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Renew your REAL or standard passenger (Class D) or motorcycle (Class M) driver's license

Learn how to renew a standard or REAL ID passenger or motorcycle driver's license in Massachusetts.
The RMV will send your new driver’s license to the mailing address on record in 10 - 14 business days. If you have not received it after 30 days, contact the RMV.

Contacts

Registry of Motor Vehicles

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The Details   of Renew your REAL or standard passenger (Class D) or motorcycle (Class M) driver's license

What you need   for Renew your REAL or standard passenger (Class D) or motorcycle (Class M) driver's license

If you are renewing a driver's license in Massachusetts, you have the option of upgrading to a REAL ID if you don't already have one.

If you are upgrading, you can start the process online but must go to an RMV Service Center or AAA location (if you are a member) to complete it.

If you are renewing an existing REAL ID or standard driver's license, you can complete the process online.  Limited-term driver's license renewals require an in-person visit.

Beginning May 7, 2025, individuals 18 and older will need a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card (or another ID accepted by the TSA) to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities.

A Massachusetts REAL ID has a star in the top right corner. A standard driver's license does not. 

Image comparing a driver's license and REAL ID

Visit REAL ID in Massachusetts for more information.

You can’t renew your driver’s license if:

  • It is suspended or revoked
  • You have unpaid parking tickets, excise tax, or EZ-Pass violations

Check the status of your license before renewing if either of these applies to you.

Fees   for Renew your REAL or standard passenger (Class D) or motorcycle (Class M) driver's license

Most standard and REAL ID passenger driver's licenses and motorcycle driver's licenses (Class D and M) are good for 5 years and cost $50. A passenger motorcycle driver's license costs $65.

Note: Driver's licenses and IDs can be issued for less than 5 years, depending on the duration of an applicant’s lawful presence in the U.S. In these cases, the fee will be prorated, based on how long the license is valid and cost $10 a year

Name Fee Unit
Passenger Driver's License Renewal Fee $50 each
Motorcycle Driver's License (Class M) $50 -
Passenger/Motorcycle Driver's License (Class DM) $65 each

How to renew   Renew your REAL or standard passenger (Class D) or motorcycle (Class M) driver's license

Upgrade to REAL ID

You can use the RMV's Online Service Center to start your REAL ID application online. You will still need to complete the process at a service center or AAA location if you are a member.

Make sure you have the documents you need before getting started.

  • 1 to show you are in the U.S. legally -- like a passport or birth certificate
  • 1 to verify your social security number -- like a social security card or W-2
  • And 2 to verify you live in Massachusetts -- like a lease, mortgage, or utility bill

Then

  • Schedule your Service Center appointment
  • Enter your date of birth, license or ID number, last name, and last four digits of your social security number (these are required)
  • If you do not have a social security number,  you must make an appointment and complete the renewal in person
  • Once you finish the online application, you can schedule an appointment to complete the process at a service center

Renew a standard or REAL ID driver's license  

  • Visit the Online Service Center to get started
  • Enter your date of birth, license or ID number, last name, and last four digits of your social security number (these are required)
  • If you do not have a social security number, you must make an appointment and complete the renewal in person
  • Once you finish the online application and pay the fee, the RMV will send your renewed driver’s license to the mailing address on record in 10 - 14 business days. If you have not received your license after 30 days, contact the RMV

More info   for Renew your REAL or standard passenger (Class D) or motorcycle (Class M) driver's license

You can renew your license up to 2 years after expiration. If your license has been expired for more than 2 years, you will be required to take the learner's permit exam and road test.

If you have not received your credential after 30 days, contact the RMV.

Unpaid fines or taxes

You can check the status of your driver’s license to find out if you have unpaid fines or excise taxes that will prevent you from renewing your driver's license. You will need to pay any outstanding obligations before renewing your license.

  • Parking tickets or excise taxes — Pay the tickets or taxes, and get a receipt from the city or town showing that items have been paid.
  • EZ-Pass MA — Call customer service at (877) 627-7745 to pay your violations.

Turning 21?

If you renew your driver's license before your 21st birthday, you will receive a vertical license with the words "Under 21" printed on it. That license will be good for 5 years. However, if you renew your license on or after your 21st birthday, you will receive a standard horizontal license without "Under 21" printed on it.

Downloads   for Renew your REAL or standard passenger (Class D) or motorcycle (Class M) driver's license

Open PDF file, 629.75 KB,  License and ID Application (English, PDF 629.75 KB)
Open PDF file, 372.55 KB,  REAL ID Documents Checklist (English, PDF 372.55 KB)

Contact   for Renew your REAL or standard passenger (Class D) or motorcycle (Class M) driver's license

Online
Ask the RMV Ask the RMV 

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