Identification Cards in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Identification Cards

Apply for a Massachusetts identification (Mass ID) and Liquor ID card in-person at a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) service center. You can save time by starting your application online. Below you will find information on:

  • Applying for a new card.
  • Renewing an existing card.
  • Replacing a lost or stolen card.
    OR
  • Changing the name on your ID card.

Mass ID and Liquor ID cards can be used as photo identification to prove your identity, age, or address if you do not have a Massachusetts driver’s license.

Massachusetts REAL ID Cards

The Massachusetts RMV has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID cards in addition to standard identification cards. Beginning October 1, 2021, the REAL ID will allow you to continue using your state-issued ID card for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—a standard ID will no longer suffice for these activities.

You can choose to receive a REAL ID or standard ID upon application—details are outlined below. For more, visit the state's guide to REAL IDs.

ID Card Eligibility Requirements

In Massachusetts, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) offers two categories of MA state ID cards: the Massachusetts ID and Liquor ID.

Massachusetts ID Card

To be eligible for a Massachusetts ID card, you must:

  • Be at least 14 years old.
  • Be a Massachusetts resident.
  • Not hold a license anywhere in the U.S.

Massachusetts Liquor ID Cards

To be eligible for a MA Liquor ID card, you must:

  • Be at least 21 years old.
  • Be a Massachusetts resident.
  • NOT hold a valid driver's license from anywhere in the U.S.

Apply for an ID/Liquor ID Card

You must visit a full-service MA RMV branch office to apply for your Massachusetts ID card or Liquor ID card. You cannot apply for a MA ID card or Liquor ID card online or by mail.

Get yourself ready online before visiting your RMV Service Center.

To get your MA ID:

MA Identification Card Fees

The fee for original, amended, or duplicate identifications is as follows:

  • $25 for a MA ID.
  • $25 for a Liquor ID.

Check with your local RMV Service Center for acceptable forms of payment. Most accept cash, check, money order, credit cards, and debit cards.

Renew Your Massachusetts ID Card

Your Mass ID and Liquor ID are good for 5 years. You may renew your Mass ID online or in person. If you are NOT eligible to renew online, follow the steps laid out Apply for an ID/Liquor ID for an in-person renewal. The steps are the same as those for an original application EXCEPT you must check the "renewal" box on the forms.

Currently, your Liquor ID can ONLY be renewed in person. Follow the steps laid out in Apply for an ID/Liquor ID and check the "renewal" box on the forms.

Military members, spouses, or dependents wishing to renew a Mass ID card before they are able to return to Massachusetts should call the RMV at (857) 368-8000.

Replace Your MA ID/Liquor ID Card

You may replace your lost or stolen Massachusetts ID card online, by phone, or in person if you have the new-style digital photo ID card. If your ID expires in less than 1 year you can renew your Mass ID.

If you do not have a new-style ID card or you're replacing your MA Liquor ID, you must visit a MA RMV branch in person.

Visit our Replacing a Lost Massachusetts License page for steps and details.

Military spouses or dependents who need to replace a Mass ID card before returning to Massachusetts should contact the RMV by calling (857) 368-8000 for more information.

Change Your MA ID Card Name or Address

Changing Your Name in Massachusetts

If you are applying for the first time, or have a REAL ID credential, AND your current name does not match the name on your lawful presence documents, you MUST bring an acceptable document to prove your legal name change to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. These include:

  • Court documents.
  • A marriage certificate.
  • A divorce decree.

If you have already met the ID eligibility requirements and you are changing your name on a standard Mass ID, you may apply for a name change at an RMV service center without legal name change documents. You will need to:

If you have a liquor ID, and you have already submitted the documents listed under Apply for an ID/Liquor ID for a standard liquor ID, bring the following to your local RMV:

You will have a new photo taken, and a new signature captured.

Changing Your Address in MA

You must notify the MA RMV of your new address within 30 days of the change. You may do this online, in person, or by phone.

NOTE: Notifying the MA RMV of your change of address will change your records with the MA RMV only. If you would like a replacement Mass ID card showing your new address, you will need to apply for a replacement.

Online

To change your MA address online, visit the MA RMV online change of address system.

You will need to provide your:

  • Mass ID card number.
  • Date of birth.
  • Full name.
  • Last 4 digits of your Social Security number.

In Person

To change your MA address in person, bring a completed Driver’s License, Learner’s Permit or ID Card Application (LIC100) to your local RMV branch office.

By Phone

You may change your address by calling the Massachusetts RMV at (857) 368-8000.

For more information, view our page about changing your address in Massachusetts.

Forms

LIC100
Driver’s License, Learner’s Permit or ID Card Application
RMV application for an original, renewal, replacement OR corrected Class D driver's license, Class M license, learner's permit, OR MA state ID card.
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