How to Transfer Your Driver’s License to Massachusetts: A Complete Guide

Massachusetts, commonly known as the Bay State, is a popular destination for those seeking adventure or looking to settle down. Its top-notch schools, intense sports culture, and rich history make it a particularly appealing location to live.

If you’re thinking of moving, you’ll need to complete some paperwork first. If you’ve established your residency in the state and hold a driver’s license from another state, you must transfer it to a valid Massachusetts driver’s license.

How to Transfer Your Driver’s License to Massachusetts

Decide Which Type of License You Want

Real ID: It is a legal form of government identification that bears a star and can be used to fly within the United States or enter federal buildings. To obtain one, you must apply in person at an RMV Center.

Standard driver’s license/ID: It is NOT a valid form of federal identification, but it can be obtained online. It can be used to prove citizenship or lawful presence in the United States, but it cannot be used to board a plane or visit federal buildings after May 3, 2033.

Schedule an Appointment

First things first, you must schedule an appointment with your local Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles to transfer your license as a new resident. You can schedule your appointment here.

Additionally, to save you time, you can complete the application online and print it before visiting your local RMV Service Center. You can find the closest RMV on this map.

What Documents Do You Need?

You should have all the necessary documents ready ahead of time. This will save you time at the RMV and ensure that your license transfer goes as smoothly as possible. Make sure you locate and prepare one of the documents in each of the following categories:

Application for a Driver’s License, Learner’s Permit, or ID Card (Form LIC100)

● Real ID

● Standard ID

Proof of Identity

● U.S. Passport

● Certified Copy of your U.S. Birth Certificate

● Certificate of Citizenship (Forms N-560 or N-561)

Proof of your MA residency

● An RMV Issued Document

● Lease or Mortgage Documents (No older than 60 days)

● Federal, State, or Municipal-issued Documents

● A Medical Statement, Credit Card Statement, or Utility Bill (No older than 60 days)

Proof of Social Security

● Social Security Card

● W-2 Form

A Valid Out-of-State Driver License

Any Driver License Fees

Requirements and Tests When Transferring Your License to Massachusetts

If your out-of-state license has been expired for more than a year, you will be required to take written and road tests, as well as an eye exam at the time of your application.

If you’re younger than 18, you must either provide a driver’s education certificate or complete driver’s education in Massachusetts.

Even if you aren’t required to take any knowledge exams, we recommend that you learn the specific traffic laws for your new state as it will save you a lot of headaches (and maybe even tickets) in the future. Our state-of-the-art courses will help you quickly learn everything you need to know about driving in your new state. Whether you’re studying for an upcoming exam, or if you just want to refresh your knowledge, Zutobi is the best choice.

In case you don’t have your out-of-state license to turn in to the RMV, you must submit the following documentation instead:

● Acceptable photo ID

● A certified copy of your driving record (no older than 30 days)

Furthermore, if new to the US, you must have a valid immigration status for at least one year to complete the process. If you have been in the United States for less than a year, you are ineligible to transfer your driver license to Massachusetts.

Receive Your Temporary License

If everything goes as planned and the Registry of Motor Vehicles approves your documentation and fees, you will be able to obtain your new license. To begin, you will be given a provisional license document while the Registry creates your new card with all the necessary information. This temporary document is legal and can be used to drive around Massachusetts or as an identity credential.