Drivers License Replacement in Massachusetts

A replacement drivers license in Massachusetts may be requested for a number of reasons. If you need to replace a lost drivers license or a license that has been damaged or stolen, you can request a replacement online, by phone or in person. You can also request a drivers license replacement if any of the information on your current license is no longer accurate due to a life event like an address or name change. Failing to request a replacement could result in a number of consequences, as you will not be permitted to operate a motor vehicle without a valid drivers license.
If your drivers license was stolen, it is important to not only request a replacement but also to file a police report. Reporting the stolen license to the police is the best way that you can prevent identity theft. Furthermore, police reports can help you to prove fraudulent charges to a bank, if any occur.
You will be provided with a duplicate drivers license in Massachusetts after making your request, no matter the request method that you choose, as long as you can provide your full legal name, date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN) and replacement fees. If you are already within one year of your license’s expiration, replacing the drivers license may not be necessary, as you can simply request a renewal rather than a duplicate. However, renewals must be completed either online or in person, as they cannot be requested by phone.
A DMV duplicate license will display the same information that your previous license had. You will need to update your MA drivers license if there is any information that you need to amend, such as in the case of a name change. If you experience a change of residence, it is important that you notify the MA Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) of address change within 30 days. However, in this case, you are not required to request a replacement. Instead, you will need to write your new residential address on the back of your drivers license.
In the case of a name change, you may change the name that is displayed on a standard drivers license without proof or documentation, as long as there is no attempt to defraud. However, REAL ID drivers licenses can only be changed after presenting proof of your legal name change, such as with a court order, divorce decree or marriage certificate. If you are replacing a drivers license due to a name change, you can only do so in person at a RMV Service Center....Read More