How to Renew Your Driver's License in Massachusetts

Massachusetts driver’s licenses can be renewed for $50 either online or in-person at the RMV, with mail renewals only available for active-duty military.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Massachusetts
offers two ways to renew your driver’s license—online or in person. Fees are $50 for either method, and you are required to renew in person at least once every 15 years or if you are 75 or older. 
Getting your driver’s license renewed is one of those tedious tasks that are annoying but crucial. In Massachusetts, being caught with an expired license can result in some costly fines, and possibly even jail time! Don’t risk it—make sure you get your license renewal taken care of on time.
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When to renew your driver’s license in Massachusetts

A
Massachusetts driver’s license
is valid for five years, and you are allowed to renew it up to one year ahead of the expiration date. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will be required to take both a written and driving test in order to renew. 
Massachusetts does not send out renewal notices, so it is your responsibility to know your expiration date and renew in a timely manner!

How to renew your driver’s license in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, you can renew your driver’s license two ways—online or in person. You are required to renew in person once every 15 years, if you’re over 75, or if your license has been expired for more than two years. 
Active duty
military members
and their spouses and dependents are permitted to renew by mail if they are deployed out of state. 

Renew your license online

If you don’t need a name change and aren’t due for an in-person renewal,
online renewal through myRMV
is the easiest way to go. 
To renew online:
  • You will still need to provide proper documentation and ID, so make sure you have all your paperwork compiled before you start. You can also submit a change of address during the online renewal process.
  • After you’ve completed the renewal and paid the $50 fee, you will get a temporary paper license until your permanent one arrives in the mail in about 10 to 14 days. 
In order to renew online, you can’t have any unpaid parking fines, excise taxes, EZ-Pass violations, or unpaid child support. 

Renew your license in-person

In-person renewals must be done at an RMV branch.
Sometimes, appointments are required, so make sure you check the
myRMV Online Service Center
for details about finding a location and making an appointment. You are required to renew in person if: 
  • It’s your first renewal
  • You’re 75 or older
  • You need to change your name 
  • It’s been 15 years since your last in-person renewal
  • You are requesting a Real ID for the first time
Here’s what you’ll need for an in-person renewal:
  • Your current driver’s license
  • Proper ID to establish your identity, lawful presence, and residency
  • Your Social Security number
  • Glasses or contacts—there will be a vision test
  • The $50 renewal fee
If you are applying for a Real ID for the first time, there may be additional documentation and steps needed. 

Renew your license by mail

Massachusetts does not currently offer driver’s license renewals through the mail unless you are an active-duty member of the military
Active-duty military personnel and their spouses and dependents who want to renew by mail will need to:
Then, mail everything to: 
Registry of Motor Vehicles
The Driver Licensing Department
P.O. Box 55889
Boston, MA 02205-5889

How long does it take to renew a Massachusetts driver’s license? 

After you complete the renewal process, it will take about 7 to 10 days to receive your new license. You will be issued a temporary paper license to use until your permanent one arrives.

How to save money on car insurance in Massachusetts

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FAQs

In Massachusetts, you have two years to renew your driver’s license after it expires. After that point, you will have to take the written and driving exams again. But be careful! If you are caught driving with an expired license, you may face up to $500 in fines for your first offense.
Yes. As long as you have the proper documents on hand, and you have renewed in person in the last 15 years, you can renew your Massachusetts driver’s license online.
In Massachusetts, you have two years to renew your driver’s license after it expires. After that point, you will have to take the written and driving exams again. But be careful! If you are caught driving with an expired license, you may face up to $500 in fines for your first offense.
Yes. As long as you have the proper documents on hand, and you have renewed in person in the last 15 years, you can renew your Massachusetts driver’s license online.
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