Driver's license renewal
If you are active military, you are not required to renew your Massachusetts driver's license during your active military service. However, your spouse and/or dependent is required to do so.
The RMV will issue special non-photo driver's licenses for active members of the military who are stationed outside of Massachusetts and their spouses/dependents.
IMPORTANT: Visit mass.gov/id for new requirements that apply to all license renewals.
You can request a non-photograph driver's license renewal by mail. In this case, you must:
- Mail your request to the Driver Licensing Department
- Include a copy of your orders
- Complete the Class D, M, or D/M license and ID card application
- Include the applicable fee
Registry of Motor Vehicles
The Driver Licensing Department
P.O. Box 55889,
Boston, MA 02205-5889
Your driver's license cannot be renewed more than 1 year in advance of the expiration date. The non-photograph driver's license will be mailed to you as long as you are located outside of Massachusetts.
An active member of the military, or their spouse or dependent, who is temporarily out of Massachusetts and cannot return home before their driver's license expires can request the RMV to issue a temporary driver's license which is valid for up to 60 days after the expiration date of the original driver's license. This extension can only be granted once. The temporary license is subject to vehicle class type requirements, endorsements, and restrictions. The temporary license will only be mailed to an out-of-state address. In addition, the RMV will not issue a temporary license if the driver's license is in non-renew status.
Upon returning to Massachusetts after your honorable discharge from active duty, you have 60 days to renew your expired Massachusetts driver's license. If you have a driver's license issued by the Armed Forces based in another country, you may operate a motor vehicle in Massachusetts for up to 45 days. This policy is applicable only to military personnel; it does not apply to their spouses or dependents.
Additional Resources
Driver's license replacement
If you are an active member of the military (or your spouse or dependent), wants to obtain a replacement driver's license, you should send a letter of request stating whether your driver's license was lost or stolen and a copy of your military orders to the Driver Licensing Department. There is no fee for duplicate driver's licenses for military personnel or their dependents. Mail your request to:
Registry of Motor Vehicles
The Driver Licensing Department
P.O. Box 55889,
Boston, MA 02205-5889