If you are new to Massachusetts, welcome! Among the many things that you must change over is your driver’s license. If you have a valid, non-expired, driver’s license from another state, then you will not need to re-take a road test. Here’s what you need to know about transferring out of state driver’s licenses to Massachusetts.
Consider a Real ID
REAL ID’s comply with federal government guidelines. You must provide certain documentation in order to meet the federal guidelines for a REAL ID. As of October 1, 2020, federal ID’s will be required for airline travel, even on domestic flights. Thus, you will need either a REAL ID or a passport to fly. Consider converting to a REAL ID when transferring out of state driver’s licenses to Massachusetts.
Fill Out Paperwork Ahead of Time
To save time, you can fill and print out the application ahead of time. It is available online at the RMV website. Unfortunately, you will not be able to complete the entire process online since you must surrender your out-of-state license to the RMV during the transfer process. Bring the filled and printed form along with other necessary documents to a local RMV Service Center.
Acceptable Forms of Identification
To obtain a license in the state of Massachusetts, you must prove three things: social security number, lawful presence, and state residency.
For social security number, you may provide any documentation that contains the number. This includes:
- Original and Unaltered (non-laminated) Social Security Card
- W-2 Form from Employer
- Pay Stub from a US Employer
- SSA-1099 or Non-SSA-1099 Form
You must prove that you are in this country legally. Citizenship, residency, and official travel documents are acceptable. Here are a few examples:
- Permanent Resident Card
- Valid US Passport
- Certified Copy of a US Birth Certificate
- Naturalization Certificate
- Certificate of Citizenship
Lastly, to confirm that you are residing in the state, you must bring in a recent bill addressed to your Massachusetts residence. Some examples are:
- RMV Issues Documents
- Official State or Federal Documents
- Recent Utility, Medical, or Credit Card Bill
- Mortgage or Lease Paperwork
- Financial Documents (Bank Statements, Retirement Account Statements, etc.)
- School Documents (Tuition Bill, School Records, etc.)
- Insurance Documents
For a complete list of all documents acceptable for each of these requirements, visit the RMV website. Remember to bring originals for all documents. Some official documents must be certified with a seal or special stamp in order to be valid. Photocopies are often not accepted.
Transferring Out of State Driver’s Licenses to Massachusetts
Now that you know what you need for transferring out of state driver’s licenses to Massachusetts, you can avoid potential issues at the RMV. All Massachusetts driver’s licenses are valid for 5 years (unless your lawful residency period is shorter). The fee to transfer your license is $115 to $130, depending on the type of license. Be sure to bring a personal check to cover this fee. For additional information on Massachusetts driver’s licenses, visit the RMV website. It is filled with all sorts of helpful information about license applications, transfers, and renewals.