new state. You cannot renew a Massachusetts license if you're not a resident. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency to learn about their requirements.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

Bring a certified copy of the document showing the change—marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order—along with your other documents. The RMV will update your name during renewal. If you're renewing by mail, include a copy of the name-change document with your Form DL 34.

How long is my temporary license valid?

A temporary paper license issued at an RMV office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary is a backup in case the permanent is delayed. If your permanent license hasn't arrived after 10 days, contact the RMV at 857-368-8000.

Can I renew online if I have medical conditions?

No. If you have any medical condition that might affect your ability to drive safely, you must renew in person at an RMV office so a staff member can assess whether an exam is needed. The RMV will tell you if an exam is required when you arrive.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail or online if you don't have your current license. You must go to an RMV office in person and request a replacement license. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. The fee for a replacement is the same as renewal, and you'll receive a temporary license on the spot.