Other License Info

How and where do I get a Massachusetts driver's license?

Massachusetts driver's licenses are issued by the
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. To get a first driver's license in Massachusetts, you must apply to the RMV for a learner's permit and pass a written and an eye exam. You can then apply for a non-commercial Class D driver's license. Finally, you must pass a road test to obtain your Massachusetts driver's license.

How old do I have to be to get a Massachusetts driver's license?

You can get a Massachusetts driver's license as young as 16 1/2 if you pass all the requirements needed to obtain a junior operator's license and you have your parent's or legal guardian's written permission. Otherwise, you must be 18 to apply for a Massachusetts non-commercial driver's license.

For how long is a Massachusetts driver's license valid?

Your Massachusetts non-commercial Class D driver's license is valid for five years and expires on your birthday. Many drivers will be able to renew their driver's licenses online, although some will have to renew by mail, by phone, or in person. It costs $40 to renew a Massachusetts Class D driver's license.

What if I lose my Massachusetts driver's license?

If you lose your non-commercial Class D Massachusetts driver's license, you should be able to replace it online or by phone. Otherwise, you may go to a Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles office. It costs $20 to replace a non-commercial Class D Massachusetts driver's license.

What are surchargeable points on a Massachusetts driver's license?

Surchargeable points are part of the Massachusetts Safe Driver Insurance Program (SDIP).

Basically, it means that every time you are convicted of a moving violation or have an accident with more than $500 in damages, you get whacked with a triple threat: a fine, a surcharge on your insurance, and points toward a potential license suspension.

This can quickly add up to thousands of extra dollars per year for bad drivers. On the good side, drivers with clean records can see discounts of up to 17 percent.

My Massachusetts driver's license was suspended. How do I get it back?

If your Massachusetts driver's license was suspended, you have to wait until the suspension period is over before you can reapply for your license. In many cases, you may have to appear at a hearing before the Massachusetts RMV before you can reclaim your license. You should also be prepared to pay a hefty reinstatement fee, ranging from $100 to $1,000 depending on the offense.

I am serving overseas in the military and my Massachusetts driver's license expired. What do I do?

If your Massachusetts driver's license expires while you are serving overseas in the U.S. Armed Forces, you are allowed to still drive on the expired license and your military ID until 60 days after you return to Massachusetts.

How can I buy liquor without a Massachusetts driver's license?

You'll need a Massachusetts liquor ID, which is available from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles to any Massachusetts resident 21 or older who does not hold a driver's license.

Can I reduce points on my Massachusetts driver's license by going to driver's school?

Nope. The only way to remove points from your license is to maintain a clean driving record for three or more years. Each three years of violation-free driving will remove one point from your driving record.

I just moved from another state. Do I have to take a test to get a Massachusetts driver's license?

Probably not. As long as your driver's license from the other state is valid, you shouldn't have to take another road test.

How can I avoid the lines at the Registry of Motor Vehicles?

The Massachusetts RMV has done a lot to make it more convenient to deal with paperwork and avoid lines. The RMV has an informative Web site, complete with downloadable forms, an online payment system and explanations of proper ID needed to take to the RMV.