If you have a passenger (Class D) and/or motorcycle (Class M) learner’s permit from another state, you need to convert it to a learner’s permit upon becoming a resident in Massachusetts.
- This page, Transfer your REAL or standard out-of-state learner’s permit to Massachusetts, is offered by
- Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Transfer your REAL or standard out-of-state learner’s permit to Massachusetts
Contacts
Registry of Motor Vehicles
Online
Ask the RMV
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The Details
What you need
If you are transferring an out-of-state learner's permit to Massachusetts, you have the option of choosing a REAL ID.
You can start the process online but must go to an RMV Service Center to complete it.
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.
Visit REAL ID in Massachusetts for more information.
To be eligible for conversion, the out-of-state permit must have been issued less than two years ago. You must also provide a certified driving record from the state you are converting from (not more than 30 days old).
An out-of-state learner's permit can be converted to a Massachusetts learner's permit if:
- The learner's permit is issued by another state, the District of Columbia, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. Territory. The RMV does not convert learner's permits from any other country
- You are a resident of Massachusetts
- You are at least 16 years old
- You are clear of any outstanding obligations to any state
- You meet the minimum medical standards for a license in Massachusetts
- The out-of-state learner's permit was issued less than 2 years ago
You must convert your driver's education certificate or complete driver's education in Massachusetts if you are under the age of 18. Driver's education courses converted from other states must meet Massachusetts standards.
Please note that the RMV does not transfer commercial learner's permits (CLPs).
Fees
| Name | Fee | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Learner's Permit Application Fee | $30 | each |
How to transfer
Make an appointment and bring all required documents, fees, and the completed application to any RMV Service Center.
You can pay by cash, check, money order, credit card, and debit card. Since payment methods vary by location, check what’s accepted at the site you will be visiting.
You cannot process a learner's permit application online. However, you can get ready by completing the application online and answering a series of questions. At the end of the questionnaire, you will be provided with a complete application and list of required documents that you will need to bring with you to a RMV Service Center.
Next steps
Road test
To get your driver's license, you will need to take and pass a road test. If you are under 18 years of age, you must meet all junior operator requirements.
More info
Driving Records
If you present a driving record that is not written or printed in the English language, the RMV may require the document to be accompanied by a certified translation.
Contact
Online
Ask the RMV
Ask the RMV