Massachusetts Identification (ID) Requirements

You can save time at an RMV Service Center by starting any driver's license or ID transaction online. You can even finish some online.

If you can’t finish online, at the end of the application you’ll get a summary of your application and a list of documents you’ll need to bring to a service center.

Use the RMV's Online Service Center to:

• Find out what you need, including required documents, to complete transactions either online or in person
• Check your eligibility for completely processing a transaction online and avoid going to the RMV
• Complete many transactions online, and start other ones prior to visiting a service center
• Save time and be successful in one trip when you need to visit an RMV location

Note: You can renew your driver's license/ID up to one year in advance of your expiration date.

Once you’ve decided if you want a REAL ID or Standard driver’s license/ID, get the right documents together. You’ll need to prove your:

• U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
• Social Security number
• Massachusetts residency

All documents must be originals, photocopies and laminated documents will not be accepted.

A document cannot be used to prove more than one requirement.

NAME MUST MATCH for REAL ID

If your current name doesn’t match the one that appears on your lawful presence document(s), you must prove your legal name change in order to qualify for a REAL ID driver’s license/ID card. If multiple name changes, documentation for each name change must be provided. You will need to provide one of the following:

• Marriage Certificate (must be issued from the municipality)
• Divorce Decree
• Court Document

For a Standard driver’s license/ID card, a proof of name change document is not required.

Learn more about required identification.

You can start any driver’s license or ID transaction online. Starting online means you'll spend less time at an RMV Service Center. 

Lawful presence means that you’re legally living in the United States according to federal immigration laws. All U.S. citizens and lawfully permanent residents have permanent lawful presence in the U.S.

Non-U.S. citizens who are studying, working, or living temporarily in the U.S. may have temporary lawful presence that may vary in length.

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 enough.

For non-U.S. citizens, you need to provide valid, verifiable immigration documents as well as proof that you've been granted a legal stay in the U.S. for at least 12 months. Your license or ID will expire when your legal stay is over.

Whether you’re getting a REAL ID or a Standard driver's license/ID, you’ll need one of these:

• Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
  • If your U.S. passport was issued within the last six months, bring your certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate
• Original or certified version of U.S. birth certificate that meets the following requirements:
  • Issued by the city, county, or state of birth
  • Lists applicant’s full name, date of birth, and place of birth
  • Lists parent(s)’ full names
  • Has the signature of the city, county, or state registrar
  • Has the date filed with registrar’s office (must be within one year of birth)
  • Has the seal of issuing authority

A Puerto Rican birth certificate will only be accepted if it was issued on or after July 1, 2010. For more information on the Puerto Rican birth certificate law, visit the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration website. 

• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) issued by the U.S. Department of State, Form FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545
• Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) issued by DHS or INS
• Temporary I-551 stamp in foreign passport
• Unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) issued by DHS, Form I-766, or Form I-688B
• Unexpired foreign passport with a valid, unexpired U.S. visa affixed
  • A non-US passport must contain a current visa and be presented with an I-94 Record of Arrival and Departure, unless you have a Permanent Resident Card or other change in status. The I-94 can be either a paper version from U.S. Customs and Border Protection or a printout of an electronic version downloaded from their website.
  • For applicable customers who have a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) or Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (DS-2019) documentation verifying the applicant's most recent admittance into the United States must be shown
• Certificate of Citizenship, Form N-560, or Form N-561, issued by DHS
• Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)
• Re-Entry Permit (I-327) - accepted for Standard credential only
• Refugee Travel Document (I-571) - accepted for Standard credential only

Note: The federal government allows for some exceptions to those in temporary protected status (TPS). See Department of Homeland Security's website for current countries designated for TPS.