COVID-19 Updates

The Massachusetts RMV has implemented further extensions for expiring motor vehicle inspection stickers, passenger plate registrations, professional credentials, and licenses and permits, including Commercial Driver’s Licenses and Permits (CDLs / CLPs). Click here for more information.

Click here to learn about other updates from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) during COVID-19, such as which service centers are open and the appointment-only reservation system.

Video: Massachusetts State Issued ID

Massachusetts Driver’s License

On March 26, 2018, The Massachusetts Register of Motor Vehicles changed the process to obtain or renew any driver’s license, ID card, or learner’s permit. From now on, you will need to present documentation showing U.S. citizenship or lawful presence as required by federal and -state law. For additional information and instructions on the new process, please visit The Massachusetts Register of Motor Vehicles website.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for any of the State Issued IDs, the program length listed on your I-20 or your DS-2019 must be at least 12 months in length. See below for more details on how to determine if your current I-20 or DS-2019 meets the State Issued ID eligibility requirements:

Please note that your I-20 or DS-2019 must be valid for at least 30 days from the day you submit an application to the RMV.

Reminder – Your license or ID will expire when your legal status is over.

How to obtain a Massachusetts Driver’s License

In order to obtain a Massachusetts driver’s license, you first must go to a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office and obtain a learner’s permit by taking a written test. Later on, you will need to take a road test to obtain the actual license. For more information click here.

The following documents are required:

  • Proof of visa status (I-20 or DS-2019)
  • Copy of most recent I-94
  • Social Security Number or Denial Letter
  • Proof of date of birth
  • Proof of Massachusetts residency
  • Proof of signature
  • Completed application
  • Payment

To see what documents are acceptable for each category, please click here.

Driver’s Licenses are valid for the length of the I-20 or DS-2019 or 5 years, whichever is shorter.

Renewing your Massachusetts’s Driver’s License

Renewals of a Massachusetts Driver’s License can be done online or in person at a RMV office. For information about this process, please visit the RMV webpage.

Please note that if you have a license that is valid for less than 5 years, you will need to renew your license in person at a RMV office.

Driving in Massachusetts on a Foreign Driver’s License

Effective July 2018, Massachusetts General Law (Chapter 90, Section 10) was changed to allow validly licensed drivers from any country to operate validly registered motor vehicles in Massachusetts. All foreign-licensed drivers are subject to the following requirements when operating a motor vehicle in Massachusetts. Violation of these requirements is a criminal offense.

Please visit the RMV’s website for information on the requirements the foreign licensed drivers are subject to.

Hands-Free Electronics While Driving

The new Massachusetts hands-free distracted driving law takes effect on Sunday, February 23.

This law is a significant change for drivers 18 and over and traffic enforcement as well. The new law (Chapter 122 of the Acts of 2019) prohibits operators of motor vehicles from using any mobile electronic device, including a cell phone, unless the device is used in hands-free mode. Please see more information on this here.

Drivers 18 and over are:

  • Not permitted to hold or support any electronic device
  • Only permitted to touch devices to activate the hands-free mode, and can only enable when the device is installed or properly mounted to the windshield, dashboard, or center console
  • Not permitted to read or view text, images, or video displayed on a mobile electronic device; however, a driver may view a map generated by a navigation system or application on a mobile electronic device that is properly mounted

Drivers under 18 are not allowed to use any electronic devices. All device/phone use while driving is illegal, including use in hands-free mode.

Penalties for Violating the Hands-Free Law

  • 1st offense – $100 fine
  • 2nd offense – $250 fine, plus mandatory completion of a distracted driving educational program
  • 3rd and subsequent offenses – $500 fine, plus insurance surcharge and mandatory completion of distracted driving educational program

Operators may use a cell phone to call 911 to report an emergency. If possible, the operator should safely pull over and stop before calling 911.

Hands-Free Law

Massachusetts Identification Card

In order to apply for a Massachusetts ID card, you must apply in person at a RMV office. Please note that the 12-month immigration document rule does not apply, for more information click here.

Eligibility

  • Must be at least 14 years old
  • Can not hold a valid license in any jurisdiction
  • Must be a resident of Massachusetts

How to obtain a Massachusetts ID Card

  • Proof of visa status (I-20 or DS-2019)
  • Copy of most recent I-94
  • Social Security Number or Denial Letter
  • Proof of date of birth
  • Proof of Massachusetts residency
  • Proof of signature
  • Completed application
  • Payment

To see what documents are acceptable for each category, please click here.

Please note that you will be given a temporary Mass ID, valid for 30 days, at the service center, and a permanent Mass ID will be mailed to you within 5–7 days. For further information, please click here.

Please be advised that by law, it is under the discretion of restaurants, bars, etc. to accept Massachusetts ID cards as proof of age. For more information please click here.

Liquor ID Card

In order to apply for a Liquor ID, you must apply in person at a RMV office. Please note that the 12-month immigration document rule does not apply, for more information click here.

Eligibility

  • Must be over 21 years old
  • Cannot hold a valid Massachusetts driver license

How to obtain a Liquor ID

  • Proof of visa status (I-20 or DS-2019)
  • Copy of most recent I-94
  • Social Security Number or Denial Letter
  • Proof of date of birth
  • Proof of signature
  • Completed application
  • Payment

To see what documents are acceptable for each category, please click here.

Please note that you will be given a temporary Liquor ID, valid for 30 days, at the service center, and a permanent Mass ID will be mailed to you within 5–7 days. For more information please click here.