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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to file a police report if my license was lost or stolen?
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles strongly encourages drivers who have lost drivers license credentials or had it stolen to report this incident to the proper, local authorities.

You can also report your lost or stolen license directly with the MA RMV by filling out a Request for Activity Hold Add/Remove form.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Massachusetts Driver’s License or ID Card

How can I obtain a copy of the driver manual?
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles offers driving manuals in both English and Spanish for your convenience. Before completing a drivers license application, you can access them online by visiting these links:

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Massachusetts

How can I renew my drivers license?
The state of Massachusetts requires you to renew your driver s license in person. In some instances, drivers may be eligible to renew drivers licenses online.

In person

To begin the process of renewing your license in person, pay a visit to your local RMV full service office. Upon meeting with a driver s license representative, you will be asked to present the following:

Online

To see if you are eligible for online renewal, visit the MA RMV Driver s License Renewal page.

Keep in mind, however, that if you have any outstanding tickets, you will be unable to renew your license until your issue has been resolved.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Massachusetts

How do I apply for a drivers license?
In order to apply for your MA drivers license, there is a set of requirements you must meet. They include the following:
  • Pass a road skills test. Keep in mind that to pass this test, you must also present your filled out Class D, M, or D/M License and ID Card Application, your Class D permit, a sponsor (who is at least 21 years old, has a license and has been driving for a year) and the vehicle in which you wish to use.
  • Present proof of date of birth, MA residence and Social Security Number. Only original documents will be accepted.
  • Pay any necessary fees.

You may use our RMV locator to find an office near you.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Massachusetts

How do I get a hardship license?
In order to get a hardship license, you will first need to attend a hearing at RMV Hearings location. Thereafter, you can expect to be provided with step-by-step instructions about how to obtain a hardship license, should you be granted one.

For more informaiton: Suspended License Information for Massachusetts

How do I get a replacement license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?
You have the option to replace license credentials online should you lose your original while outside the state of Massachusetts. To get started, simply visit the MA RMV Duplicate Driver s License website.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Massachusetts Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I obtain a duplicate license?
The state of Massachusetts allows you to obtain a duplicate drivers license either by phone, online or in person. However, if you do not have a credit or debit card with you, you will be required to get a replacement license in person. That is because a credit or debit card is your method of payment for online or phone transactions.

By Phone Contact the RMV Telephone Center

Online Visit the MA RMV Duplicate Driver s License page

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Massachusetts Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I reinstate after a revocation as a Habitual Traffic Offender?
If you have a Habitual Traffic Offender with OUI violation, then you will be required to meet with a Hearings Officer in order to reinstate revoked drivers license. To find out information about where you can obtain a suspension hearing, visit the Suspension Hearing Sites and Schedules page on the MA RMV website.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Massachusetts

How do I reinstate my suspended license?
The process for reinstating suspended drivers licenses will depend on the offense committed. For most violations, you will be required to make an in-person visit to your local RMV office. In some instances, however, you will need to meet with a Hearings Officer instead.

If you are uncertain about the reinstatement requirements regarding your particular case, contact the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles directly.

For more informaiton: Suspended License Information for Massachusetts

How do I renew my license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?
If you are on active duty and currently stationed in a different state or outside the country, you will not need to renew your drivers license. However, your dependents will be required to renew driving license paperwork on your behalf, in order to receive a non-photo license.

This request can only be made by mail:

Driver Licensing Registry of Motor Vehicles PO Box 55889 Boston, MA 02205-5889

Keep in mind that you will need to submit the following with your mail-in request:

Upon your return to Massachusetts, you will have sixty days to renew your license.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Massachusetts

How do I replace my license if I am a non-U.S. citizen?
If you are a non-United States citizen, you can present immigration documents for a Massachusetts duplicate drivers license, such as the following:
  • Certificate of Citizenship
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Permanent Resident Card

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Massachusetts Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I replace my license if I lost it out of state?
You have the option to apply for a drivers license copy online should you lose your original while outside the state of Massachusetts. To get started, simply visit the MA RMV Duplicate Driver s License page.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Massachusetts Driver’s License or ID Card

How does the DMV check my vision?
The MA RMV will provide a vision screening test when getting drivers license credentials whereby your field vision and basic colors will be looked at. If you fail this test, you will be asked to obtain corrective lenses for driving.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Massachusetts

How long will I have a suspended license for not taking a chemical test?
  • If you are 21 or older and this is your first OUI, your drivers license will be suspended for 180 days.
  • If you are 21 or older and this is your second OUI, your drivers license will be suspended for three years.
  • If you are under the age of 21 and this is your first OUI, your drivers license will be suspended for three years.

The more number of prior OUIs you have committed, the longer your suspension period will be.

For more informaiton: Suspended License Information for Massachusetts

How soon can I renew my driver’s license?
In Massachusetts, you have the opportunity to renew license a year before it expires. If you wait until after your drivers license expires, you will have to pay a late fine.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Massachusetts

If I file a police report, will my replacement fee be waived?
To find out if you can have your drivers license replacement fee waived, it is best to contact the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles and speak to a driver s license agent. He or she will be able to assist you with your individual case.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Massachusetts Driver’s License or ID Card

Is there an age limit to renew your license?
There is no age cap to renew license information as long as you are deemed a safe and fit driver. However, drivers who are over the age of 75 will not be eligible to renew online, and instead must complete the drivers license renewal process in person. Drivers over 75 must also pass a vision exam.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Massachusetts

What address will my replacement license be mailed to?
Your drivers license copy will be mailed to the address listed on your MA RMV records. Therefore, if your mailing address has recently changed, it is important that you notify the RMV at your earliest convenience.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Massachusetts Driver’s License or ID Card

What are requirements for seniors to renew a driving license?
The process for a senior citizen to renew his or her drivers license is the same as any other driver. Your driver s license will be good for five years before it is due for renewal. Upon visiting your local RMV office, you will need to present the following:

You will also need to pass a vision test, or you can provide a complete Class D and M Vision Screening Certificate instead.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Massachusetts

What are some violations that may constitute in a suspended license?
The state of Massachusetts reserves the right to suspend a drivers license if any of the following offenses have been committed:
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Accumulation of offenses
  • Multiple speeding tickets
  • Failure to pay traffic tickets
  • Failure to pay child support
  • Failure to register as a sex offender
  • Property damage claims
  • Lack of car insurance

Your MA drivers license suspension can be due to other reasons as well.

For more informaiton: Suspended License Information for Massachusetts

What are the consequences of driving with a suspended license?
Depending on your particular case, driving with a suspended license can accumulate additional fines, possible jail time and other unpleasant consequences. Therefore, it is best to abide by the rules and requirements of your suspension period to avoid any unwanted situation.

For more informaiton: Suspended License Information for Massachusetts

What are the fees for a duplicate drivers license?
The fee for a drivers license replacement is $25. The MA RMV will accept cash, personal checks and money orders when you go to make payment.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Massachusetts Driver’s License or ID Card

What are the reinstatement fees I will have to pay for a suspended license?
The fees to reinstate suspended drivers license vary, depending on your suspension type. They can be anywhere between $50 and $1,200.

For more informaiton: Suspended License Information for Massachusetts

What are the suspensions eligible for a hardship license?
Only drivers with the following drivers license suspensions may be granted a hardship license:
  • Habitual Traffic Offender
  • Drug Conviction (94C)
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • First Offense Alcohol or Drug Program (24D)

For more informaiton: Suspended License Information for Massachusetts

What do I need to do to get my driver’s license if I fail the driving test?
If you fail your DMV drivers test, you will need to reschedule it again at a later date. You will need to present proof of ID when you go to retake the test.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Massachusetts

What documents do I need to get my drivers license?
To obtain your license to drive, you will need to present these documents:
  • Proof of date of birth
  • Proof of signature
  • Proof of your residence in Massachusetts
  • Proof of your Social Security Number

Out-of-State Residents

If you are new to Massachusetts, you will need to present the following:

  • Out-of-state license
  • Proof of date of birth
  • Proof of signature
  • Proof of your new residence
  • Proof of Social Security Number

You will also need to hand in a completed Class D, M, or D/M License and ID Card Application.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Massachusetts

What documents do I need to present to renew my drivers license?
In order to renew your drivers license credentials in person, you will need to submit the following:

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Massachusetts

What documents will I need to present to replace my drivers license?
Upon MA drivers license renewal in person, you will need to have the following at hand:
  • Social Security verification
  • Filled out Class D, M, or D/M License and ID Card Application
  • Your drivers license
  • Payment for any applicable fee
  • Proof of date of birth
  • Proof of signature
  • Proof of residence

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Massachusetts Driver’s License or ID Card

What languages is the written test available in?
Aside from the English written test, the RMV knowledge exam is also available in an oral format. English is the only language available for the oral test.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Massachusetts

What penalties will I face if I do not renew my expired drivers license?
You can renew your driver s license up to four years after it has expired. Thereafter, you will need to re-apply for a new license and adhere to all the required steps of the process.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Massachusetts

What should I do if I have not received my renewed license?
Renewed drivers licenses generally take some time to arrive after they are ordered. If you have not received your renewed drivers license, you should contact the RMV Telephone Center and speak to an agent for further assistance about MA drivers license renewal.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Massachusetts

What tests will I need to take for my drivers license?
You will need to pass a road test in order to get your driving license. You can schedule an appointment by using our DMV locator.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Massachusetts

What type of noncommercial license will I need?
The state of Massachusetts offers various different types of noncommercial driving licenses, such as:
  • Class A Issued to drivers who operate multiple vehicles with a total weight of 26, 0001 lbs. or more
  • Class B Issued to drivers who operate a single vehicle weighing 26,001 lbs. or more
  • Class C Issued to drivers who operate a vehicle that transports 16 passengers or more, or that holds hazardous materials
  • Class D Issued to drivers who operate a vehicle weighing 26,000 lbs. or less. However, this does not include buses, semi-trailers, tractors or truck-trailers
  • Class M Issued to drivers who operate a motorcycle

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Massachusetts

When can I reinstate my license after it has been suspended?
The reinstatement requirements you must abide by depend on the drivers license suspension you have. Generally speaking, you will first need to complete your suspension period and pay any reinstatement fees. If your license suspension is related to driving under the influence, vehicular homicide, manslaughter or a Habitual Traffic Offender with OUI, then you will need to meet with a Hearings Officer for reinstatement.

For more informaiton: Suspended License Information for Massachusetts

When will I need to renew my license?
You will need to renew your driver s license every five years before it expires on your birthday. Not renewing your license on time will result in fines when you visit the RMV office.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Massachusetts

When will I receive a replacement license after applying?
If you are applying for a temporary drivers license in person, you should receive a temporary one as you conclude your driver s license appointment. If you intend to replace driving licenses by mail, a new one should be sent to you within 10 business days. For online transactions, you will be able to print a receipt that will serve as a temporary license until you receive your standard replacement.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Massachusetts Driver’s License or ID Card

Where can I check to see if my license is suspended?
You can check the status of your drivers license online by visiting the MA RMV License/Permit and ID Inquiry page. Drivers can also use their driving record to see the status of their drivers license.

For more informaiton: Suspended License Information for Massachusetts

Where can I get a new drivers license?
When applying for drivers license credentials, you can do so at any Massachusetts RMV office. For a list of locations nearby, use our RMV locator.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Massachusetts

Will I be required to take a vision test for a drivers license renewal?
If you are 75 or older, you will be required to undergo a vision test as part of the MA drivers license renewal process at your RMV branch. If you are under the specified age, you are not required to pass such an exam.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Massachusetts

Will I get a drivers license renewal notice in the mail?
Yes, you will receive a renewal postcard in the mail as a friendly reminder. However, you should make a mental or written note about when to renew expired drivers license credentials in the event that you forget.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Massachusetts