Massachusetts Driver's License

Non-commercial Driver's Licenses

Non-commercial licenses are issued for operating standard passenger vehicles and motorcycles. These licenses allow the legal operation of vehicles not intended for commercial transportation. Non-commercial driver's licenses in Massachusetts include:

• Class D - A Class D license allows the holder to operate any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that does not fall under the definitions of Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class M licenses. This license is typically used for operating passenger vehicles such as cars or vans.
• Class M - This driver's license allows the operation of any motor vehicle with a seat for the rider and is designed to travel with no more than three wheels in contact with the ground.

Commercial Driver's Licenses

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) are required to operate certain types of commercial vehicles. Different classes of CDLs authorize drivers to operate vehicles of varying sizes and weights.

• Class A - A Class A license allows the holder to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds. Holders of a Class A license may also operate all vehicles within Class B, C, and D, given they have the appropriate endorsements.
• Class B - This license permits the operation of any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds. Holders of Class B licenses may also operate all vehicles within Class C and D, provided they have the appropriate endorsements.
• Class C - A Class C license permits the holder to drive any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that do not fall under the categories of Class A or Class B licenses. Vehicles that require this license are those designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or those transporting hazardous materials.
  Holders of Class C license can also operate all vehicles in the Class D license category.

Gathering the Necessary Documentation

To obtain a Massachusetts driver's license, applicants must provide documentation proving U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, Social Security number (SSN), and Massachusetts residency.

The accepted residency documents include a utility bill, current lease/mortgage, a rental contract, or a current pay statement with their name and Massachusetts residence address. A complete list of acceptable documents for obtaining a Massachusetts driver's license is available on this Identification Documents Checklist.

On the other hand, non-U.S. citizens must present valid, verifiable immigration documents and proof of legal stay in the U.S. for at least 12 months. This may include a valid, unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, an I-94 Record of Arrival and Departure, and additional documents depending on the visa type.

Getting a Learner's Permit

After preparing the required documents, applicants must obtain a learner's permit. To do this, individuals must meet specific criteria. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and choose between a REAL ID Massachusetts permit, valid for federal purposes, or a Standard Massachusetts permit.

Individuals must also pass the learner's permit exam, which consists of 25 multiple-choice questions, to get a permit. The topics covered in this exam include:

• Alcohol misuse
• Suspensions
• Junior Operator License (JOL) violations
• Rules of the road
• Identifying road signs

Exams are administered using Automated Testing Stations (ATS) at RMV Full Service Centers. ATS are user-friendly video screen kiosks that deliver questions visually using a computer program.

The exam is available in multiple languages for Class D and M permits. Applicants have approximately one minute to answer each question, and the ATS allows them to practice with sample questions before beginning the actual exam.

Audio Exams

The RMV has implemented a convenient feature called audio exams, which are accessible through the ATS. This innovative option enables applicants to take tests using an auditory format, eliminating the need to read the questions and answers on the screen.

Anyone can opt for an audio exam without prior scheduling or additional documentation. To utilize the audio feature, applicants should bring headphones with a 3.5-millimeter mini-jack to the RMV Service Center. Each ATS has a splitter on the bottom left side of the machine, equipped with a universal headphone connection.

Vision Screening Testing

Individuals will also need to undergo a vision test when applying for a driver's license in Massachusetts.

When someone applies for a learner's permit or driver's license, an RMV staff member will assess their vision. The assessment includes visual acuity, color perception, and peripheral vision tests. If the person usually relies on contact lenses or glasses to see distant objects, they must have them on during the vision screening.

To successfully pass the vision test, the applicant needs to fulfill these criteria:

• Visual acuity of at least 20/40 in their stronger eye, with corrective lenses if needed
• A minimum of 120 degrees of horizontal peripheral vision using both eyes for an unrestricted license

Drivers with Monovision

Monovision is a visual correction method that enables individuals to use one eye to see distant objects and another to view things up close. Applicants with monovision may face challenges during the RMV's vision screening test.

An ophthalmologist will issue a Vision Screening Certificate (VSC) confirming the applicant's visual capability to drive safely can substitute for the vision screening exam.

Driving Record Verification

When applying for a license in Massachusetts, applicants must disclose the states where they have held licenses over the past decade and any out-of-state license numbers.

The RMV's licensing system verifies the applicant's personal information, including name, date of birth, Social Security number, and out-of-state license numbers, through the Problem Driver Pointer System.

Massachusetts is part of the State-to-State initiative, a program designed to verify the validity of driver's licenses and state-issued identification cards from other participating states.

When an individual obtains a Massachusetts driver's license or ID card (not including Liquor IDs), the State-to-State system automatically invalidates any driver's license or state-issued ID card that the same person may hold from another participating state.

Driving With a Learner's Permit

Individuals with a learner's permit must practice driving before taking a road test when applying for a driver's license. However, the permit holder must adhere to specific guidelines and restrictions.

The applicant must hold a valid learner's permit for at least six consecutive months and must complete a comprehensive driver education program. This program consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction, 12 hours of in-car, behind-the-wheel training, and 6 hours of in-car observation of other student drivers.

In addition, the applicant must complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving and pass a final exam to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of safe driving practices and traffic laws.

Note that permit holder must always carry their learner's permit while driving. They must also be accompanied by a licensed operator, be at least 21 years old, hold a valid driver's license from Massachusetts, and have a year of experience.

Road Test

After obtaining a learner's permit and completing the practice driving requirements, the next step toward earning a Massachusetts driver's license is taking a road test with an RMV examiner.

Road tests can be scheduled at the RMV office or by calling the RMV Automated Service Line at 866-MASSRMV (866-627-7768).

To take the road test, the applicants must fulfill several requirements on the day of the test.

• Bring a completed road test application, and parent/guardian complete the parental consent section if under 18
• Bring a learner's permit
• Bring a qualified sponsor
• Provide an acceptable, properly equipped, and legally registered vehicle for the test
• Payment of road test fee

If the applicants fail the road test, they must wait two weeks for another test. Note that an individual can take up to six road tests in 12 months.

Massachusetts Driver's License Fees

The RMV charges various fees for driver's license-related transactions. These fees cover the costs of processing applications, administering exams, and issuing tamper-resistant licenses. Some of the key fees include:

• Learner's permit exam fee: $30
• Road test fee: $35
• License issue/renew fee: $50 for both Class D (passenger vehicle) and Class M (motorcycle) licenses
• Out-of-state license conversion fees range from $115 to $140, depending on the license class
• Duplicate or amended license fee: $25

Fees are payable by cash, check, money order, Mastercard, Visa, or Discover. For a complete list of fees, refer to the Schedule of Fees provided by the MA RMV.

Renewal Methods

To renew a driver's license in Massachusetts, individuals should determine if they have a REAL ID or a Standard driver's license. If they have REAL ID, applicants must print the application summary document and make a reservation.

Note that a driver's license cannot be renewed if it is suspended or revoked or if the individual has unpaid parking tickets, excise tax, or EZ-Pass violations. Also, licenses can be renewed up to two years after expiration. If a license has expired for over two years, the individual initially takes the learner's permit exam and the road test to renew it.

The renewal fee for a passenger driver's license in Massachusetts is $50.

Online Renewal

To renew a limited-term REAL ID credential online, individuals must prepare documents of citizenship or lawful presence. To begin the online renewal process, visit the myRMV Online Service Center and select the renewal transaction option.

After that, choose to renew a Standard Massachusetts driver's license and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the online application.

In-Person Renewal

For an in-person renewal, schedule a reservation at an RMV Service Center through their online booking system. Then, applicants must gather all the necessary documents, including the completed application form and payment for the renewal fees.

Replacement Process

If a driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged, individuals must replace it. Currently, the RMV does not offer replacement licenses at its service centers. Applicants must either replace it online or by phone. The fee for replacing a driver's license in Massachusetts is $25.

Online Replacement

The fastest and most convenient way to replace a driver's license is through the myRMV online portal. To complete the process, individuals must provide their name, date of birth, ID number or last four digits of their Social Security number, payment information, and email address.

Phone Replacement

Individuals can request a replacement driver's license by calling the RMV's Contact Center at (857) 368-8000, (800) 858-3926, or TTY: (877) 768-8833. They must provide their first and last name, date of birth, and four digits of their Social Security number and pay the applicable fee.