Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
CHAPTER 1
Obtaining
Your License
Out-of-State/Country Residents
A U.S. resident living outside Massachusetts may drive in the Commonwealth using a valid
out-of-state driver's license. This rule applies both to visitors and to out-of-state residents
who work in Massachusetts.
If you are a visitor from another country, you may drive private passenger vehicles in
Massachusetts for up to one year from your date of arrival in the United States provided you
have a valid driver's license issued by your home country and your country is recognized
under one of the conventions listed in Appendix A or the Registrar has specifically granted
driving privileges to residents of your country as detailed in Appendix A. An International
Driver's Permit is not required, but the permit may help provide an English translation of your
foreign license. The International Drivers Permit is not a drivers license.
You must have your valid out-of-state or foreign driver's license in your possession when
driving in Massachusetts.
Once you have established residence in Massachusetts, you must
obtain a Massachusetts driver's license to retain your driving
privileges. There is no grace period. For the procedure for converting your outof-state or foreign license, see the Converting Your License section.
If you are returning from active duty outside the United States and have a driver's
license issued by a branch of the Armed Forces based in another country, you may
drive with that license in Massachusetts for up to 45 days.
If you have a Massachusetts driver's license that expired during your active service, you
may use that license to operate a motor vehicle for up to 60 days after your honorable
discharge from military service. If you choose to exercise this option, you must carry
your expired license and proof of your discharge with you when you drive.
RMV Phone 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 hearing impaired can call toll free at 877-RMV-TTDD (1-877-768-8833).
Phone Center Hours: MondayFriday 9 a.m.5 p.m.
Internet Address: www.massrmv.com
Age Requirement
No person under the age of 16 may drive in Massachusetts. This is true even if you have a
driver's license (or learner's permit) issued in a state or U.S. territory or another country that
allows operation of a motor vehicle by a person less than 16 years of age.
To apply for a Class D (passenger vehicle) or a Class M (motorcycle) learner's permit,
you must be at least 16.
You can obtain a learner's permit at age 16, but you may not receive a Class D or a
Class M driver's license until you are at least 16 1/2 and have had your permit in good
standing for six consecutive months and have completed a driver education training
program approved by the Registrar.
Note: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a Commercial Driver's License (Class A, B, or C).
Parental Consent
Customers applying for permits, licenses, or identification cards who are under age 18
(minors) must obtain written consent from a parent, a legal guardian, a social worker, or a
boarding school headmaster. For a learner's permit, or identification card, a person gives
written consent by signing the back of the permit / ID application.
If the person signing the back of the application is not a parent, documentation of the
person's guardian status must be shown at the time of the permit / ID application and, for a
license, at the time of the road test. Forging a signature may result in license
suspension or revocation.
effect disguises the person's true facial appearance or facial features are obscured.
Permanent facial tattoos are acceptable but temporary tattoos are not. Bluetooth headsets
are not acceptable.
If your photo-image was taken before you turned 21 and you are now 21 years of age or
older, a new photo-image will need to be taken the next time you renew your license or ID.
Chapter 428 of the Acts of 2006 prohibits the RMV from taking a photo-image for a license or ID if
the applicant is wearing eyeglasses.
License Classes
The table below summarizes Massachusetts license types. A Massachusetts driver's license
is valid for a maximum of five years and expires on your birthday. However, your first
license will expire on your fifth birthday following the date of issue. Your driver's license is
considered a primary form of identification, showing proof of identity, residence, age, and
signature. You can renew your license up to one year before its expiration date.
Vehicles Permitted
Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more
pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds
GVWR. (Holders of a Class B license may, with appropriate endorsements,
operate all vehicles within Class C and D.)
Any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that does not meet the definition of
Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers
including the driver, or is required to be placarded for hazardous materials under
49 CFR 172.500 or any other federal regulation. (Holders of a Class C license
may operate all vehicles within Class D.)
Any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that does not meet the definition of
Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class M. (Typically passenger vehicles such as
cars, SUVs, or family vans).
In addition to listing your personal information, a license or an ID issued to you by the RMV
features an image of your photo and signature, which is stored on the RMV's central
computer. This photo-image technology not only helps make your license or ID tamper
resistant, it allows the RMV to issue replacements quickly.
Vertical licenses and identification cards with the words "Under 21" printed on them are issued to anyone who
obtains or renews a license or identification card while under the age of 21. If you renew your license or ID card
before your 21st birthday, you will receive a vertical license or ID card. This license or ID card will remain valid for
the full five years, even after you turn 21.
Endorsements
Endorsements may be added to Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) for an additional fee.
They indicate if you are qualified to operate certain vehicles or carry certain cargo or
passengers. For example, if qualified, you may add a hazardous materials (hazmat)
endorsement or a school bus endorsement to a Class A, B, or C license. Endorsements
cannot be added to a Class D, M, or D/M license. An endorsement expires when the
license expires.
For information on Commercial vehicle restrictions or endorsements, see the CDL Manual.
Restrictions
Restrictions are limitations placed on your driving privileges. Your driver's license may be
issued with various restrictions, which are indicated by code letters on the front and back of
your license.
The back of your drivers license lists your license class and any endorsements or restrictions.
List of Restrictions
The RMV may apply any of the following restrictions to a passenger vehicle license:
(Commercial vehicle restrictions not shown)
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
P
R
S
Y
Z
Corrective lenses
Mechanical Aid (Adaptive Devices)
Prosthetic Aid
Automatic Transmission
Outside Mirror
Daylight Only
Restricted Hours
Junior Operator License not valid under age 18 between 12:30am and 5:00am
unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
Other
Use with Certified Driving Instructors only
Bioptic telescopic lens
Proof of Current Blood Sugar Level
Restrict to 14 passenger capacity
Ignition Interlock Required
Medical Restrictions
The RMV's Medical Affairs Branch (MAB), which reviews license applications listing physical
or mental conditions that may affect a driver's abilities, may issue driving restrictions related
to your current medical condition. For example, if you pass the driver's license vision test by
wearing glasses or contact lenses, your driver's license will be issued with a "Corrective
Lenses" restriction (code letter B) and you must wear your corrective lenses when you
drive. If you need a mechanical aid or prosthetic device (adaptive equipment) to operate a
motor vehicle, MAB will issue your license with restriction(s). MAB considers license
applications on a case-by-case basis, and you may be required to provide a physician's
letter for medical clearances or special driving-related equipment.
If you develop a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, you must report the condition
to the RMV. Please call the Medical Affairs Branch (MAB) at 857-368-8020.
If MAB issues you a separate Restriction Card, your license will display the restriction code
letter J. With this restriction, you must carry your card and your license when you drive.
Massachusetts ID
If you do not have a valid driver's license, but would like an official ID card, the RMV can
issue you a Massachusetts ID. To obtain one, you must meet the following requirements:
Be at least 14 years old
Be a Massachusetts resident
Not hold a valid driver's license from Massachusetts or any other jurisdiction
A Liquor ID is valid for five years and cannot be renewed. If you need a Liquor ID for more
than five years, you should reapply in person upon the expiration of the existing Liquor ID.
Refer to the Identification Requirements section below for the identification documents that
must be presented to obtain a Mass ID or Liquor ID.
Identification Requirements
To apply for a permit, license, or ID card, you must produce at least three (3) identification
documents. These required documents include:
1. A document proving your date of birth
2. A document proving you are a resident of Massachusetts (not required for a liquor ID)
3. A pre-existing document containing your signature
Let us help you meet our Identification Requirements. The RMV now offers a new interactive
feature online at www.massrmv.com. This feature automatically asks you a series of interactive
questions about your transaction. If you complete all the information accurately, and indicate
which documents you have to bring into a branch, this feature will let you know if your documents
meet the requirements. This will help to ensure that your transaction is successful when you
visit an RMV branch and avoid the need for more than one visit.
You must also produce your social security number (SSN) that the
RMV can verify with the Social Security Administration (SSA) as
having been issued to you. The RMV cannot issue a permit, license, or ID card if
an SSN does not verify. If you do not have an SSN, you must apply for one at the SSA. If
you are denied an SSN, you will be issued a Denial Notice by the SSA which explains
why you cannot obtain an SSN. The Denial Notice must be dated and cannot be altered
or be more than 60 days old. If you present a Denial Notice instead of a valid SSN, you
must also present the following:
Your Passport can also be used as a document to prove date of birth or signature, but not both.
The three (3) identification documents must be from the list of Acceptable Forms of
Identification (see page 12) and must be satisfactory to the Registrar. You need to provide
the required identification for each different type of document you apply for, even if you
already have a Massachusetts permit, license, ID, or liquor ID.
All documents must be originals unless otherwise indicated.
Photocopies will not be accepted.
Refer to the chart on the next page for a list of what must be presented for each type of
RMV issued permit, license, or ID card.
9
Permit
License
Permit
Permit
License Renewal
Not applicable
*The I-94 can be either a paper version from US Customs and Border Protection or a printout of an
electronic version downloaded from their website: www.cbp.gov/i94
A Denial Notice must be acceptable to the RMV. See page 17 for more information.
with previous
Massachusetts
License expired more
than four years
OR
with no previous
Massachusetts
License
Out-of-state License
Conversion
(if you do not have the
out-of-state License)
Massachusetts ID
Must be 14 years or
older.
Massachusetts
ID Renewal
Not applicable
Liquor ID
Must be 21 years or
older
Cannot hold a
valid Massachusetts
License
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Note 1: If you present any document that is inconsistent with the concept of your being a
resident of Massachusetts (such as presenting a B1 or B2 or other short term visa status,
or an expired visa status or documents showing an out-of-state residence), you will not be
considered a Massachusetts resident and an application for a permit, license, or Mass ID
will be denied. If you have filed an application for an adjustment of status with the U.S.
Citizenship & Immigration Service, and have documentation from that agency showing that
you have a pending application, you may be eligible to receive a permit, license, or ID card.
Note 2: Foreign diplomats and other foreign government officials, their family members,
and personal assistants/employees who have been issued a U.S. Department of State
drivers license are not eligible to obtain a Massachusetts driver's license.
Note 3: If your visa includes additional forms, such as F1 and F2 or M1 and M2, both of
which require an I-20, that form must be submitted as well.
6. Original out-of-country birth certificate certified by the agency that issued it. If not in
English, the certificate must be translated (see Translation Required section).
7. Certified or attested copy of a court order of a federal, state, or county court within the
U.S. that contains a raised court seal and includes the applicants full name and DOB
(examples include an adoption document, a name change document,
and a gender change document)
8. Certain Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services documents and other U.S.
Government immigration documents (See list of Official Immigration Documents)
9. U.S. military discharge papers (DD 214) with DOB
10. U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner card with photo and DOB
11. Original or certified copy of a U.S. - issued Marriage Certificate with DOB listed
12. Original or certified copy of a baptismal certificate, provided the original certificate was
issued within one year of the applicants birth by a church in the U.S. and contains the
applicants DOB
13. Original letter issued and signed by the principal, headmaster, or official keeper of the
records of a MA school (including a college or university) that is on school letterhead
and states the applicant is currently a resident student and includes the name and DOB
14. U.S. military (or military dependent) ID with photo and DOB
15. MA Firearms Card, with photo and DOB
14
A non-US passport must contain a current visa and be presented with an I-94 Record of Arrival and
Departure, unless you have a Permanent Resident Card or other change in status. The I-94 can be
either a paper version from US Customs and Border Protection or a printout of an electronic
version downloaded from their website: www.cbp.gov/i94
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If the document has an expiration date which has passed, the document is not acceptable.
1. Certificate of Naturalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N-550, N-570, or N-578
2. Certificate of Citizenship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N-560, N-561, or N-645
3. U.S. Citizen Identification Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-179 or I-197
4. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-551
5. Temporary Resident Identification Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-688
6. Record of Arrival and Departure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-94....
The I-94 and the valid foreign Passport count as only one Acceptable Document. The I-94 can be
either a paper version from US Customs and Border Protection or a printout of an electronic version
downloaded from their website: www.cbp.gov/i94
7. Processed for I-551 stamp (in valid, Foreign Passport)
8. U.S. Permanent Resident Re-entry Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-327
9. U.S. Refugee Travel Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-571
10.Employment Authorization Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-688B, I-766
11.Documents specific to the applicant based upon decisions of the U.S. Department of State, U.S.
Department of Justice (including Executive Office for Immigration Review, Board of Immigration
Appeals and former Immigration and Naturalization Service), or U.S. Department of Homeland
Security (including Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.)
NOTE: It is not the function of RMV employees to advise you about which documents to
present. No specific type of document on either list is required or preferred. In following
these policies and procedures, RMV employees apply the same eligibility requirements to
all applicants equally, without regard to race, sex, creed, national origin, or English speaking
ability. The issuance of a drivers license, learners permit, or ID card is not a determination
of whether or not a person has legal or illegal immigration status. That is the responsibility
of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Social Security Administration (SSA). If you do not have an SSN, you may request an
application for one by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Note: If you have recently changed your name, you should make the change with the SSA
before you change your name on your drivers license. This is to ensure that the SSA
recognizes your new name when the RMV attempts to validate your SSN. You are not
required to present any documents to the RMV to prove your new name.
If you are not a citizen and do not have an SSN, you should apply for one at a Social
Security Office as soon as possible. If you are denied an SSN, you may still qualify for a
Massachusetts driver's license or ID if you can meet other identification requirements
proving your age, signature, and Massachusetts residency. However, to prove that you
applied for an SSN, you must present the written Denial Notice (not more than 60 days old)
the SSA provided you, which informed you that you were not eligible for an SSN, and a
non-US passport, visa, and I-94. The I-94 can be either a paper version from US Customs
and Border Protection or a printout of an electronic version downloaded from their website:
www.cbp.gov/i94
For information on obtaining an SSN, call 1-800-772-1213.
S License Numbers
The RMV requires your SSN to confirm your identity and to maintain your license and
driving records. The SSN cannot be displayed on your drivers license, vehicle registration,
or state issued ID card (due to the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of
2004). The RMV license system automatically assigns a nine-digit computer generated
number beginning with an "S" as a license / ID number.
Any document presented is not genuine or has been altered, defaced, or rendered
unreadable to such an extent that it cannot be relied on.
Any document contains a photograph or photoimage of the applicant that bears little or
no resemblance to the applicant.
The applicant is not the individual represented in the application and supporting
documents.
The applicant does not satisfy the requirement for minimum age, genuine signature,
legal status, or status as a Massachusetts resident.
The applicant has presented an SSN that does not validate as being issued to him/her,
or was not obtained in a lawful manner from the U.S. Social Security Administration.
*A good faith reason is one that is based on objective facts and observations, such as
statements from the applicant, or information obtained from usually reliable sources. Also, in
this and other explanations of RMV laws and policies, the Registrar means either the
Registrar or her designee.
Informal Review
You may present the form for review to the Branch Manager (or the Managers designated
assistant). Ordinarily, your requested review will be conducted immediately after the RMV
Branch Representatives denial of your document/ application. If, however, the reviewer
believes that a further verification attempt may help to establish the authenticity of a
disputed document, the reviewer may make a copy of the document, return the original to
you, try to obtain such verification, if possible, and make a decision within two business
18
days. If the reviewer disagrees with the RMV Branch Representatives decision, you may be
asked to return to the counter for further processing, unless the reviewer finds an additional
basis for rejection. If the reviewer upholds the rejection, you will be given a copy of the
decision that is signed by the reviewer, indicating the reason for the rejection and reminding
you of your right to file a formal appeal within ten days of the RMV Branch Representatives
original decision.
Appeals
Remember, you must file any appeal within ten days after you first received a written copy
of the Application Rejection Form from the RMV Branch Representative. Any additional time
required by the informal review does not extend the ten-day period. A formal appeal may be
filed only with the Board of Appeals on Liability Policies and Bonds at the address below
with a check or money order for $50.
Board of Appeal on Motor Vehicle Liability,
Policies and Bonds Division of Insurance
1000 Washington Street, 8th floor, Boston, MA 02118
617-521-7794 www.state.ma.us/doi
To obtain a form online to appeal a decision of the Registrar to the Division of Insurance's
Board of Appeal, go to www.state.ma.us/doi and enter "appeal form" in the search box, click
"search," then click on "Appeal of a Ruling/Decision of the Registrar."
Whoever loans or knowingly permits his or her license or learners permit to operate
motor vehicles to be used by any person, or whoever makes false statements in an
application for such a license or learners permit, or whoever knowingly makes any
false statements in an application for registration of a motor vehicle, shall be punished
by a fine of not less than $20 nor more than $200 dollars or by imprisonment for not
less than two weeks nor more than two years or both (MGL c.90, 24).
Whoever falsely makes, steals, alters, forges, or counterfeits or procures or helps
another falsely make, steal, alter, forge, or counterfeit a learners permit, a license to
operate motor vehicles, or an ID card or whoever has or uses such a permit, license, or
ID card may be punished by a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment in a state
prison for up to five years or in a jail or house of correction for not more than two years
(M.G.L. c.90, 24B).
Anyone who falsely impersonates the person named in the application for a license or
learners permit, or anyone who procures or helps another to falsely impersonate the
person named in the application, or who uses a name other than his or her own to
falsely obtain such a license, or whoever possesses or uses a license or permit to
operate a motor vehicle that was obtained in such a manner shall be subject to the
penalties described in MGL c.90, 24B. Whoever is convicted of a violation of MGL
c.90, 24B, shall also have his or her license, or right to operate, suspended for a
minimum of one year.
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Any person who swears or affirms falsely in regard to any matter or thing respecting
which an oath or affirmation is required by the Registrar or by MGL c. 90 shall be
deemed guilty of perjury (MGL c.90, 28). In addition, falsification of any information
provided to obtain, renew, transfer, or upgrade a drivers license or learners permit may
result in a suspension of driving privileges.
License/ID Fees
Learners permit exam fee - $30.00
The learners permit exam fee covers the cost of processing your application and
administering your learners permit exam. If you fail the exam or your permit expires, you
will be charged this fee again for another examination.
Road test fee - $35.00
The RMV charges a flat fee for any license application. This fee covers the cost of
processing your application and scheduling a road test. If you fail the road test, do not
appear for the road test, are rejected by the examiner, or cancel your appointment with less
than 72 hours notice, you will still be charged the $35 fee. For more details on road testing,
see the Taking the Road Test section later in this chapter.
License issue/renew fee - Class D - $50.00
License issue/renew fee - Class M - $50.00
The RMV charges a drivers license fee so it can issue a tamper-resistant, Class D or Class
M license that features your photo-image, your signature, and a magnetic code stripe and/
or bar code.
Duplicate or amended license - $25.00
The RMV charges a fee for any change that results in the reissuance of a license.
Out-of-state conversion fees
Class A* - $140.00
Class B* - $140.00
Class C* - $140.00
Class D* - $115.00
*To add motorcycle privileges (Class M) to any of these license classes, you must pay an
additional $15.00. The Class M privilege will expire the same time as the existing license. If
your license is eligible for renewal when you add the Class M privilege, it may be best for
you to renew the license at the same time.
Class M only - $115.00
Class D or M permit conversion - $30.00
Massachusetts ID issue/renew fee - $25.00
If you have surrendered your license voluntarily, there is no fee for a Massachusetts ID
(See the Surrendering Your License section of this chapter for more information).
20
Have a valid learner's permit for at least six consecutive months before taking the road
test. (Any suspension will invalidate the permit and the six months will start to run
anew when the suspension is lifted.)
Maintain a clean driving record for at least six consecutive months before taking the
road test.
Successfully complete a Registrar-approved driver education and training program,
which includes 30 hours of classroom instruction; 12 hours of in-car, behind-the-wheel
training; and six hours of in-car experience observing other student drivers.
Complete at least an additional 40 hours of supervised, behind-the-wheel driving as
shown by a certified statement provided by a parent or guardian.
The RMV will accept 30 hours of driving supervised by a parent or guardian if the
applicant completed a driver skills development program.
A parent or guardian must participate in two hours of instruction on the drivers
education curriculum (unless they have participated within the past five years).
Pass a final exam to have a drivers education certificate electronically filed with RMV.
You may not operate a motor vehicle within the first six months after receiving your JOL
while any person under age 18 is in the vehicle (other than you or an immediate
family member), unless you are accompanied by a person who is at least 21 years old,
has at least one year of driving experience, holds a valid driver's license from
Massachusetts or another state, and is occupying a seat beside you.
21
General Rule: The passenger restriction that applies to you as a JOL holder under
age 18 is lifted once you complete the six-month period (or the portion that applies to
you) or you reach age 18, whichever occurs first.
The six-month passenger restriction period will stop running,
temporarily, during any suspension. When your JOL is reinstated,
you will still have to complete the remainder of the six-month
restriction period that existed at the beginning of the suspension
period, unless you have already turned 18.
See Chapter Two for a list of the penalties and fees you will face for violating any of these restrictions.
As the holder of a JOL, you may not operate a motor vehicle between 12:30 a.m. and
5:00 a.m. unless you are accompanied by one of your parents or your legal guardian. If
you are found operating a motor vehicle in violation of this restriction, you may be charged
with operating a motor vehicle without being licensed. This is a criminal violation.
Note: The law states that between 12:30 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. and between 4:00 a.m.
and 5:00 a.m., the provisions of the law shall be enforced by law enforcement agencies
only when a Junior Operator of a motor vehicle has been lawfully stopped for a violation
of the motor vehicle laws or some other offense. This is called "secondary
enforcement." However, it is still illegal for you to operate during those times without a
parent present in the car.
If you violate the passenger restriction or the night restriction, you will be subject to a
license suspension of 60 days for a first offense, 180 days for a second offense, and
one year for subsequent offenses. For a second or subsequent offense, you will also
be required to complete a Driver Attitudinal Retraining course. The law requires the
Registrar to impose this suspension in addition to any other penalty, fine, suspension,
revocation, or requirement that may be imposed in connection with a violation
committed at the time you were violating the passenger or night restriction.
You may not operate a motor vehicle that requires a commercial driver's license
(CDL).
You will be suspended for one year if you are under 18 when you have committed
certain driving offenses and alcohol or drugs were involved (180 days if age 18 to 21),
in addition to any penalty assessed by a court or other law. (For
details, see the License Suspension or Revocation section of Chapter Two.)
You will be ineligible for a full license until you have completed the period of suspension
imposed while operating with a JOL and you reach age 18.
You will face additional suspension periods of one year for a first drag racing offense
and three years for a subsequent offense. For a first speeding offense, you will be
suspended for 90 days; for a subsequent offense, you will be suspended for one year.
You may not use any mobile electronic device (see Safe Driving Law section of Chapter
Three) for any reason while operating a motor vehicle. The only exception is for
reporting an emergency.
learners permit, you must complete an application, present identification, pay a fee, pass a
vision exam, and pass a learners permit exam. Your learners permit does not become a
license until you pass the road test and have paid all license fees. If your learners permit
expires, you must re-take the learners permit exam and pay the required fees.
Currently, you can opt to pay the learners permit exam, road test, and license fees when
you take the learners permit exam. If you choose not to pay all the fees at that time, you
can pay the remaining fees when you book your road test. If you are a new Massachusetts
resident and have an out-of-state drivers license, you may be eligible to convert your
license without testing. For information on license conversion and foreign license policies,
see the section Converting Your License.
Let us help you meet our Identification Requirements. The RMV now offers a new interactive
feature online at www.massrmv.com. This feature automatically asks you a series of interactive
questions about your transaction. If you complete all the information accurately, and indicate
which documents you have to bring into a branch, this feature will let you know if your documents
meet the requirements. This will help to ensure that your transaction is successful when you
visit an RMV branch and avoid the need for more than one visit.
A learner's permit is a document that grants conditional driving privileges. This document is not
intended to be used as an identification document for travel. This means that it will not be
accepted by most airlines, cruise ships, etc., for travel as a state-issued photo ID.
Driver's Manuals and other reference materials cannot be used during the learners permit
exam and are not allowed in the testing area. You also are not allowed to wear or use any
electronic device (including electronic optical devices), regardless of the purpose of the
device. Audio devices or headphones cannot be used or worn, unless they are being used
for taking an audio exam.
Usage of a Driver's Manual, other reference material, or electronic device during the
learners permit exam is considered cheating.
If you are caught cheating on an exam or trying to cheat you will fail and you will not be
allowed to hold any type of drivers license or permit for 60 days. In some cases, you may
also be subject to further investigation.
Exams taken through the ATS are only available in English and Spanish.
Audio Exams
Audio exams are now available through the ATS. This new feature allows you to hear an
automated voice read the test questions and possible answers through headphones
connected to the ATS. Audio exams are available in both English and Spanish for Class D
and M exams, and in English only for CDL exams (per federal regulation). The time limit for
Class D and M audio exams is 45 minutes.
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Anyone can choose to take an audio exam. The exam does not need to be scheduled in
advance and you do not need to present any additional documentation to be eligible.
If you want to use the audio feature for your exam, you should bring a set of headphones
with you to the RMV branch. Every ATS has a universal connection for headphones in the
top back of the machine. All headphones with a 3.5 millimeter headphone mini-jack
(including Ipod headphones) will work with the ATS.
You must be accompanied by a licensed operator who occupies the passenger seat
next to you and is at least 21 years old, holds a valid drivers license from
Massachusetts or another state, and has at least one year of driving experience.
If you are under 18, you may not drive between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless
accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is a validly licensed operator with at
least one year of driving experience.
A Class M learners permit allows you to operate a motorcycle with these limitations:
You must wear eyeglasses, goggles, or a protective face shield unless the motorcycle
you are driving has a windshield or screen.
With a Class D or Class M learners permit, you may operate motor vehicles in another
state as long as doing so does not violate that states laws.
See Chapter Two for a list of the penalties and fees you will face for violating any of these restrictions.
Drivers Education
The RMV requires drivers under age 18 to take professional driving lessons at a local high
school or driver school. Professional driving instruction can help you become a more skillful,
knowledgeable driver, and it can increase your chances of passing the Class D or Class M
road test on your first try. Another benefit of learning to drive through a licensed school is
the ability to use a school vehicle for your road test and a school instructor as your test
sponsor.
All professional driver schools in Massachusetts, including public and private high schools,
must be licensed and monitored by the RMV. Visit the RMV website to locate a driver
school and see if there have been any enforcement actions taken against the school. More
information can be found at www.massrmv.com/rmv/jol/index.htm.
You can also obtain information on driving instruction by contacting your local high school
or by consulting your telephone directory.
If you doubt a driver school's credentials, ask to see a license certificate, which the RMV issues.
To apply for a Class D or M drivers license when you are between 16 1/2 and 18 years old,
you must complete a drivers education program, pass a final exam, and have a drivers
education certificate electronically on file with the RMV from a licensed driver school or a
high school program that is approved by the Registrar. The fact that you have fulfilled this
requirement will be available on your RMV computer record at the time of your road test.
You must also complete 40 hours of supervised driving (30 hours if you completed a driver
skills development program), and your parent or guardian must participate in two hours of
the drivers education curriculum (unless he/she already attended in the past five years).
Driver Education Certificate Department, Registry of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 55889, Boston, MA 02205-5889
If you recently moved to Massachusetts and had already completed a drivers education
program in another state, you should mail your original out-of-state drivers education
certificate, a $15 check payable to MassDOT, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to
the address above. Verification will be made with the state that originally issued your
drivers education certificate. If the other states requirements meet or exceed
Massachusetts requirements, a new drivers education certificate will be electronically filed
with the RMV. Once this is done, you may book your road test.
To convert an out-of-state drivers education certificate, the program you completed must meet or
exceed Massachusetts minimum requirements for classroom and in-car instruction. If you have
any questions, call the RMV Phone Center.
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Road Test Examiners may also cancel road tests when weather conditions are considered
unsafe. To determine if your road test has been canceled, please call the RMVs Phone
Center. In any of the preceding cases, you may schedule a new road test at no additional
fee. However, you will be charged the road test fee if you...
Have had your permit suspended for committing drug or alcohol related motor
vehicle violations
Have been convicted for violating any drug or alcohol related laws in
Massachusetts or another state
Note: Even if you had a clean driving record for six consecutive months immediately
preceding the date you first booked the road test, if the RMV receives notice of an event
that would cause the six-month clean driving period to be interrupted between the date the
test was booked and the date of the test itself, you will not be allowed to take the road test
when scheduled. A new clean driving record of at least six months will have to be
established, unless you reach 18 years of age prior to that time.
For a Class M road test, you must bring your learners permit, a completed license
application form, and a properly equipped, legally registered motorcycle, but you are not
required to bring a sponsor. If you are under 18 years old, you are not eligible for an
RMV Class M road test and must complete the MREP basic rider course to get a Class
M license.
Sponsor Requirements
For a Class D license, including a JOL, you need a sponsor for your road test, even if you
have a valid foreign drivers license. When you arrive at the test location, you must be
accompanied by a licensed operator who...
If you are not accompanied by a sponsor, you will not be given a Class D road test.
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. It is up to
the individual examiner to determine if the parking brake would be accessible to him or
her 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.
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If you are prevented from taking the road test only because the examiner determined
that he/she could not access the braking system, you will not be charged a fee for that
scheduled test.
Driving instruction vehicles must have a second foot brake for instructors or examiners
and must display proper signage.
In some larger vehicles, like certain minivans, the parking brake is too far from the examiner to be
easily accessible in an emergency. These vehicles are not suitable for road tests and may be
rejected by the examiner.
If your test vehicle is registered out of state, you must show the examiner proof of
insurance coverage equal to Massachusetts minimum limits, which are $20,000/$40,000
for bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage.
A policy or a certificate that lists coverage limits serves as proof of a vehicles
insurance.
If you are renting the vehicle you are using for your road test, you must show your
examiner your rental agreement and a letter from the rental company, on its letterhead,
that authorizes you to use the vehicle for a drivers license road test. You are not
required to provide this information for leased vehicles.
A vehicle cannot be used for a road test if one of its tires has been replaced by a "donut"
(limited use spare) tire.
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.
Passenger Vehicle Test Procedures
You should arrive approximately five minutes early for your scheduled road test
appointment. You will not be able to take your test if you are late.
Before your road test, the RMV examiner will inspect your vehicle to ensure that it is
properly registered, that all equipment is in good working order, and that the vehicle
provides a safe, adequate, and clean seat for the examiner and easy access to the brake.
During your Class D road test, you must prove you have the skills and abilities needed to
operate most private passenger vehicles, small trucks, vans, and SUVs. Some newer
vehicles are equipped with "specialized features", such as backing sensors, back-up
cameras, automatic parallel parking, and GPS-guided independent operation. These
features perform or substantially assist a driver with certain driving, parking, or backing
skills. These features are not standard in most vehicles today and allowing a driver to use
them during a road test would not truly show his/her driving skills and abilities. Therefore,
the RMV cannot allow a road test in a vehicle containing any of these "specialized features"
(devices, components, computer programs, etc.), unless they are turned-off or disabled and
30
the vehicle is still safe to operate. If you bring a vehicle to the road test that has "specialized
features" that cannot be disabled and the vehicle cannot be operated safely without them,
the vehicle may be rejected unless the road test examiner determines that specific
maneuvers can be performed without the assistance of specialized features unique to the
vehicle presented. If the vehicle is rejected for this reason, you will not be charged a fee for
that scheduled road test, but you will need to reschedule and bring an appropriate vehicle for
the next road test. If adaptive equipment for a legitimate medical condition is installed in the
vehicle and necessary for operation, a mechanical/software aid restriction will be added to a
license.
After the examiner inspects and approves the vehicle, the driving test will begin. Only you,
the examiner, and your sponsor are allowed in the vehicle during the exam. The examiner
will sit in the seat next to you; your sponsor must sit in the rear. No children or pets are
allowed. Service animals are allowed. If the examiner so authorizes, a language interpreter
may also be allowed in the vehicle. You and your sponsor are not allowed to converse unless
authorized by the examiner.
The examiners goal is to observe your driving performance. During a road test, you should
be prepared to demonstrate your ability to...
Use good driving posture, with both hands always placed properly on the wheel
Drive in the proper lane and look carefully and signal properly before changing lanes
Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you
Always drive at safe speeds to comply with speed limits and varying traffic conditions
Properly yield the right-of-way
Are generally aware of your actions and particularly those of other drivers
In addition to judging your overall driving skills, the examiner will note how well you follow
general good-driving procedures, including whether you...
Motorcycle Requirements
In general, the motorcycle you use for your Class M road test should be safe and in good
working order. Your test will be canceled if the examiner believes your motorcycle is unsafe.
In addition, you must show the examiner...
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If your motorcycle is registered out of state, you will have to show the examiner proof of
insurance coverage equal to Massachusetts minimum limits, which are $20,000/$40,000 for
bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage.
A policy or a certificate that lists limits of coverage serves as proof of the vehicles
insurance.
As a motorcycle operator, you must also...
For information on motorcycle rider courses for both beginner and experienced drivers,
call 857-368-7270 or visit www.massrmv.com.
Figure eights and 360 circles in both directions without your feet touching the road
Normal starts and stops
Driving in traffic
Crossing intersections
Making turns
Riding up and down hills
The RMV has a Motorcycle Manual. This manual focuses exclusively on motorcycles and is
available online at www.massrmv.com. Check it out for important information you need to get a
motorcycle license and to be a safer rider.
If you pass the road test and have not prepaid for your license, you must take the permit
with the road test results indicated on the back to an RMV branch within 30 days. You must
then pay for and obtain a temporary license while your permanent license is being
manufactured. (Note: If you do not obtain a temporary license within 30 days of passing
your road test, you may be required to retake the road test at your expense.)
If your permanent license does not arrive in the mail within four weeks of issuance of your
temporary license, please call the RMV Phone Center.
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Whenever you operate a motor vehicle in Massachusetts, the law requires you to carry a
valid drivers license on your person or within easy reach inside your vehicle.
Massachusetts drivers licenses are produced at a secure location and are generally mailed to you
within five to seven days after you visit the branch.
At the branch, you will receive a receipt that serves as a temporary license and provides proof of
driving privileges while the permanent license is being manufactured. The receipt is not valid for
identification. This means that it will not be accepted by most airlines, cruise ships, etc., for travel
as a state-issued photo ID.
License
Status
a
a
Other
Foreign
Countries
Road
Test
Driving
Record
14 U.S.
Territories,
Canada, or
Mexico
Learners Permit
Exam
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
Note: If you present any document that is inconsistent with the concept of your being a
resident of Massachusetts (such as B1 or B2 or other short term visa status, or an expired
visa status or documents showing an out-of-state residence), you will not be considered a
resident and an application for a Permit, License, or Mass ID will be denied. You may be
eligible for a Liquor ID.
34
The table on the previous page summarizes the requirements for license conversion.
License conversions require that you pay all application, testing, and license fees,
regardless of whether you must take an exam. In most cases, if you hold a license from a
foreign country, you will need to pass both the learners permit exam and the road test.
Out-of-State Conversions
If you have an out-of-state Class D or M license that is current or has been expired for less
than a year, you may transfer it to a Massachusetts license if you meet the RMVs
identification and eligibility requirements. Your out-of-state license must indicate that you
hold full driving privileges in that state.
Your right to operate will be verified through the Commercial Driver License Information
System (CDLIS) and the National Driver Register (NDR) to determine if it is suspended,
revoked, canceled, withdrawn, or disqualified in any state or the District of Columbia.
An out-of-state license that indicates a limit on the customers right to operate,
due to drug, alcohol, or habitual traffic offender violations or similar
activity may NOT be transferred to a Massachusetts drivers license and you may not be
eligible for a Massachusetts license. If a restriction is present on your license, you may
need to provide a driving record so that the RMV can establish your eligibility for a
Massachusetts license. You may also need to provide additional documentation of your
eligibility for a Massachusetts license to address any medical restrictions that may be
present on your out-of-state license.
If you have a restriction for Corrective Lenses, the results of the RMV vision test or
submission of a Vision Screening Certificate will determine whether or not you receive the
same restriction on your Massachusetts license.
Note: Health insurance is required in Massachusetts. The law requires residents 18 and older to
have coverage. Adults must enroll in a plan or qualify for an exemption to avoid a penalty.
The penalties for the current tax year will add up for each month that an individual does not have
coverage, and could be as much as $1,104 for the year.
Information about how to obtain health insurance can be found on the Commonwealth Health
Connector website at www.mahealthconnector.org or by calling 1-877-MA-ENROLL (623-6765) TTY
1-800-213-8163.
If it is determined that you do not qualify for a Massachusetts license, you have a right to
appeal a decision of the Registry to the Board of Appeal on Motor Vehicle Liability Policies
& Bonds (see Appeals section on page 19).
Permit Conversion
Class D and M Learners Permits may be converted to an equivalent Massachusetts permit, if you
meet the RMVs identification requirements. (See the Identification Requirements section.)
If you are under 18 years old, your parent must sign the permit application, but you do not
have to provide proof of Massachusetts residency. You will not be required to take the
learners permit exam; however, you will need to pay the applicable fee. A converted permit
will be dated to reflect the issue date of the original permit in order to meet the six month
experience requirement for applicants under 18. The Massachusetts permit will expire two
years from the adjusted issue date.
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Phone Number:
Website:
617-641-2830
http://usa-boston.mofat.go.kr/eng/am/usa-boston/main/index.jsp
Phone Number:
Website:
617-832-4400
http://www.consulfrance-boston.org
37
It is your responsibility to renew your drivers license before the expiration date and you
must inform the RMV and the U.S. Post Office of any address change. As a license
holder, you are solely responsible for its safekeeping, renewal, and replacement.
Please check the expiration date printed on your license and remember to renew before this
date. The RMV offers an Internet feature that allows you to verify your license status and your
renewal options online.
Your Massachusetts drivers license is valid for five years unless it is your first license,
which expires on your fifth birthday after the date of issue. You may renew your license up
to one year before the expiration date. If your license expired more than four years ago, you
will be required to take a learners permit exam and road test.
To renew your drivers license, visit any RMV Branch or Limited Service Branch (see
Appendix C for locations and business hours). Each time you renew, you will have to pass
a vision screening test, supply your SSN or updated Social Security Denial Notice (not
more than 60 days old), and pay the renewal fee.
Massachusetts drivers licenses are produced at a secure location and are generally mailed to you
within five to seven days after you visit the branch.
If you renew your license in a branch, you will receive a receipt that serves as a temporary license
and provides proof of driving privileges while the permanent license is being manufactured. The
receipt is not valid for identification. This means that it will not be accepted by most airlines, cruise
ships, etc., for travel as a state-issued photo ID.
Please note that at Limited Service Branches (as opposed to full-service Branch
locations), you can pay your renewal fee by check or credit card only.
Eligible customers may also renew their licenses online every other renewal period
(once every ten years). To be eligible, your license photo must be less than nine years old
and have been taken after your 21st birthday.
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If a new photo is required, but your appearance has been temporarily changed due to
medical treatment, you can obtain a duplicate license and keep your current photo for one
year if you present certification from a licensed physician. You will then need to renew your
license with a new photo after one year.
You are not eligible to renew online if:
You hold a Commercial Drivers License (CDL)
You need to change your name
You do not have an SSN
You want to register to vote
You are 75 years of age or older
You can only request a nonphoto drivers license by mail. To order a nonphoto license
renewal, for military personnel and their dependents, mail your request, the renewal fee
(see the License Fees section), and a copy of your military ID to the address below.
A nonphoto drivers license will be mailed to you, if you are located outside Massachusetts.
In any correspondence, include your out-of-state address and phone number.
The Driver Licensing Department, Registry of Motor Vehicles,
P.O. Box 55889, Boston, MA 02205-5889
Temporary Replacements
If you are temporarily out of Massachusetts and cannot return home before your drivers
license expires, you may ask the RMV to issue you a temporary pink license. A temporary
license is valid for a maximum of 120 days after the expiration date of your original license,
and this extension can be granted only once. To request a temporary replacement license,
call the RMV Phone Center or write to the RMVs main office at the address listed below. In
any correspondence, be sure to include your name, license number, out-of-state address,
and telephone number.
Customer Assistance Bureau, Registry of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 55889, Boston, MA 02203-5889
40
If you choose to give up your license, it will not negatively affect your insurance and there is
no fee. When you give up your license, the RMV will give you a free Massachusetts
Identification Card. If you want your license back, you may need to give the RMV medical
documents. You may also need to take a competency road exam. You will not need to pay
to get your license back unless it expired. If it did expire, you will need to pay the normal
renewal fee.
Eligible customers may also renew their ID Cards online every other renewal period (once
every ten years). To be eligible, your ID Card photo must be less than nine years old and
have been taken after your 21st birthday.
If a new photo is required, but your appearance has been temporarily changed due to
medical treatment, you can obtain a duplicate ID Card and keep your current photo for one
year if you present certification from a licensed physician. You will then need to renew your
ID Card with a new photo after one year.
41
If you change your name, you must report the change promptly to the RMV so that all your
license and vehicle records can be updated. Also, you must obtain a new drivers license
bearing your new name and signature. This transaction costs $25 and must be done in
person at a branch office.
Voter Registration
If you are legally eligible to vote, you can register when you conduct a permit, license, or ID
transaction at an RMV Branch or Limited Service Branch. All licensing transaction forms
42
contain a section in which you can indicate if you wish to register to vote or update your
current voter registration.
You must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old at the time of the next election to register to vote.
You can choose to register with a political party or with one of the political designations on
file at the State Elections Office. If you do not want to register with a particular political
group, you can select UNENROLLED status. If you register or change your affiliation, your
information will be forwarded first to the Secretary of States Central Voter Registry and
then to your local election office, which will send you a confirmation notice in the mail.
For more information on registering to vote or the election process,call the State Election Line at
1-800-462-VOTE.
Veteran's Indicator
If you are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces and were honorably discharged, you can
choose to have the word "Veteran" printed on your license or ID card. The Veteran's
Indicator can be added when you apply for, renew, or order a duplicate permit, license, or
ID card. There is no additional fee for the Veteran's Indicator, but all regular transaction
fees will apply. One of the following documents must be presented as proof of honorable
discharge:
Even if you are currently a registered donor, you still need to check yes on question one
of the license or ID card renewal form in order to remain in the donor registry.
If you have any questions, please contact one of the organ donor organizations
listed on the next page.
43
Note: The RMV is required by law to provide certain information identifying organ and
tissue donors to federally-designated organ procurement organizations and other federally
registered non-profit eye and tissue banks serving the Commonwealth.
44