Massachusetts Driver's Licenses

You must have a valid driver’s license to drive in the U.S.  The Massachusetts Driver’s License is also used as the primary method of identification within the U.S. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is responsible for all Massachusetts Driver's Licenses and Driving Permits.

• If you will drive in the U.S., the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) advises you to obtain a Massachusetts Driver’s License within 30 days of moving to Massachusetts.
• If you have a driver’s license from another U.S. state, convert it to a Massachusetts Driver’s License.

Using Your Driver's License from Your Home Country

• Foreign-licensed drivers from any country that meet certain requirements may operate a validly registered motor vehicle in Massachusetts for up to one year. The list of requirements is on the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) website. After one year, all non-immigrant visa holders must obtain a Massachusetts Driver’s License in order to drive legally in the U.S., even if they do not own a car.  
• Some countries have established arrangements allowing licensed residents to convert their driver's licenses. Upon becoming a Massachusetts resident, valid license holders can do this without a written or road test. A list of eligible countries and the application process is on the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) website.
• An "International Driving Permit/License" is not recognized in Massachusetts, except to act as a translation of a driver's license from your home country.

How To Obtain a Massachusetts Driver’s License

To get a driver’s license in Massachusetts, you’ll need to provide a Social Security number and proof of Massachusetts residency. You will also need to provide valid, verifiable immigration documents as well as proof that you've been granted a legal stay in the U.S. for at least 12 months. Your license will expire when your legal stay is over.

Fulfill Your Social Security Number Requirement

• Obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).  If you are not eligible for a Social Security Number, you must apply for a Social Security Number and obtain a “denial letter” from the Social Security Administration explaining that your request for a Social Security Number was denied.
• After you complete your Social Security Number requirement, proceed with the 3 phases of a Massachusetts Driver's License application.

Complete the 3 Phases of the Massachusetts Driver’s License Application

You must complete the Driver's License phases in person at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Phase 1: Written Learner's Permit Test $30

• Read the Massachusetts Driver's Manual.
• The written test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. You must answer 18 questions correctly to pass.
• See the "Obtaining Your Class D Permit Schedule" section of this website for specific written test instructions.  

Phase 2: Road Test $35

• After you obtain a Learner's Permit and become accustomed to driving in the U.S. (usually 6 months), you will schedule a road/driving test.
• You are required to bring a car to the road test.  The road test is usually brief and you may borrow/rent a car for this purpose.
• See the "Scheduling a Road Test" section of this website for specific Road Test appointment instructions.

Phase 3: License $50

• You are eligible for the Massachusetts Driver's License as soon as you pass the road test.

If the RMV staff member is uncertain about your visa requirements, please ask them to call the Driver’s Licensing Office at 617.351.9350 and ask for a Documentation Specialist.