In Massachusetts, updating your address is a legal requirement that must be completed within 30 days of your move.While it might seem like a minor administrative task, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) uses your address on file to send critical notices regarding license renewals, excise tax bills, and even suspension warnings.
If you miss a notice because it was sent to your old home, “I didn’t receive the mail” is rarely accepted as a legal defense. Fortunately, in 2026, the process is largely digital and free of charge, provided you don’t need a new physical card.
The Fastest Way: Update Your Address Using the myRMV Online Portal
The most efficient way to handle an address change is through the myRMV Online Service Center. This portal allows you to update both your residential and mailing addresses simultaneously.
Required Information for the Online Address Change
- Your Massachusetts Driver’s License or ID number.
- The last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN).
- A valid email address for confirmation.
Once you log in, select the “Change My Address” option. The system will verify your new address against the U.S. Postal Service database to ensure accuracy. At the end of the transaction, you will be asked if you want to update your Voter Registration as well—selecting “Yes” is the easiest way to ensure you remain eligible to vote in your new precinct.
License Card vs. Record: Do You Need a New Physical MA License
One of the most common questions is whether you need a new plastic card. In Massachusetts, you are not required to buy a new license just because you moved.
- The “Permanent Ink” Rule: The RMV officially instructs you to simply write your new address in permanent ink on the back of your current license in the designated area.
- Ordering a Replacement: If you prefer a clean card that displays your new address on the front, you can order a duplicate for $25.00. This is often a good idea if you are checking your Massachusetts driving record and notice that your license is nearing its expiration date anyway.
Don’t Forget Your Car: Updating Vehicle Registration and Excise Tax
Updating your license does not automatically update your car’s registration. In Massachusetts, vehicle registration and “garaging” (where the car is kept) are tied to your Excise Tax and Insurance Rates.
- Notify Your Insurance Agent: This is the most critical step. Your insurance company must update your policy to reflect your new “garaging” address. If you move from a rural town to a city like Boston or Salem, your premium will likely change.
- Update the RMV: You can update your registration address through the same myRMV portal used for your license.
- The Sticker Rule: Similar to your license, you don’t need a new registration certificate. You can simply use a label or a piece of tape to cover the old address on your current registration and write the new one clearly.
If you are a new resident transferring an out-of-state license to Massachusetts, you cannot do this online. You must schedule an RMV appointment to complete the transfer in person.
Address Change FAQs
If you are leaving Massachusetts, you should cancel your license plates online before you cancel your MA insurance policy. This prevents the RMV from “flagging” your record for an insurance lapse, which could make it difficult to reinstate your suspended license if you ever return to the state.
No. A USPS “Change of Address” form only forwards your mail; it does not update state government databases. You must notify the RMV directly to remain in legal compliance.
Updating the information in the RMV system is free. You only pay the $25 fee if you choose to order a new physical license or a new registration certificate.
Updating your records takes less than five minutes online but can save you hundreds of dollars in potential fines and insurance complications. Once your address is updated, the RMV will be able to reach you for your next renewal, keeping your driving privileges secure.
Add Comment