Where to change your Massachusetts driver's license or ID address

You can change your address with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in three ways: online through the RMV website, by mail, or in person at an RMV service center. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and you'll see your new address reflected when ready in the RMV system. By mail takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person visits at a service center are also quick but require you to bring original documents and may involve waiting.

Massachusetts does not charge a fee to change your address on your driver's license or ID card. You do not need to renew your license or get a new card just to update the address — the change happens in the RMV database, and your current license remains valid.

You must update your address within 30 days of moving to a new Massachusetts residence. If you move out of state, you should update your address or surrender your Massachusetts license, depending on your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • The RMV online portal is the fastest way to change your address and requires only your license number, date of birth, and new address.
  • You have 30 days from your move to update your address with the RMV.
  • Changing your address does not cost money and does not require you to renew your license.
  • If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a completed form or visit an RMV service center with proof of your new address.
  • Your current license remains valid after an address change — you do not receive a new card in the mail.

Changing your address online through the RMV website

Go to mass.gov/rmv and look for the "Change Address" option in the online services section. You will need your Massachusetts driver's license or ID number, your date of birth, and your new street address. The system will ask you to confirm your current address before allowing you to enter the new one.

After you submit the change online, the RMV updates your record when ready. You can print a confirmation page for your records. Your license number stays the same, and you do not need to do anything else — the address change is complete in the RMV system right away.

The online system works only if you have a valid Massachusetts driver's license or ID card. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired by more than two years, you cannot use the online portal and must change your address by mail or in person.

Changing your address by mail

read the "Change of Address" form from mass.gov/rmv or request one by calling the RMV at 857-368-8000. Fill in your name, license number, date of birth, and new address. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address shown on the form — typically the RMV's mail processing center in Boston.

Include proof of your new address with your mailed form. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your new address and name. Do not send original documents — send copies only.

Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days after the RMV receives your form. Mail can take several days to arrive, so plan for 2 to 3 weeks total. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Changing your address in person at an RMV service center

Visit any RMV service center with your current driver's license or ID and proof of your new address. Bring an original document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. The RMV staff will update your address on the spot, and the change takes effect when ready.

Service centers are located throughout Massachusetts. You can find the nearest one and check current wait times on mass.gov/rmv. Some centers are busier than others, and wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday usually means shorter waits.

You do not need an appointment at most RMV service centers, but some locations now offer appointment scheduling through the website. Booking an appointment can reduce your wait time significantly.

What counts as proof of your new address

The RMV accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement also works. Some people use a letter from their landlord on landlord letterhead stating the new address and move-in date.

The document must be an original or a certified copy — a photograph or photocopy of a utility bill or lease is not accepted. If you are moving and do not yet have a utility bill in your name at the new address, a signed lease agreement is your best option. If you are staying with someone temporarily, a letter from the property owner or a utility bill in their name with a note from them confirming your residence may work, but call the RMV ahead of time to confirm.

Scams and safety alerts

Do not use third-party websites or services that claim to change your address "faster" or "easier" than the RMV. The RMV's online system is free and takes 10 minutes. Any service charging a fee to do this is taking your money for something you can do yourself at no cost.

Be cautious of emails or texts claiming to be from the RMV asking you to verify your address or license information. The RMV does not send unsolicited emails or texts asking for personal information. If you receive such a message, do not click any links or provide information — go directly to mass.gov/rmv or call 857-368-8000 to verify whether the message is real.

When you change your address, update it with other organizations too: your insurance company, employer, bank, and voter registration. A mismatch between your RMV address and your insurance address can cause problems if you are in an accident. Your voter registration address must match your residence to vote in the correct precinct.

What happens after you change your address

Your current driver's license or ID card remains valid with your old address printed on it. You do not receive a new card in the mail. If you want a card with your new address printed on it, you must renew your license — but renewal is not required just for an address change, and renewal involves a fee and a new photo.

The RMV's internal system shows your new address when ready (if you changed it online) or within 7 to 10 business days (if you mailed the form). When police or other officials look up your license, they see the new address in the system, even though your physical card still shows the old one. This is normal and does not cause problems.

If you move again, you can change your address as many times as you need. There is no limit on how often you can update it, and each change is free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I move out of state?

If you move permanently out of state, you should surrender your Massachusetts license and get a license in your new state. However, if you are moving temporarily or keeping a Massachusetts residence, you can keep your Massachusetts license and update the address to your out-of-state location. Call the RMV at 857-368-8000 to discuss your situation.

What if my license is expired?

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still change your address online or by mail. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew your license before you can change the address. Renewal requires an in-person visit to an RMV service center.

How long does it take to see the address change reflected in the RMV system?

If you change your address online, it updates when ready. If you mail the form, it takes 7 to 10 business days after the RMV receives it. If you change it in person, it updates on the spot. The physical card you carry will still show your old address until you renew your license.

Can I change my address if I do not have proof of residence yet?

You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a signed lease agreement works. If you are staying with someone temporarily, ask the property owner for a letter on their letterhead confirming your residence, or call the RMV at 857-368-8000 to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.

Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?

Changing your address with the RMV does not affect your driving record or insurance rates. However, you should notify your insurance company of your new address separately — they maintain their own records. A mismatch between your RMV address and your insurance address can cause problems if you file a claim.