Change your address with the RMV online, by mail, or in person — the online method takes 10 minutes and costs nothing

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) requires you to update your address within a reasonable time after you move. You do not need to renew your registration early to do this. The fastest route is the RMV's online system, which processes most address changes the same day. If you cannot use the online portal, you can mail a form or visit an RMV branch in person.

Your registration will show your new address on your next renewal notice, which the RMV will mail to your updated address. If you move before your registration expires, you should update your address so the RMV knows where to send renewal paperwork. Keeping your address current also matters for insurance purposes — your insurer needs to match the address on your policy to the address on your registration.

Key Takeaways

  • The RMV online portal at mass.gov/rmv is the fastest method and requires only your license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and current address.
  • You can also mail Form RMV-14 (Change of Address) to the RMV, which takes one to two weeks to process.
  • In-person visits to an RMV branch are available but typically involve longer wait times than online or mail submission.
  • You do not need to bring your registration certificate or renew your registration early — an address change is separate from renewal.
  • The RMV will mail your next renewal notice to your new address once the change is processed.

Using the RMV online portal

Go to mass.gov/rmv and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Change of Address" from the menu. You will need your Massachusetts driver's license or ID number, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and your new address. The system will ask you to confirm your current address on file before allowing you to enter the new one.

After you submit the change, the RMV typically processes it the same business day. You will receive a confirmation message on screen. Keep a record of the confirmation number or screenshot for your records. Your registration certificate itself does not change — the address update is recorded in the RMV's system and will appear on your next renewal notice.

Mailing Form RMV-14 to the RMV

If you cannot use the online portal, read Form RMV-14 (Change of Address) from mass.gov/rmv or request it by phone at 617-351-4500. Fill in your name, license number, vehicle identification number, current address on file, and new address. Sign and date the form.

Mail the completed form to the RMV at the address listed on the form itself. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. The RMV will not send you a separate confirmation — your next renewal notice will reflect the address change. If you need to confirm the change was processed before your renewal arrives, you can call the RMV at 617-351-4500 or check your account through the online portal.

Visiting an RMV branch in person

You can update your address at any RMV branch. Bring your driver's license or ID, your vehicle registration certificate, and proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). The RMV staff will update your address in their system while you wait.

In-person visits are available during regular branch hours, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Branches in urban areas and during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays) tend to have longer waits. If you are already at an RMV branch for another transaction, you can ask to add an address change to your visit.

What happens after you submit your change

Once the RMV processes your address change, it is recorded in their system. Your registration certificate does not change — you keep the same certificate. The new address will appear on your next renewal notice, which the RMV will mail to your updated address. If your registration expires soon after you move, make sure the address change is processed before the renewal notice is mailed, so it goes to the correct location.

If you move again before your registration renews, you can submit another address change using the same methods. There is no limit to how many times you can update your address. Each submission replaces the previous one in the RMV's system.

If you did not receive your renewal notice

If your registration is about to expire and you have not received a renewal notice after moving, the RMV may still have your old address on file. Check the online portal or call 617-351-4500 to confirm your current address is recorded correctly. If it is not, submit an address change when ready. The RMV typically mails renewal notices 30 to 45 days before expiration, so if you moved recently, the notice may still be in transit to your new address or may have gone to your old one.

If you moved and did not update your address with the RMV, renewal notices will go to your old address. You can still renew online at mass.gov/rmv without waiting for the notice to arrive — you only need your license number and VIN. After you renew, submit your address change so future notices go to the correct location.

Updating your address with your insurance company

Notify your auto insurance company of your address change as well. Your insurance policy address should match your registration address. Some insurers update automatically if they receive notice from the RMV, but most require you to contact them directly. Call your agent or log into your policy online to make the change.

Mismatched addresses between your registration and insurance can complicate claims or coverage questions. Your insurer may deny a claim if the address on file does not match where you were living when the incident occurred. Updating both the RMV and your insurance company at the same time prevents this problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to renew my registration early if I move?

No. An address change is separate from registration renewal. You can update your address at any time without renewing your registration early. Your registration remains valid until its expiration date, and the address change will appear on your next renewal notice.

How long does it take the RMV to process an address change?

Online submissions are typically processed the same business day. Mail submissions take one to two weeks. In-person submissions are processed when ready while you wait at the branch.

What if I move before I receive my renewal notice?

Submit your address change to the RMV as soon as you move. The RMV will mail your renewal notice to your new address once the change is processed. If your renewal notice was already mailed to your old address, contact the person living there or check with your old landlord to see if they can forward it.

Can I change my address without my registration certificate?

Yes, for online and mail submissions. You only need your license number and VIN. For in-person visits, bring your registration certificate along with your ID and proof of your new address.

What counts as proof of my new address?

The RMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or other official document showing your name and new address, dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or government mail also works. Bring the original or a copy.