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How to Renew Your Drivers License in Massachusetts

1. Get Started Online With Drivers License Renewal Assistance

In most states, you can renew your drivers license online, by mail or in person. However, be mindful that the online method is only available to certain applicants, depending on their age and citizenship status. During an online license renewal, you will be asked to identify yourself and pay the applicable service fees. To make sure that you are fully prepared to complete the process, you can download our informative online guide. Our guide contains everything you need to know to renew your driving license quickly and easily. In it, you will also get step-by-step details about how to complete other important licensing transactions, such as replacing your license or updating your name or address.

2. By Mail

Certain motorists are eligible to renew their drivers licenses by mail. If your state DMV offers this option, you will be asked to fill out a renewal notice or request form and include certain supporting documentation in your application package. Additionally, you will need to provide an acceptable payment method for the renewal fees, typically a check or money order. All of these documents must be sent to a specified DMV mailing address. It is important to note that this method includes processing times, so it may take longer than others to complete. To minimize your wait time and to avoid delays, be sure to attach the correct paperwork to your renewal form.

3. In Person at the DMV

When renewing your driving license at the DMV, you may be required to pass a vision screening, to retake your photograph and to pay a service fee. Generally, you will need to present your existing license, fill out a drivers license renewal form and assess that your information is still up-to-date on the DMV’s records. Because many drivers are typically unsure of which forms to fill out in order to complete their transactions, delays are common when applying in person. Furthermore, potential mistakes on your application may require you to visit the DMV more than once to successfully renew your license.

Drivers license renewal is necessary for Massachusetts residents to continue driving in the state. Understanding the DMV license renewal process is beneficial for drivers to most efficiently complete these steps when required. Licenses must be renewed by the expiration date, or late fees could be applied. Furthermore, drivers could face tickets and/or fines from law enforcement for driving using an expired license.

The steps for renewal differ from the license replacement process and must be completed periodically. Various methods are available for MA residents to utilize. Drivers can choose the procedure that is most efficient for their everyday life. Additionally, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements for renewal. Learn more about the requirements and methods for renewing driving privileges in the following sections.

Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Drivers License
Note: To find out your driver’s license expiration date, locate it on the front of your card.

The process of drivers license renewal requires specific information to be provided by applicants. Each state has different established eligibility standards. To renew drivers license online or in person, applicants must meet the provided guidelines. In Massachusetts, residents must provide proof of the following:

  • Citizenship status and lawful presence in the U.S.
  • Social Security Number (SSN)
  • MA residency

The following eligibility standards are proven using the acceptable documents that are also mentioned below:

  1. Social Security Number (SSN)
    • Social Security Card
    • W-2 form
    • 1099 form
    • Pay stub
  2. Proof of citizenship or legal U.S. residency
    • Official Birth Certificate
    • Valid US Passport
    • Employment authorization form
    • Certificate of Citizenship
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    • Permanent Resident Card
    • Foreign passport with I-551 stamp or U.S. visa
  3. Proof of residency
    • Current license, driver permit or ID card
    • Recent government-issued letters
    • Professional MA licenses
    • Recent Jury Duty request form
    • Mortgage documents
    • School-issued letter or transcript

When providing proof of residency to drivers license offices, P.O. boxes are not accepted. Only permanent addresses fit state verification standards.

Furthermore, when providing drivers license renewal forms for verification, only official documents are accepted. Faxed or copied documents are unacceptable.

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License in Massachusetts

DMV permit renewal in MA cannot be completed under certain circumstances. These rules are established to ensure only eligible drivers can obtain updated licenses. Standards may vary slightly for Class D and Class M license holders. Massachusetts residents cannot renew licenses if they:

Drivers can check online if they have unpaid violations within the state. Once these tickets are successfully paid, the license renewal process may begin.

How Early Can You Renew Your Drivers License in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, drivers can renew their drivers licenses up to 1 year early. Additionally, licenses can be renewed for up to 2 years after the official expiration date. For expired drivers licenses over 2 years past the required date, however, drivers must complete road tests and pass learner’s permit examinations.

Options to Renew My License in Massachusetts

By understanding what is needed to renew drivers licenses in MA, applicants can prepare for the license renewal procedure in advance. Preparing the required documents and personal information needed beforehand is helpful for expediting the process. Drivers are allowed to renew licenses online or in person.

How to Renew Your Drivers License Online

Online renewal is available for eligible drivers in the state. Certain restrictions apply for license renewal over the Internet. Drivers can only renew online if they meet specific eligibility requirements.

In order to complete the DMV license renewal process, an application must be submitted through the online portal. The following information is required to submit an online application:

  • Valid driver’s license number
  • Last 4 digits of applicants’ Social Security Number
  • Valid email address

Next, drivers must submit the necessary verification documents. Those who do not have a valid photo ID on file with the state RMV office cannot submit an application online.

Lastly, applicants must pay all required driving license renewal fees through the online portal.

The MA RMV office must verify the application, forms and payment. A new license card is usually mailed within five to seven days to the driver.

How to Renew Your Drivers License in Person

Many MA drivers may wonder, “Where can I renew my drivers license?” in the state. Drivers can visit designated RMV locations throughout the state. At all valid locations, residents must submit drivers license renewal applications, required documents and applicable fee payments. The following types of payment are generally accepted:

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Money order
  • Credit or debit cards

When each renewal requirement is satisfied and approved by the RMV, a renewed license is issued.

Military & Out of State Drivers License Renewal in Massachusetts

MA residents who are active military members are not required to renew drivers permits during service. However, military members living out of state can be issued non-photo licenses to be renewed by mail. A request letter and the following items should be sent to the MA RMV:

  • Military identification
  • License application
  • Fee payments

ID cards are sent to the out-of-state address provided by an applicant.

Massachusetts REAL ID Drivers License Renewal

Unlike the standard MA license, REAL IDs are useful for federal purposes throughout the United States. This form of identification can be used to fly throughout the country and visit designated federal buildings. To meet drivers license renewal requirements, renewing REAL IDs requires additional documentation and in-person RMV visits from applicants.

Drivers can choose whether obtaining a REAL ID is beneficial when applying for driving privileges in the state.

Massachusetts Drivers License Renewal Fees

How much does it cost to renew drivers licenses in MA? The renewal fees for Massachusetts drivers licenses are as follows:

  • Class D (regular passenger vehicles): $50
  • Class M (motorcycles): $50
  • Class D and M combined: $65

Once renewed, permits are good for 5 years. If drivers wish to purchase licenses with lesser expiration dates, fees are prorated at the base rate of $10 per year.

Last updated on Monday, April 4 2022.

Sources

  1. How to Renew Drivers License from MA.gov
  2. ID Requirements from MA.gov
  3. Military Renewals from MA.gov