The short version
- Renewal costs $50 for five years, and a REAL ID costs the same when you renew.
- You can renew up to a year early and up to two years late. After two years, you’ll retake the learner’s permit exam and road test.
- Drivers 75 and older must renew in person and pass a vision test there or bring a vision certificate from an eye doctor.
Massachusetts driver’s licenses are issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Most drivers can renew online through myRMV, but a first REAL ID, a limited-term license or turning 75 means a trip to an RMV Service Center or AAA branch.
Not a standard renewal?
- New to Massachusetts? You’ll transfer your out-of-state license instead. Our guide to transferring your out-of-state license to Massachusetts covers the steps.
- License suspended or revoked? You can’t renew until it’s reinstated. See our guide to Massachusetts license reinstatement.
- Commercial license? This guide covers passenger (Class D) and motorcycle (Class M) licenses. CDLs have their own renewal rules.
When You Can Renew a Massachusetts License
Most standard and REAL ID licenses are good for five years, and you can renew up to one year before yours expires.
If Your License Has Already Expired
You have up to two years after the expiration date to renew. There’s no late fee, but don’t drive until you’ve renewed. Once your license has been expired for more than two years, you’ll have to take the learner’s permit exam and the road test again, which adds a $30 permit fee and a $35 road test fee.
What You Need to Renew a Massachusetts License
Vision Test at 75 and Older
Massachusetts law requires drivers 75 and older to renew in person. You’ll either:
- Pass a vision test at an RMV Service Center or AAA office, by appointment, or
- Bring a Class D and M Vision Screening Certificate completed by a Massachusetts-licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. It has to be the original form, and it’s accepted for 12 months after the screening.
To pass, you need at least 20/40 vision in either eye, with or without glasses, and 120 degrees of side vision. Vision between 20/50 and 20/70 can still qualify for a daylight-only license.
Documents for a First REAL ID
A first REAL ID takes an in-person appointment at an RMV Service Center or AAA branch, where you’ll show:
- Proof of lawful presence, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate
- Proof of your full Social Security number, such as your Social Security card or a W-2
- Two proofs of Massachusetts residency, such as a lease, mortgage statement or utility bill
- Name change documents, if your name doesn’t match your other records
After that, a REAL ID can be renewed online like any other license.
Unpaid Tickets and Excise Tax
Unpaid tickets, excise tax and E-ZPass violations rule out online renewal. An unpaid excise bill can also get your license marked for non-renewal, just like a registration, so clear it with your town’s collector, including the $20 release fee, before you renew.
How to Renew Your Massachusetts License
Renew Online Through myRMV
Who Can Renew Online
You can renew online if you:
- Are 74 or younger
- Have an email address or a phone that receives texts, and a credit card or checking account
- Have a license that isn’t suspended or revoked
- Have no unpaid tickets, excise tax or E-ZPass violations
- Have proof of citizenship or lawful presence on file with the RMV
Steps to Renew Online
- Log in to myRMV with your license number, date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Confirm your mailing address, since your new license is mailed there. If you’ve moved, our guide to a Massachusetts change of address covers updating it first.
- Pay the $50 fee and print the confirmation page.
- Watch your mail. Your new license should arrive in 10 to 14 business days.
Renew at an RMV Service Center or AAA
Renew in person if you’re 75 or older, getting your first REAL ID or renewing a limited-term license. Book ahead, since vision tests and REAL ID visits are by appointment. Our guide to Massachusetts RMV appointments explains how, and AAA members can schedule the visit at a AAA branch instead. Bring your current license and payment, plus your REAL ID documents if you’re upgrading.
Massachusetts License Renewal Fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Class D license, five years | $50 |
| REAL ID, at renewal | $50, no extra charge |
| REAL ID upgrade between renewals | $25 |
| Class D and motorcycle (DM) license | $65 |
| Duplicate license | $25 |
| Learner’s permit, if expired more than two years | $30 |
| Road test, if expired more than two years | $35 |
| Example: upgrading to REAL ID early, then renewing on time | $75 ($25 upgrade + $50 renewal) |
Once you’re within a year of your expiration date, you can renew and upgrade to REAL ID in one visit for $50.
Frequently Asked Questions
$50 for five years, whether you choose a standard license or a REAL ID.
Yes, if you’re 74 or younger, your license isn’t suspended and you have no unpaid tickets, excise tax or E-ZPass violations. A first REAL ID and a limited-term license need an in-person visit.
Up to one year before it expires.
You can still renew it for up to two years after it expires, but don’t drive until you have. After two years, you’ll retake the learner’s permit exam and road test.
Yes, at 75 and older. You can take it at an RMV Service Center or AAA office, or bring a vision screening certificate from a Massachusetts optometrist or ophthalmologist. The online renewal for drivers 74 and younger doesn’t include one.
Usually 10 to 14 business days. The RMV mails it to your address on record, so update your address before you renew if you’ve moved.
Conclusion
For most Massachusetts drivers, renewing is a $50 online task that takes a few minutes on myRMV. Plan an in-person visit instead if you’re 75 or older, getting your first REAL ID or holding a limited-term license, and book the appointment early. Renew within the year before your license expires, and clear any unpaid tickets or excise bills first so nothing blocks it. If you let your license lapse for more than two years, you’ll be back to the permit exam and road test.
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