To change your address on a Massachusetts driver’s license, log in to the MyRMV portal at mass.gov within 30 days of moving and submit the update using your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The update itself is free. A new physical card with the printed address costs $25, but you can skip that fee by writing the new address on the back of your current license in permanent ink.
The 30-Day Deadline
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 26A requires anyone with a driver’s license, learner’s permit, or vehicle registration to notify the RMV in writing within 30 days of changing their name, residential address, or mailing address.1General Court of Massachusetts. General Law – Part I, Title XIV, Chapter 90, Section 26A The RMV keeps separate fields for your residential address (where you live) and your mailing address (where you receive mail), and both need to be current.2Mass.gov. Change Your Address With the RMV
Missing the deadline gives the registrar authority to suspend or revoke your license, permit, or registration.1General Court of Massachusetts. General Law – Part I, Title XIV, Chapter 90, Section 26A That outcome is rare for a simple late update, but the online process takes only a few minutes.
What to Have Ready
For an online or phone change, you need four items:
- Your last name
- Your date of birth
- Your driver’s license, learner’s permit, or ID card number
- The last four digits of your Social Security number
You also need your new address, and an email address if you are going online.3Mass.gov. Change Information on Your Driver’s License or ID Card No document uploads are required for a straightforward address change. Proof-of-residency documents come into play only if you are also upgrading to a REAL ID, which is a separate application.
Three Ways to Submit the Change
Online
The fastest option. Open the MyRMV change-of-address page at mass.gov, enter your license or ID number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, your email address, and the new address. The system updates your records immediately.2Mass.gov. Change Your Address With the RMV
By Phone
Call the RMV with your license number and Social Security digits ready. The number depends on your area code:
- (857) 368-8000 for callers using area codes 339, 617, 781, or 857, or calling from outside Massachusetts
- (800) 858-3926 for all other Massachusetts area codes
In Person
You can walk the change into any RMV service center. Schedule an appointment beforehand and bring your license or ID. In-person makes sense if you also want to pay for a new card on the spot or handle another transaction the same visit.3Mass.gov. Change Information on Your Driver’s License or ID Card
New Card or Write on the Back
Updating the address in the RMV’s system is free. A new physical card printed with the new address is $25, and you can order the replacement online or in person.4Mass.gov. Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Fees
If you would rather not pay, you can write your new residential address in permanent ink on the back of your current license in the designated area.3Mass.gov. Change Information on Your Driver’s License or ID Card This is legal as long as you have also updated your records with the RMV. Many people take this route and wait until their next renewal for a card with the printed address.
If you paid for a replacement, the RMV mails it to your new address within 10 to 14 days. If 30 days pass and nothing has arrived, call the RMV to check the status.5Mass.gov. Replace Your Driver’s License
Your Vehicle Registration Is Separate
Changing the address on your license does not change it on your vehicle registration. Massachusetts treats them as separate records, and the same 30-day rule applies to both.1General Court of Massachusetts. General Law – Part I, Title XIV, Chapter 90, Section 26A
You can update the registration address through the MyRMV portal, and you can request a duplicate registration document showing the new address online as well.6Mass.gov. Change Information on Your Vehicle Registration An amended registration is $25.4Mass.gov. Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Fees If you amend by mail or in person instead, you need a completed Registration and Title Application stamped and signed by your insurance agent, with signatures from all owners.
Voter Registration and Auto Insurance
When you change your residential address, the RMV forwards the update to the Secretary of the Commonwealth and your city or town so your voter registration follows. If you do not want your voter registration changed, say so when you submit the address change.2Mass.gov. Change Your Address With the RMV
Your auto insurance company is on you. The RMV’s own instructions tell you to notify your insurance agent of the address change.7Mass.gov. Change of Address Instructions Rates are tied to your zip code, so even a short move can affect your premium, and a mismatched address on file with your insurer can create disputes if you file a claim.