Massachusetts Driver's License

Motor Vehicle Registration
Although there are a few exceptions, the vehicles of Massachusetts residents must be registered with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and bear the assigned registration plates if they are to driven legally on the roads of this state. Most vehicle registrations are subject to a periodic renewal with fees; however, since May 1, 1996 the RMV has issued "lifetime" registrations for passenger vehicles only.

Rules for Visitors and Other Non-Residents
U.S. residents living outside of Massachusetts may drive in the Commonwealth using their valid, out-of-state drivers' licenses. This rule applies both to visitors and out-of-state residents who work in Massachusetts.

If you are a visitor from another country, you have a valid driver's license issued by your home country, and your home country is recognized as part of the 1949 UN Convention on Road Traffic, then you may drive private passenger vehicles in Massachusetts for up to one year from the date of your arrival in the U.S.. An International Driver's License is not required, although it may be helpful by providing an English translation of your foreign license.

Once you have established residence in Massachusetts, you MUST obtain a Massachusetts driver's license in order to retain your driving privileges.

Out-of-State License Conversions
If you have an out-of-state license that is either current or has been expired for less than a year, you are allowed to exchange it for a Massachusetts license. Provided that:

1. you do not have a physical impairment which might limit your ability to operate a motor vehicle properly:
2. you have a Massachusetts Driver Education Certificate if you are between 16 1/2 and 17 years of age; and
3. you are cleared through background checks with the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS);

Mass. ID and Mass. Liquor ID
For people who do not have a Massachusetts driver's license, the RMV can issue one of two official identification cards. The Massachusetts ID and Massachusetts Liquor ID look similar to driver's licenses; however, they do not extend any driving privileges. These two official forms of identity, signature and age are accepted in the Commonwealth for purchase of liquor and other acts that require verification of your identity. Without one of them, it will take great luck to, say, buy booze at a game at Fenway.

The views expressed in this guide do not necessarily represent the views of Harvard University, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate Student Council, or the Editors. Although every effort has been made to publish accurate information, the Graduate Student Council accepts no responsibility for inaccurate or incomplete information or any consequences resulting from any misinformation. All information is subject to change without notice.