Home to diverse historic, cultural and natural attractions, Massachusetts in the New England region of America is known to be one of the most popular states in the country. You will find that the city of Boston is flourishing in biotechnology, IT and education which is why tourists from all over the world stop by to visit this metropolitan area. If all of this has attracted you to the state, you definitely have to think about all the important formalities you’ll have to deal with if you’re thinking of moving here.
One of the most important things that you’ll have to deal with while making your moving checklist is getting your driver’s license and vehicle registration updated. We want to remind you that this process has to be completed in a certain amount of time as you have to update your documents to get all the formalities done. Not sure how to do it? Let us take you through this process in a simple yet detailed manner. So keep reading to find out all the information you need to know.
Obtaining A Driver’s License When Moving to Massachusetts From Another State
Before you become a resident of Massachusetts, you need to take care of all of the DMV paperwork. You will need to get your Massachusetts DMV change of address on your driving license and also get your vehicle registered way before you establish your residency. There is absolutely no time to waste as you have only 30 days to file the paperwork for your change of address. Getting this done over a call or online is not an option as you’ll have to go to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles in-person. Having said that, your application can definitely be started online. Here’s all the information you need to know:
1. Apply For A Change Of Address (Getting A New License)
Making your moving checklist will definitely help you to avoid any unnecessary stress or last minute paperwork. As you know, the state allotts you only 30 days to finish all the formalities, you definitely don’t want to waste any of your precious time. Remember that you will have to visit the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles in-person to apply for your new driver’s license.
Make sure you carry all the required documents given below:
- Your current out of state driver’s license.
- Proof of Identification (US Passport or Birth Certificate will work)
- Social Security Number Proof (Remember to carry your Social Security Card)
- Proof of Massachusetts Residency
- Completed Massachusetts Driver’s License Application
You can get a driver’s license in Massachusetts only if you don’t have any outstanding suspensions, revocations/cancellations on your out of state driver’s license or if the MA RMV or an outside court consider you unfit for driving.
Also Read: Moving To Massachusetts – Relocation Guide | How Much Does it Cost to Move Out of State?
Good to know: You have an option between a REAL ID driver’s license which is valid for federal purposes, or a Standard Massachusetts driver’s license which is not valid for federal purposes. To know more about this, go ahead and check the state’s official website.
As long as you have your current valid out of state driving license, you will not be asked for a driving test. You will have to pass your vision test and also be prepared to give all the tests if your out of state license is expired. Another important thing is your fee to convert your out of state driver’s license to Massachusetts, which will cost you between $115 to $140 depending on your type of license. The basic fee for a road test will cost you around $35 and a class D license will cost you around $50. To know more about the fee structure, go ahead and check the state’s official website.
Note: If at all your name on your ID Proof does not match your name on your driver’s license, you have to carry your proof of name change.
2. Register Your Vehicle In Massachusetts
Once you’ve got your driver’s license, the next step is to get your vehicle registered with the Massachusetts RMV. An important thing to remember is that the state wants you to register your vehicle immediately after becoming a resident. In order to register your vehicle, you will need to go to the MA RMV office in-person.
Make sure that you have the following documents when you go to update your vehicle’s registration at the MA RMV office:
- Your Registration or current Out of State Title.
- Completed Registration and Title Application form.
- Proof of Insurance
- Emission Test
Do you need proof of insurance to register a car in Massachusetts?
Yes, proof of insurance is mandatory in order to register your car as you won’t be allowed to drive it until you get one. That’s not all, you have only 10 days in your hand from the time of purchase in order to register your vehicle in Massachusetts.
Can you update your Massachusetts DMV change of address online?
Yes you can update your Massachusetts DMV change of address online by visiting the MA RMV website. You will need the following things:
- Last four digits of your SSN (Social Security Number)
- Complete new address
- Email id
Consider your change of address successful once you receive a confirmation through an email and a text message.
Can you drive with a foreign driver’s license in Massachusetts?
Yes you can drive using a foreign driver’s license in Massachusetts but only for one year. The state requires you to be at least 18 years of age and you’re allowed to drive only that vehicle type which is covered by your license. However, if you’re planning to be a resident in the state, you will need to get done with your Massachusetts RMV change of address within a span of 30 days.
Obtaining A Driver’s License While Moving Within Massachusetts
If you want to update your driver’s license while moving within Massachusetts, you have 30 days in your hand. We advise you to keep this as one of your priority tasks in your moving checklist. This is to avoid any kind of unnecessary delays or tensions at the last minute.
Luckily, you have 3 ways through which you can update your address on your driver’s license and complete your vehicle registration. One way is to avail the online service provided by Massachusetts’s RMV. The second option available for you is visiting the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles office in person. You can also ring the RMV for a change of address over the phone. Go ahead with whatever is convenient for you.
1. Online
When you are moving to a new place within the state, you already have a lot of things to take care of on your moving checklist. That’s when the online service can be really convenient for you as you won’t have to travel for any formalities. All you have to do is fill out the form on the state’s official website.
To get the address on your driver’s license updated:
You will have to fill the Change of Address form that’s available on Massachusetts RMV official website. There will not be any fees if you want to update your address with the RMV for moving within the state. However, if you want to replace your driver’s license with your new address, you will have to pay around $25.
Make sure you have these documents ready, as you will need them to change your address on your Massachusetts driver’s license:
- Your current Massachusetts driver’s license.
- Last four digits of your SSN (Social Security Number)
- Foreign Passport Number
- Change of Address form
To update your registration:
Just like the time period for updating your driver’s license, you get 30 days to get your address changed on your vehicle registration after you move within Massachusetts. According to your convenience, you can choose to complete this process online or in-person at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles office. Keep the following documents ready for updating for vehicle registration:
- Current Massachusetts driver’s license.
- Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Your license plate number
- Social Security Number (SSN)
You will be charged around $25 as your Vehicle Amendment fee when you update your address on your vehicle registration.
How long does it take to get a Massachusetts driver’s license in the mail?
It will take around 4 weeks for an email with your permanent license. In case of any delay, you can contact the RMV Contact Center.
2. In Person
Now, online services can seem a little uncomfortable and less reliable to some. If you’re one of those people, you can still do it the old fashioned way. If you’re not comfortable with the online service, you can always visit the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles office in-person and fill the Change of Address form.
3. Over a Call
Calling is another option available for you if you don’t want to travel to the office or avail the online services. All you have to do is call the Massachusetts DMV office and inform them about your change in address. Go ahead and contact them on:
- 800-858-3926 (Only for Springfield)
- 857-368-8000 (Only for Watertown)
- 800-858-3926 (Only for Quincy)
See also: Top-Rated Local Moving Companies
When You’re Moving Out Of Massachusetts
We advise you to make a moving checklist so that you can prioritize your immediate tasks that need to be taken care of immediately like getting your driver’s license and registering your vehicle. Moving can get really stressful as you have to take care of so many things at the same time. That’s why it’s better if you notify the Massachusetts DMV before you move out of the state with your registered vehicle. That way when you get a new driver’s license in your new state, Massachusetts will automatically cancel your license in MA.
Useful: Best Out of State Movers in the U.S.
Note: The state doesn’t make it mandatory for you to return your license plates. Have you thought about what you can do with them? Instead of throwing them away, you can always recycle them at any local recycle center.
How To Contact The Massachusetts DMV?
- Massachusetts Department of Licensing: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-professional-licensure
- Phone: 617-701-8600/617-727-2099
- Operational Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
Conclusion
Keeping your documents updated is always a good thing as it will avoid any kind of unnecessary stress and reduce the burden on your shoulders, especially if you’re planning to move. You may not realize but these important documents such as your driving license will come to your rescue when you least expect it. So why wait till the last minute? The Massachusetts DMV provides you various services to help you update your driver’s license and vehicle registration. Choose the method convenient to you and rest assured one of the important things on your moving checklist is already done!
