Ultimate Guide to Renewing your Massachusetts Driver License (2025)

FAQs

Ultimate Guide to Renewing your Massachusetts Driver License? ›

To get or renew any driver's license, ID card, or learner's permit, you need documents and/or proof of your Social Security number, U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, and Massachusetts residency as required by federal and state law.

To get or renew any driver's license, ID card, or learner's permit, you need documents and/or proof of your Social Security number, U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, and Massachusetts residency as required by federal and state law.

There is no set age that an elderly person is too old to drive in the state of Massachusetts. Drivers aged 75 and older must renew their license in person every five years. They are advised to fill out an online questionnaire to bring with them to the RMV.

Eye Exams: License Renewal Applicants will be given and must pass the official Mass RMV-Registry Eye Exam as part of the renewal process.

An appointment is required to visit to conduct License or ID related transactions. Note that Registration-related transactions can be performed at an RMV Service Center without an appointment.

PROOF OF MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENCY

Document must display current residential address with applicant's name — no P.O. boxes or 'in care of' can be accepted. For a REAL ID driver's license or ID – You need to provide two documents from checklist.

After October of 2020, you will need either a passport or REAL ID Massachusetts Driver's License or ID card to fly in the United States, or to enter restricted areas of federal buildings. The Standard Massachusetts License or ID card will not be valid as a federal ID after October 2020.

Minimum required visual standards:

At least 20/40 distant visual acuity (Snellen) in either eye, with or without corrective lenses, AND not less than 120 degrees combined horizontal peripheral field of vision: Eligible for a 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.

You can renew your license up to six months before expiration and up to two months after it's expired. About two months prior to the expiration you should receive a renewal notice in the mail from the California DMV. This notice will tell you which CA drivers license renewal options are available.

Can I renew my driver's license at AAA in Massachusetts? ›

In person +

Bring all required documents, fees, and the completed application to any RMV Service Center. If you are a AAA member, you can make a reservation to renew your driver's license/ID at a AAA location. Visit aaa.com/appointments to schedule your visit.

Most RMV service centers accept cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards.

Payment methods

Credit and debit cards, cash, check, and money orders accepted for all transactions. Make checks payable to MassDOT.

In general, to obtain a Massachusetts driver's license you will need documentation showing US citizenship or lawful presence, a Social Security Number (SSN), and proof of Massachusetts residency.

Start your application online at Mass.Gov/RMV and answer a few questions to determine exactly what identification documents to bring to the RMV. Note: The RMV cannot issue a REAL ID to anyone that cannot prove U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the United States, in accordance with state and federal law.

For U.S. citizens, a valid, unexpired U.S. passport is sufficient proof of lawful presence. U.S. citizens may also provide a certified copy of their U.S. birth certificate. For permanent residents, a valid permanent resident card (green card) is sufficient proof of lawful presence.

AAA REAL ID service is available to members in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Those who are renewing their current standard license or ID card can apply for a REAL ID in person (with required documentation) at a local AAA branch.