What is MyMassGov
MyMassGov is a secure website that lets you use one account to sign in to and apply for all certain Massachusetts state services and applications. It was created to better meet your needs. The name "MyMassGov" stands for the increased protection, convenience, and control it gives you when accessing state services.
While MyMassGov is used to log you in to certain state services and to verify your identity, it does not give you permission to use or approval to receive those services. Authorizations and approvals for services are given by the agencies offering those services.
Why we created MyMassGov
Delivering quality experiences to people using state services is our top priority.
We know you depend on state programs every day for food, housing, employment, personal and professional licensing, tax filings, recreational activities, and more. Changes in how you access these services may make you uneasy or seem needless if you don’t understand why they’re happening. To make improvements and meet new needs that have come from new technology and the growing number of online applications, we needed to change how you access state services. Know that we’re ready to support you in this change and dedicated to your success in using MyMassGov.
We’re always looking for ways to improve our services. As part of this effort, we research use of our online state service applications and consider feedback from those who are using them.
What research has told us
- Access to state services needs to work and be dependable at all times
- Applications and information must be accessible to all people in Massachusetts
- Remembering many different URLs, usernames, and passwords is inconvenient
- The application process could be improved; applicants were being asked for the same information again and again when applying for different state services
- People were being asked to verify their identity every time they filled out an application for a new state service, even if they had already verified it for another
- Safety and security of online information is a major concern
Many people wanted technical help or needed other assistance but still wanted the option of doing things (i.e. making changes to account information) themselves online
How MyMassGov makes your experience better
With more and more state services using MyMassGov going forward, we believe you’ll see the benefits of having an account.
Less information to remember
- With MyMassGov, one login gives you access to multiple state services. This means you don't need different accounts and won’t have to remember several passwords and usernames.
- Having one login also makes it easier to set a secure password that you can remember or store safely
Faster applications
- When you create a MyMassGov account, you’re creating a profile that you can use across the state to prefill forms and applications. The more information you add to your MyMassGov account, the more can be prefilled for you in the future.
- The information in your MyMassGov account will only be shared with the state services you choose. You can read the MyMassGov Privacy Notice to learn more.
Once you verify your identity in MyMassGov, you may not have to do it again when applying for state services going forward
Increased security to protect your data
- MyMassGov uses federal security standards like multifactor authentication (MFA). Using a phone or authentication app, you can add an extra level of protection to your account.
- Every site that uses MyMassGov goes through careful testing for security and will have a trusted mass.gov domain
- MyMassGov follows all security policies and standards set by the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS). EOTSS is required by the legislature and governor of Massachusetts to take any and all steps necessary to protect you and employees of the state of Massachusetts against technology security threats. Please visit the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security Enterprise Information Security Policies to learn more and view the legislation appointing the office to carry out these responsibilities.
- MyMassGov offers identity verification to make sure the person creating and logging in to an account is the owner of that account. MyMassGov keeps track of data going in and out of the website to identify unauthorized attempts to change information or otherwise cause damage.
Better information management
- MyMassGov lets you create your own account, store information about yourself, choose multifactor authentication (MFA) methods, and reset your password
- You can make changes to this information at your convenience
- When you make updates to your user profile information in MyMassGov, some services use the profile data to update your information in their systems as well. For example, if your email address changes and you update it in MyMassGov, it may be updated in another service you’re using. You’ll will need to visit and update your information in some services.
Video: What is Multifactor Authentication?
Skip this video What is Multifactor Authentication?.How MyMassGov protects you
MyMassGov creates more security for you while applying for and using state services. Reducing the number of logins you need to use and remember means fewer chances for your information to be stolen or compromised.
You may sometimes to need give your consent to share your information again upon logging into MyMassGov. This happens when a new agency partner is added or when some other change in what we may share or how occurs, but your information isn’t shared with a state agency unless you actively login to that service.
While MyMassGov does share some information with third party services, this is only done to enable you to be able to login. The Commonwealth takes great care in our contracts with third parties to ensure that data is safe with them.
Accessibility
- The state of Massachusetts is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all people. Federal accessibility standards are also applied. MyMassGov and the services that use it have been reviewed to make sure that they meet these accessibility guidelines. Read the MyMassGov accessibility statement and learn more about the Massachusetts ACCESS office.
- MyMassGov is accessible in seven languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Haitian-Creole, and French
- MyMassGov looks and works the same whether you use it on a desktop, mobile device, or both
Dedicated support
We are here to support you while using MyMassGov. Visit the guide for step-by-step written instructions on how to use MyMassGov.
Integrate your state service with MyMassGov
If you work with a Massachusetts state agency, you can read more about how to integrate your application with MyMassGov.