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Massachusetts driver's license

Get your first license in Massachusetts after moving to the US.

The short answer

A Massachusetts driver's license requires a learner's permit of the proper class and a passing road test with an RMV examiner.1, 2 The Class D license fee is $50.3 Your road test sponsor must be at least 21 years old, with a year of driving experience and a license from a US state or territory.4 If you fail the permit exam, you can book another appointment at an RMV Service Center.5 A license can be issued to end on the same date as your authorized stay in the United States.6

How it goes

  1. 1
    You arriveYou have moved to Massachusetts and you want to drive here.
  2. 2
    Your permitYou practice on the road with a learner permit.
  3. 3
    The written testYou take the written test.
  4. 4
    Behind the wheelYou take the drive test behind the wheel.
  5. 5
    Your licenseYou pass the tests, and the license is yours.

What it costs

A first Class D license, the standard car license3$50.00

If you just arrived in the US

Your immigration status

A Massachusetts resident who is lawfully present in the United States for at least 12 months may be issued a REAL ID-compliant license for a term shorter than 60 months, ending on the same date as their authorized stay.6

  • You can apply for a limited-term REAL ID driver's license or REAL ID Mass ID that is effective for the length of your stay.7

If your license from another state has expired

If it has been expired for more than 1 year, you must pass a full test (written and road) and an eye test. If it is active or expired for less than 1 year, no written or road test is required.8

Documents you need

  • Documents that are still validAn Option A identity document may be unexpired, or expired for less than 36 months.9
    • Option B identity documents must be valid and unexpired.10

Your Social Security Number

Giving your number, and who may see it

The SSN requirement applies to every permit, license or ID application, including a replacement or renewal; the Registry validates the number you give against Social Security Administration records.11

Tests you take

Eye test

Instead of the registry's own vision test, unless a regulation requires otherwise, you may hand in a vision screening certificate signed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist showing you meet the minimum vision standards. An electronic signature on the certificate is accepted.12

  • Wear your contact lenses or glasses for the vision screening when you normally wear them to see at a distance.13

  • An applicant who fails, declines or cannot take the vision screening may hand in an original RMV Vision Screening Certificate (VSC) completed by their ophthalmologist or optometrist; the RMV may accept it instead of the screening. The form can be downloaded from Mass.Gov/RMV or picked up at many eye-care providers.14

Drive test

If your out-of-state license has been expired for more than 1 year, you must pass a full test (written and road) and an eye test. If it is active or expired for less than 1 year, no written or road test is required.8

  • When you convert a license from Canada, Mexico, or a U.S. territory, you take a written and road test only if your license expired more than 1 year ago.15

  • You must take and pass a Class D road test to get your driver's license.1

  • Bring to the road test: a completed road test application, your learner's permit, a qualified sponsor, and an acceptable, properly equipped and legally registered vehicle.16

  • Yes. Before any license is issued, you must pass a driving or skills test as prescribed by the Registrar.17

  • Bring your valid learner's permit to the road test. The official paper permit must be legible, or you will need a duplicate permit.18

  • The road test is taken with an RMV examiner; whether it is a first license or a conversion that needs a road test, you must hold a learner's permit of the proper class to schedule it.2

Tries you get on the written test

If you failed the permit exam, you can make another appointment to take it again at an RMV Service Center.5

Practice questions for the written test

Study the Class D driver's manual, published at https://www.mass.gov/lists/drivers-manuals, to prepare for the exam.19

  • Study the RMV Driver's Manual; it is published as a fully accessible PDF at Mass.Gov/RMV, in English and 15 other languages online.20

Using an interpreter

The RMV's lists of accepted identity and residency documents are offered in multiple languages.21

  • The documents on the RMV identification requirements page are available in multiple languages.22

  • Call the RMV Contact Center at 857-368-8000 (from the 339/617/781/857 area codes or from outside Massachusetts) or 800-858-3926 (other Massachusetts area codes), Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit Mass.Gov/AsktheRMV. Deaf and hard of hearing callers use 877-RMV-TTDD (1-877-768-8833).23

Practising with your permit

Who can sit with you while you practise

The driver with you must be licensed by their state of residence, be 21 or older, have at least one year of driving experience, and sit in the seat beside you.24

  • The licensed driver who accompanies a learner's permit holder is legally responsible for any violation of the motor vehicle laws or regulations that the permit holder commits.25

What to bring to the drive test

Who comes with you

The driving school's sponsor who rides with you must hold a valid professional driving instructor certificate and a driver's license. Copies are not accepted.26

  • Your road test sponsor must be 21 or older, have at least one year of driving experience, and hold a valid license issued by a U.S. state or U.S. territory. A foreign license is not acceptable.4

  • The sponsor must have their valid driver's license with them for the Road Test Examiner to review; an electronic image of a license is not acceptable.27

  • You must bring a qualified sponsor to the road test.28

The car and its insurance

The vehicle is inspected before the test. It must be in good working condition and pass a safety check, have a valid registration and current inspection sticker, have a seat next to the driver for the examiner and a rear seat for the sponsor, and let the examiner make an emergency stop with the parking brake (no center console without a parking brake, nothing blocking the examiner's reach to it).29

  • If the vehicle is registered in another state, show the examiner proof of insurance equal to Massachusetts' minimum limits: $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $30,000 for property damage. A policy or a certificate that lists the coverage limits counts as proof.30

  • A driving school's test vehicle must carry all the signage required by 540 CMR 23.05, identifying markers, a valid registration and a valid inspection sticker. Without them the exam is cancelled and the Alternative Program fees are not refunded.31

  • Take the test in a motor vehicle representative of the type you drive or expect to drive.32

  • You bring your own vehicle for a Class D road test (a motorcycle for a Class M test), and it must meet the RMV's requirements. An applicant required to use an ignition interlock device or adaptive equipment must take the test in a vehicle with that equipment installed.33

  • The Class D test vehicle must be safe, in good working order, properly inspected and registered (show the registration to the examiner), with seating for the examiner beside you and the sponsor behind you, and a working parking brake the examiner can reach for an emergency stop; a vehicle the examiner believes unsafe cancels the test.34

  • The examiner decides whether the parking brake is reachable in an emergency; bring a vehicle with a centrally located parking brake, or take the vehicle to the test location on the business day before to ask. Some larger vehicles such as minivans may be rejected, and if the test is stopped only because the examiner could not reach the brake, no fee is charged.35

  • The parking brake must work properly, and the examiner tests it before the road test under 540 CMR 4.04(4); a driving school's vehicle must also have a second foot brake for the instructor or examiner and proper signage.36

  • A vehicle on a dealer plate can be used only if you prove to the examiner you are the dealer, the dealer's spouse or a salesperson at the dealership; a farm-plated vehicle only if you prove you are a family member or employee of the farmer, and it must be a pickup with an acceptable rear seat rather than a passenger vehicle; a repair-plated vehicle is never allowed.37

Where to go

Who gives the tests

An RMV examiner gives and grades the road test, including a test booked by a driving school; the examiner files the road test application with the RMV.38

  • The driving or skills test is given by a Registry employee, an agent the Registrar designates, or a third party the Registrar has authorized.39

  • An RMV examiner gives the road test.40

Booking an appointment

Massachusetts takes RMV Service Center appointments online at https://atlas-myrmv.massdot.state.ma.us/myrmv/?Link=Appointment.41

  • Schedule an in-person visit to an RMV Service Center or a AAA branch (if you are a member) at https://atlas-myrmv.massdot.state.ma.us/myrmv/?Link=Appointment.42

Office locations

RMV and AAA locations are listed at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-registry-of-motor-vehicles/locations.43

  • The RMV Service Centers where you submit your documents are listed at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-registry-of-motor-vehicles/locations.44

Other states

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D

F

G

H

I

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M

N

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W

Sources

Every numbered fact above is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.

  1. 1

    “Next steps Obtaining a Class D driver's license After you get a Class D learner’s permit, you must take and pass a Class D road test to get your driver’s license.”

    mass.gov/…/apply-for-a-passenger-class-d-learners-permit

    Checked August 29, 2026

  2. 2

    “Taking the Road Test The next step toward earning your Massachusetts driver's license is taking a road test with an RMV examiner. Whether you are applying for your first license or completing a license conversion that requires a road test, you must have a learner's permit of the proper class to schedule a test.”

    mass.gov/doc/english-drivers-manual/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  3. 3

    “License issue/renew fee - Class D - $50.00 License issue/renew fee - Class M - $50.00 The RMV charges a driver's license fee so it can issue a tamperresistant, Class D or Class M license.”

    mass.gov/doc/english-drivers-manual/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  4. 4

    “A sponsor (Class D only; Class M road tests do not require a sponsor).  Your sponsor must: (a) be 21 years of age or older; (b) have at least one year of driving experience; and (c) hold a valid license issued by any U.S. state or U.S. territory; foreign licenses are not acceptable.”

    mass.gov/…/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  5. 5

    “If you took the exam and failed, you can make another appointment to take the permit exam at an RMV Service Center.”

    mass.gov/guides/first-time-driver-start-here

    Checked August 29, 2026

  6. 6

    “The registrar may issue a REAL ID-compliant license for a term of less than 60 months to a resident of the commonwealth who is lawfully present in the United States for a period of at least 12 months; provided, however, that the expiration date of any such license shall be coterminous with the expiration date of the licensee's authorized stay in the United States, as evidenced by acceptable documents or information provided to the registrar.”

    web.archive.org/…/Section8

    Checked August 29, 2026

  7. 7

    “## Information for non-U.S. citizens and permanent residents Non-U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply for a limited-term REAL ID driver’s license or REAL ID Mass ID that will be effective for the length of their stay. These can **not** be renewed online. To be eligible, you must present immigration documents and proof that you have been granted a legal stay in the United States for **at least 12 months**.”

    mass.gov/info-details/real-id-in-massachusetts

    Checked August 29, 2026

  8. 8

    “More info If you do not have your out-of-state license to turn-in to the RMV, 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 If your license has been expired more than 1 year, a full test (written and road) and an eye test will be required. If your license is active or is expired for less than 1 year, a written and road test is not required.”

    mass.gov/…/transfer-your-real-or-standard-out-of-state-drivers-or-motorcycle-license-to-massachusetts

    Checked August 29, 2026

  9. 9

    “Option A: Select only ONE document from the documents listed in this box to fulfill this requirement. Check One All documents for Option A must be either unexpired or expired for less than 36 months.”

    mass.gov/…/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  10. 10

    “Option B: Select TWO documents, ONE from each column below to fulfill this requirement. All documents for Option B must be valid and unexpired.”

    mass.gov/…/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  11. 11

    “Social Security Numbers and License Numbers You must meet the Social Security Number (SSN) requirement to apply for any permit, license, or ID, including a replacement or a renewal. When you submit an application, the Registry will attempt to validate the SSN you provide against computer records at the Social Security Administration (SSA).”

    mass.gov/doc/english-drivers-manual/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  12. 12

    “provided, however, that except as required by the registrar by regulation, an applicant may provide a vision screening certificate, signed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, to demonstrate compliance with the minimum visual standards to obtain and hold a license. The vision screening certificate shall not be deemed invalid by the registrar solely because it contains an electronic signature.”

    web.archive.org/…/Section8

    Checked August 29, 2026

  13. 13

    “You will be screened for visual acuity, color vision, and peripheral vision. If you normally wear contact lenses or corrective lenses to see at a distance, then you must wear them during the vision screening examination.”

    mass.gov/doc/english-drivers-manual/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  14. 14

    “If you fail the vision screening examination, decline to take the examination, or are unable to take the vision screening examination, you may submit an original RMV Vision Screening Certificate (VSC) that your ophthalmologist or optometrist has completed. The RMV may accept this Vision Screening Certificate in lieu of the vision screening examination to demonstrate compliance with the minimum vision standards to obtain a driver's license. You can download the Vision Screening Certificate from the RMV's website (Mass .Gov/RMV) or pick up a copy at many eye-care providers .”

    mass.gov/doc/english-drivers-manual/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  15. 15

    “Canada, Mexico, or the U.S. Territories You may convert a license from one of these countries or territories if you: Provide a certified driving record (not more than 30 days old) from the country or territory. Take and pass an eye test. Take a written and road test if your license expired more than 1 year ago.”

    mass.gov/…/information-for-converting-certain-foreign-drivers-licenses

    Checked August 29, 2026

  16. 16

    “Be prepared for your road test When you take your road test, you will need to bring the following: A completed road test application If you are under age 18, your parent or guardian must complete the parental consent section on the application Your learner's permit. A qualified sponsor Note: A sponsor is not required for a motorcycle road test. An acceptable, properly equipped, and legally registered vehicle to use for your test”

    mass.gov/how-to/schedule-your-road-test

    Checked August 29, 2026

  17. 17

    “(k) Written and Road Tests Required (formerly 3c). Prior to the issuance of any license, an applicant must pass both a knowledge test and a driving or skills test as prescribed by the Registrar, and must satisfy the Registry’s medical qualification standards as set forth in 540 CMR 24.00: Medical Qualifications for Operators of Motor Vehicles, in a manner acceptable to the Registrar.”

    mass.gov/…/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  18. 18

    “A valid learner’s permit. The official paper permit must be legible, or a duplicate permit will be required.”

    mass.gov/…/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  19. 19

    “Study the [Class D driver's manual](https://www.mass.gov/lists/drivers-manuals) to prepare for the exam.”

    mass.gov/…/apply-for-a-passenger-class-d-learners-permit

    Checked August 29, 2026

  20. 20

    “One way to stay connected is to look for updates in this manual online. We are proud to offer the Driver's Manual as a fully accessible PDF on our website, Mass.Gov/RMV. In addition to English, the manual is currently available online in 15 languages.”

    mass.gov/doc/english-drivers-manual/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  21. 21

    “(g) Proof of Identity and Residency. An applicant for a Driver's (Operator's) License, Learner's Permit, Identification Card or Liquor Purchase Identification Card shall submit documentary proof of the applicant's identity and residency satisfactory to the Registrar. As a part of 540 CMR 2.00, the Registrar has established lists of documents the RMV may accept to prove aspects of identity and residency, and reserves the right to amend these lists from time to time. The lists can be found on the RMV website and in the Driver's Manual that is current at the time of application. Lists displayed on the website shall be considered the most recent in the event of a disparity between the Driver's Manual and the website, and shall be offered in multiple languages. Such lists include, but are not limited to the following:”

    mass.gov/…/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  22. 22

    “To get a license or ID card from the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), you need to provide the registry with certain identification documents, which vary depending on which credential you want. All documents on this page are available in multiple languages.”

    mass.gov/…/massachusetts-identification-id-requirements

    Checked August 29, 2026

  23. 23

    “Questions? RMV Contact Center: 857-368-8000 (from the 339/617/781/857 MA area codes or from outside of MA) 800-858-3926 (from all other MA area codes) The deaf and hard of hearing can call toll free at 877-RMV-TTDD (1-877-768-8833) . Contact Center Hours: Monday–Friday 9 a .m .–5 p .m . Or visit: Mass .Gov/AsktheRMV”

    mass.gov/doc/english-drivers-manual/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  24. 24

    “a learner's permit which shall entitle him, while having such permit in his immediate possession, to drive a motor vehicle upon any way when accompanied by an operator, duly licensed by his state of residence, who is 21 years of age or over, who has had at least one year of driving experience, and who is occupying a seat beside the driver”

    web.archive.org/…/Section8B

    Checked August 29, 2026

  25. 25

    “Such licensed operator shall be liable for the violation of any provision of this chapter, or of any regulation made in accordance herewith, committed by such persons with a learner's permit; provided, however, that an examiner in the employ of the registrar, when engaged in his official duty, shall not be liable for the acts of any person who is being examined by said examiner.”

    web.archive.org/…/Section8B

    Checked August 29, 2026

  26. 26

    “During an Alternative Program Test; vehicles and sponsors provided by Professional Driving Schools are subject to all RMV rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. The Professional Driving School must have a valid Professional Driving Instructor Certificate and driver's license. Copies will not be accepted.”

    mass.gov/info-details/professional-driving-schools

    Checked August 29, 2026

  27. 27

    “The sponsor’s valid driver’s license available for the Road Test Examiner to review; an electronic image of a license is not acceptable.”

    mass.gov/…/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  28. 28

    “Your learner's permit. A qualified sponsor Note: A sponsor is not required for a motorcycle road test.”

    mass.gov/how-to/schedule-your-road-test

    Checked August 29, 2026

  29. 29

    “Vehicles used for a Class D or M road test must meet the following requirements and will be inspected before your test. This includes vehicles with an ignition interlock device, and vehicles with adaptive equipment for a competency test. Be in good working condition and be able to pass a safety check. Have a valid registration and current inspection sticker. Contain adequate seating accommodations next to the operator for the use of the examiner and have a rear seat behind the driver for the sponsor. Be designed to let the examiner make an emergency stop using the parking brake. If not, the vehicle CANNOT be used for the road test, you will not be charged for the road test. Any vehicle with a center console that does not have a parking brake as part of the console CANNOT be used. Any vehicle that does not allow the examiner unobstructed access to the parking brake CANNOT be used.”

    mass.gov/how-to/schedule-your-road-test

    Checked August 29, 2026

  30. 30

    “If the vehicle is registered out of state, the customer will have to show the examiner proof of insurance coverage equal to Massachusetts’ minimum limits, which are $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $30,000 for property damage. A policy or a certificate that lists limits of coverage serves as proof of the vehicle's insurance.”

    mass.gov/how-to/schedule-your-road-test

    Checked August 29, 2026

  31. 31

    “Additionally, the vehicle must have all required signage as outlined in 540CMR23.05, identifying markers, valid registration and valid inspection sticker. Failure to provide said requirements will result in exam cancelation and non-refundable Alternative Program convenience fees paid.”

    mass.gov/info-details/professional-driving-schools

    Checked August 29, 2026

  32. 32

    “(l) Road Test Vehicle (formerly 3d). The driving or skills test must be taken in a motor vehicle representative of the type of motor vehicle which the driver operates or expects to operate.”

    mass.gov/…/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  33. 33

    “Vehicle Requirements for Road Tests All applicants must bring a vehicle for a Class D Road Test, or a motorcycle for a Class M Road Test, that meets the RMV’s requirements. Applicants required to use an Ignition Interlock Device, or to operate with adaptive equipment, must take the road test in a vehicle with the required equipment installed.”

    mass.gov/…/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  34. 34

    “In general, the vehicle you use for your Class D road test should be safe and in good working order. You must show your vehicle registration to the examiner and the vehicle must be properly inspected. Your test will be canceled if the examiner believes your vehicle is unsafe. In addition to being safe, your vehicle must have these features: • Adequate seating so that the examiner may sit next to you and your sponsor may sit in the rear seat behind the driver. You may not use a vehicle that does not have a seat for your sponsor. Sponsors may not sit in the bed of a two passenger pickup truck. • An accessible parking brake so the examiner can make an emergency stop. The parking brake can be manual or electric (push or pull button).”

    mass.gov/doc/english-drivers-manual/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  35. 35

    “It is up to the individual examiner to determine if the parking brake would be accessible to them in an emergency. To help ensure that brake access will not be a problem, you should bring a vehicle to the test that has a centrally located parking brake. If you have any questions about whether a vehicle is acceptable, you should take it to the scheduled road test location on the business day prior to the scheduled test. If you are prevented from taking the road test only because the examiner determined that they could not access the braking system, you will not be charged a fee for that scheduled test.”

    mass.gov/doc/english-drivers-manual/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  36. 36

    “Driving instruction vehicles must have a second foot brake for instructors or examiners and must display proper signage. Parking brakes must work properly and will be tested by the examiner before the road test. Massachusetts regulation 540 CMR 4.04 (4)”

    mass.gov/doc/english-drivers-manual/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  37. 37

    “Road Test Policy for Vehicles with Dealer, Farm, and Repair Plates You cannot take a road test in a passenger vehicle that is registered with a "dealer" plate unless you can prove, to the satisfaction of the examiner, that you are the dealer, or spouse of the dealer, or a salesperson who works at the dealership. A vehicle with a farm plate can be used, if acceptable to the examiner, but only if the applicant can prove, to the satisfaction of the examiner, that the applicant is a member of the family or an employee of the farmer. If displaying a farm plate, the vehicle cannot be a passenger vehicle, but may be a pickup truck with an acceptable rear seat for a sponsor. You will not be allowed to take a road test in a vehicle with a repair plate.”

    mass.gov/doc/english-drivers-manual/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  38. 38

    “When the tests are completed, the RMV Examiner will file the Road Test applications with the RMV and grade the exams appropriately.”

    mass.gov/info-details/professional-driving-schools

    Checked August 29, 2026

  39. 39

    “(m) Authorized Test Administrative (formerly 3e). The knowledge and driving or skills tests may be administered by a Registry employee or agent designated by the Registrar to administer such tests or by a third-party whom the Registrar has authorized to administer such tests; provided that an independent third party contractor may not give the CDL Knowledge Tests.”

    mass.gov/…/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  40. 40

    “The next step toward earning your Massachusetts driver's license is taking a road test with an RMV examiner.”

    mass.gov/doc/english-drivers-manual/download

    Checked August 29, 2026

  41. 41

    “3. [Make an appointment to visit a Service Center](https://atlas-myrmv.massdot.state.ma.us/myrmv/?Link=Appointment) or [AAA location](https://branches.northeast.aaa.com/?meetwithanagent&dl=appointments&zip=02301&devicecd=PC) (if you're a member).”

    mass.gov/…/apply-for-a-passenger-class-d-learners-permit

    Checked August 29, 2026

  42. 42

    “### **3. Schedule an appointment to complete the process** * [Schedule an in-person appointment](https://atlas-myrmv.massdot.state.ma.us/myrmv/?Link=Appointment) to verify your documents at an RMV Service Center or [AAA branch](https://branches.northeast.aaa.com/?meetwithanagent&dl=appointments) (if you're a member). You can also [find or cancel an existing appointment](https://rmvmassdotappt.cxmflow.com/Appointment/Index/6a253ff0-050c-4f4d-b584-4a70e3c7a90e). * If a customer walks in to a Service Center without an appointment and can't be helped immediately, a staffer will see if another time slot is available later in the day or over the next several days. If you made an appointment you no longer need, please cancel so the appointment can be filled by another customer.”

    mass.gov/info-details/real-id-in-massachusetts

    Checked August 29, 2026

  43. 43

    “## Locations [RMV and AAA Locations](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-registry-of-motor-vehicles/locations)”

    mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-registry-of-motor-vehicles

    Checked August 29, 2026

  44. 44

    “You must submit the following to a [RMV Service Center:](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-registry-of-motor-vehicles/locations)”

    mass.gov/info-details/foreign-drivers-licenses

    Checked August 29, 2026

Applying for a driver's license in Massachusetts?

Answer a few questions and see the steps that apply to you.

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