Ultimate Guide to Renewing your Massachusetts Driver License (2024)

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.

Massachusetts law requires drivers who are 75 years of age or older to renew in person.

Vision test: Required at in-person renewal. RMV personnel will conduct a test free, or drivers can have an exam performed by an outside ophthalmologist or optometrist, who must complete a Class D and M Vision Screening Certificate and conduct the exam within one year of the renewal request.

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.

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.

There is currently no age cutoff preventing an older adult from driving in the United States. Although, there are some voluntary measures a person can utilize to check their driving abilities.

If you are not a AAA member, visit Mass.Gov/RMV to make a reservation to renew at an RMV Service Center. Select the Seniors License Renewal option on the Make/Cancel a Reservation transaction tab. Email the RMV for assistance to renew: MassDOTRMVSeniors@dot.state.ma.us. Call the RMV at 857-368-8005.

Of if you have an older driver in your family, you might wonder, “Is there a maximum driving age?” Driving laws are different in every state. However, there are no states that require older drivers to surrender their license because of their age.

How soon before your birthday can you renew your license in Massachusetts? ›

The Registry advises you to renew at least seven days before your birthday to ensure that you receive your new license before your current license expires. Licenses can be renewed at any Registry office. Some residents may renew online at www.mass.gov/rmv.

You're eligible for a Class D or Class M learner's permit and driver's license if you, at a minimum: Have at least 20/40 distant visual acuity in either eye, with or without corrective lenses. Have not less than 120 degrees combined horizontal peripheral field of vision.

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.

You can renew a license in MA up to one year before the expiration date. However, you may need to retake the driving and written tests if your license remains expired for over two years. The process requires you to renew the license every 15 years or if you're over 75.

REAL ID is a federal ID that you can use to fly within the United States or enter federal buildings beginning May 7, 2025. To get one, you'll need to provide additional documentation and come into an RMV service center. Learn more about REAL ID and whether or not you need one below.

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.