I’m moving within Massachusetts: How to change my address with the Massachusetts RMV?
Massachusetts spans over 27,000 square kilometers. Chances are you will move around in the state once or twice in your life. And yes, you still have to deal with the mighty RMV. Filling out an official U.S. Postal Service Change of Address Form will not update your address with Massachusetts RMV.
The state of Massachusetts will not issue a new driver’s license in this case. You can write the new residential address using permanent ink on the back of the driver’s license in the area provided, or you can apply for a new driver’s license for $25.
For vehicle registrations, you have to update the address for each vehicle. You should also notify your insurance agent or company of your address change. It seems a lot, but once we get into the details, you will see how easy it is to update your address in Massachusetts.
And remember, you only have 30 days for both driver’s license and vehicle registration change of address. Get “moving” and update your address as soon as possible.
1. Online
The most convenient and fastest way to update your address is through the online MyRMV portal. It will only take 5-10 minutes of your time and save you a visit to the local RMV office.
Although there’s an eligibility criterion you must fulfill before you hop over to the MyRMV portal:
- A resident of Massachusetts with a valid, unexpired passenger (Class D) driver’s license
- Valid social security number or foreign passport number
- Proof of citizenship or lawful presence
In short, you need to have an active MyRMV account to update your address online. You can visit MyRMV and make a profile. It will only take a couple of minutes if you have the required documents with you.
Don’t forget the vehicle registration. You can also change the address on it through the same portal.
Step by step procedure
- Visit Change your address with RMV.
- You will see all the available online service transactions. Click address change, provide the necessary information, and you are done.
- The procedure is the same for both the driver’s license and vehicle registration.
- You will neither be issued a new driver’s license nor requested to go through the driving test again. Once your application has been processed, grab a pen, and write down your address on the back of the driver’s license in the area provided.
- For vehicle registrations, you can paste an address label or a similar sticker to hide the old address and write the new one on it.
- If you want a replacement driver’s license or vehicle registration, you’ll have to pay $25 for it. Otherwise, the whole process is free of cost.
Documents/Information required for change of address:
- Current Massachusetts driver’s license/vehicle registration
- Proof of acceptable visa status, an I-94, and a current non-U.S. Passport.
- Social Security Number or foreign passport number
- Date of birth
- Email address
2. In person
Can’t get your head around the online address change method? You can just visit your local Massachusetts RMV service center and get your address changed immediately. Just fill an address change form, sign it, attach the documents, and you’re done.
Here are some of the major RMV service centers and their address in Massachusetts:
Attleboro
RMV Service Center
75 Park Street, Attleboro, MA 02703
Boston (Haymarket)
RMV Service Center
136 Blackstone St., Boston, MA 02109
Brockton
RMV Service Center
490 Forest Ave., Brockton, MA 02301
Find your local DMV field office
Due to COVID-19, RMV insists you complete your transactions online, by phone, or by mail. Appointment reservations are only available for certain in-person transactions only. The approximate processing time to get an appointment at a service center is 14 days. You will not be entertained without a reservation.
Step by step procedure
- Visit MyRMV and book a reservation.
- Got your date? Perfect. Head over to your nearest RMV service center.
- Fill the address change form and sign it.
- You will need your current driver’s license number and SSN.
- The same goes for vehicle registration.
3. By phone
Grab your phone and call (857) 368-8000 . An RMV representative will guide you through the process.
I’m moving from another State to Massachusetts: How to change my address with the Massachusetts RMV?
If you are moving from another state to Massachusetts, you need to obtain a new driver’s license. You need to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to Massachusetts within 30 days of the move. Don’t fret just yet; it’s really not that tedious to get a new license in Massachusetts.
You can start the application online, but you’ll have to visit an RMV service center in person later on. You have two options – a REAL ID driver’s license (valid for federal purposes) or Standard Massachusetts driver’s license (not valid for federal purposes).
Here’s the difference between the two:
(*Massachusetts Identification (ID) Requirements)
You can use the RMV’s Online Service Center to:
- Check your eligibility for completely processing a transaction online and avoid going to the RMV.
- See what documents are required.
- Complete the application online. At the end of the application, you will be able to download it along with the list of required documents.
Update my address in person with the RMV
Before you visit an RMV service center, make sure you have the out-of-state license, filled application, and required documents with you.
If you do not have your out-of-state license, you will need to provide:
- Acceptable photo ID from the list of acceptable documents
- Certified copy of Driving Record, not more than 30 days old
Visit this page for more details.
Step by step procedure
- Make a reservation online to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to Massachusetts.
- Complete the online application, answer a series of questions, and get a list of required documents. You can also download the Driver’s License, Learner’s Permit or ID Card Application and Registration and Title Application directly and fill it out with a pen.
- An MVU-29 (Affidavit in Support of a Claim for Exemption from Sales or Use Tax for a Motor Vehicle Purchased Outside of Massachusetts) form may also be required.
- Locate your nearest RMV service center and bring the application along with the document.
- You have to pay $115 for a Class D or Class M driver’s license conversion fee. $130 for a joint Class D and M Driver’s license.
- Your address will be updated in a few days.
You can also watch this video by MassDOT for further clarification.
Documents/Information required for change of address
- Current out-of-state title or registration
- Proof of lawful presence in the US (1 document)
- Social Security number
- Massachusetts residency (2 documents)
I’m moving from Massachusetts to another State: How to change my address with the Massachusetts RMV?
Are you leaving Massachusetts? You don’t need to bother with your driver’s license as Massachusetts RMV will cancel it when you obtain a new one from the state you’re moving to. Although, you are required to cancel your vehicle registration.
Just visit Mass.Gov/RMV and apply for the cancellation. If two owners of a vehicle are listed on the title/registration, you must fill an Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration.
Documents/Information required for cancellation:
- Vehicle registration (license plate) number
- Email address
- Driver’s license/permit/ID number or Social Security Number (SSN)
You can download the Registration Cancellation Receipt once the cancellation is complete. You do not have to return the license plates to the RMV when registration is canceled.
What are the documents required?
You need the following:
- Driver’s License, Learner’s Permit or ID Card Application
- Registration and Title Application
- Current Massachusetts driver’s license/vehicle registration
- Proof of acceptable visa status, an I-94, and a current non-U.S. Passport.
- Social Security Number or foreign passport number
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Current out-of-state title or registration
- Proof of lawful presence in the US (1 document)
- Massachusetts residency (2 documents)
Frequently asked questions about DMV change of address
When should I notify the Massachusetts RMV of my move?
You need to notify Massachusetts of your move in two cases:
- I’m moving within Massachusetts
- I’m moving from another State to Massachusetts
If you are moving to another state from Massachusetts, your Massachusetts driver’s license will be canceled as soon as you receive a new one from the state you’re moving to. Although, you have to cancel the vehicle registration online and get a Registration Cancellation Receipt once the cancellation is complete.
Do I need to take a driving test?
No, you do not need to take a driving test. You will get a new Massachusetts driver’s license once you transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to Massachusetts.
Will filling out an official U.S. postal service change of address form update my vehicle registration records?
No, filling out an official U.S. postal service change of address form will not update my vehicle registration records.
After moving to another state, do I need to return the license plates?
No, you can keep them with you.
Can I change my name and address on my driving licence at the same time?
You can change your address and name on the driving license at the same time by providing the required documents. Standard driver’s license or ID card, you may change your name with no documentation. Visit Change information on your driver’s license or ID card for more details.
