I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.
See all posts Frank GogolHow to Renew Your Massachusetts Driver’s License
Updated on March 12, 2024
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At a Glance
- To renew a Massachusetts driver’s license, requirements include being younger than 75, having an active email or mobile number, and having no unpaid tickets or violations.
- In-person renewal requires an appointment, while online renewal is available for eligible individuals.
- Necessary documents, tests, and fees must be completed, and renewal can be done every 5 years, with expired licenses renewable within 2 years.
- Renewal fees range from $25 to $65, and obtaining a REAL ID requires an in-person visit, with careful adherence to renewal procedures to avoid legal consequences.
Need to renew your Massachusetts driver’s license soon? Driver’s license renewals are a regular part of life for the average American. However, they’re known to be a long and tedious process that requires a big chunk of your time.
Not any more! With this guide, you’ll know how to renew your driver’s license in Massachusetts without much fuss
How to Renew a Massachusetts Driver’s License
Renewing a Massachusetts driver’s license shouldn’t be any trouble to you, thanks to the long validity period and the lenient grace period. Here are some of the requirements if you want to renew your driver’s license in Massachusetts:
- Should be younger than 75 years old
- Have a driver’s license that’s not revoked or suspended
- Use an active email address or mobile number
- Have a checking account or a debit or credit card
- Show proof of citizenship or lawful presence
- Have no unpaid tickets, child support, violations, or excise tax
If you do have unpaid tickets or taxes, you need to pay all of them and get a receipt as proof that you’ve already paid.
If you have an EZ-Pass violation, you have to call their customer service first at (877)-627-7745. Similar to the above, you should get a receipt as proof that you’ve already paid. Without proof, you won’t be allowed to renew your Massachusetts driver’s license.
Lastly, if you’re on a non-immigrant visa, you can still renew your driver’s license in Michigan as long as you can provide proof that you can legally stay in the US for at least another 12 months. If you’re in the U.S. on an H4 visa, check out our guide to renewing your H4 visa driver’s license.
How to Renew a Massachusetts Driver’s License in Person
If your license is already 14 years old, or if you don’t have a Social Security Number, you have no choice but to renew your Massachusetts driver’s license in person. Here are the requirements you need for renewing your license in person:
- Completed application for Driver’s License, Learner’s Permit, or ID Card
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (U.S. passport or Certificate of Citizenship)
- Proof of residency in Massachusetts (Utility or mortgage bills from the last 60 days or any document issued by the RMV)
- Proof of social security number (Social Security card or W-2 Form)
- License renewal fee
As for the actual steps, it’s actually pretty straightforward:
- Book an appointment ahead of time, if required
- Visit your nearest RMV Service Center location
- Complete required tests, if applicable
- Complete the vision exam
- Review all the information on your form to ensure it’s correct
- Pay all the required fees (credit card, debit card, or check)
You’ll be given a temporary paper license that you can use while waiting for your actual card to arrive, which should be within 15 days. You can use this license just like a real laminated ID.
How to Renew a Massachusetts Driver’s License Online
Not everyone can renew their Massachusetts driver’s license online. If your ID is over 14 years old, for instance, or if your license already expired two years ago, you’re required to renew your license in person.
That said, if you qualify for an online driver’s license renewal, it’s a pretty easy process:
- Collect all of the required documents
- Visit the official Massachusetts RMV website
- Click “Renew My Driver’s License” in the myRMV Online Service Center
- Fill out the verification form (particularly the red required fields)
- Choose a dual-factor authentication (email address, mobile number, or app)
- Check to see if the transaction details are correct and click Next
- Check the License/ID option under the Federally Compliant ID Selection
- Review your address and contact information
- Input your voter’s information and demographic information
- Upload the document that proves your lawful presence
- Answer the mandatory questions by selecting which choices apply best.
- Review the fees and select the payment method (bank account or card
If your license expires while you’re waiting for your new license to arrive, make sure that you pause driving in the meantime. Being caught on the road without a valid license (such as an expired license) is illegal. You can get hefty fines and even jail time.
How to Renew a Massachusetts Driver’s License by Phone
Technically, if you can renew online, it means you can also renew via phone. You can try to contact your local RMV Service Center if they still offer this.
When Do I Need to Renew My Massachusetts Driver’s License?
You need to renew your Massachusetts driver’s license every 5 years. Luckily, you can renew it as early as 1 year before expiry, so that gives you a lot of time.
Drivers below the age of 21 can also renew their license in Massachusetts. However, it’s recommended that you renew after your turn 21 and not before.
That’s because renewing when you’re before 21 means you’ll receive the vertical driver’s license for minors and not the horizontal, unrestricted license for legal adults. You can save both time and money by just waiting until you are 21 before renewing.
Renewing a Massachusetts Driver’s License Next Steps
Although Massachusetts doesn’t offer as many methods for driver’s license renewal as other states, the process is still fairly easy. Especially with this guide, now you know how to renew your driver’s license in Massachusetts!
Helpful Massachusetts Driver’s License Renewal Resources
- Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
- Online Driver’s License Renewal
- Massachusetts Driving Manual and Laws
- MA ID and Driver’s License FAQ
- RMV Fee Structure
Massachusetts Driver’s License Renewal FAQ
Got more questions in mind? These frequently asked questions may answer your concerns.
How often do I need to renew my Massachusetts driver’s license?
In Massachusetts, a driver’s license is valid for five years and expires on your birthday.
Can I renew my Massachusetts driver’s license online?
Yes, you can renew your driver’s license online if you are under 75 and meet all the eligibility requirements.
What documents do I need to renew my Massachusetts driver’s license?
To renew, you’ll need your current driver’s license, proof of Massachusetts residency, and proof of US citizenship or lawful presence.
What is the cost to renew a driver’s license in Massachusetts?
The cost to renew a driver’s license in Massachusetts was $50.
What happens if my Massachusetts driver’s license expires?
If your license expires, you can face fines or penalties if caught driving. If it’s been expired for more than two years, you’ll need to take a written and road test again.
Frank Gogol
I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.