REAL ID in Massachusetts

Learn more about REAL ID and how to get, renew, or replace one in Massachusetts.

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What is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is an enhanced version of a driver's license or Mass ID that meets the Federal Security Standard for IDs. 

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 or Mass ID does not. 

 You can renew your driver's license up to a year before it expires.

• It costs $50 to upgrade an existing standard (Class D) or motorcycle (Class M) driver's license to a REAL ID driver's license when you renew.
• It costs $75 to upgrade an existing Class A, B, or C driver's license to a REAL ID driver's license when you renew.
• It costs $25 to upgrade an existing driver's license or Mass ID to a REAL ID outside of your renewal cycle. You will still need to renew when it expires.

How do I get one?

1. Gather your 4 required identity documents

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

Important: Documents must be originals and they can not be laminated. Your current name must match the one on your documents. If it does not, you must present documents proving you changed your name, like a marriage certificate or other court document.

2. Apply online

• Visit the RMV's Online Service Center to apply and ensure you have the right documents.

3. Schedule an appointment to complete the process

• Schedule an in-person appointment to verify your documents at an RMV Service Center or AAA branch (if you're a member). You can also find or cancel an existing appointment.

Helpful links for gathering your documents

Replace your social security card  Get your Boston birth certificate (if you were born in Boston)   Get your US birth certificate  Renew your passport  Replace your permanent resident card 

Renew or replace your REAL ID

You can use the RMV's Online Service Center to renew or replace your REAL ID online. You do not have to go to a Service Center or AAA location. 

• It costs $50 to renew a REAL ID passenger or motorcycle driver's license.
• It costs $75 to renew a REAL ID commercial driver's license (CDL).  
• It costs $25 to renew a REAL ID Mass ID.

Renew your REAL ID passenger or motorcycle driver's license  Renew your REAL ID Mass ID   Renew your REAL ID commercial driver's license (CDL) 

It costs $25 to replace a REAL ID driver's license or Mass ID.

Replace your REAL ID driver's license   Replace your REAL ID Mass ID 

Information for out-of-state residents

If you have a REAL ID from another state and want to get a Massachusetts REAL ID, you must make an appointment at an RMV Service Center or AAA location, if you are a member, to present identification documents proving you are in the US legally and now live in Massachusetts.

Visit Transfer your out-of-state driver's license to Massachusetts for more information.

Information for non-U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Non-U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply for a limited-term REAL ID driver’s license or REAL ID Mass ID that will be effective for the length of their stay. These can not be renewed online.

To be eligible, you must present immigration documents and proof that you have been granted a legal stay in the United States for at least 12 months. 

Check your U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) case status. 

Information for undocumented individuals

To get a REAL ID, you must be living in the United States legally. Undocumented residents of Massachusetts can not get one.