More customers will soon be able to complete driver’s license and ID card renewals through online channels, according to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). The agency has made this expansion possible by increasing the acceptable age of a license photo from 9 years to 14 years, thereby broadening the pool of eligible online renewal applicants.
Additionally, customers may now renew their licenses or ID cards online during two consecutive renewal cycles. This policy change is expected to enable approximately 30,000 additional monthly renewal transactions to be handled online. By shifting more renewals to the digital platform, fewer customers will need to visit physical RMV service centers, allowing those who do require in-person service to complete their transactions more quickly.
Registrar of Motor Vehicles Erin Deveney remarked, “The Registry is pleased to offer these helpful enhancements to service options that are currently available to our customers,” “We encourage customers to conveniently renew their driver’s license or MA ID card online if they are eligible to do so, saving a trip to a service center and perhaps avoiding holiday traffic too.”
Every third renewal period—occurring once every 15 years—customers must visit an RMV service center or AAA location (for AAA members) to renew in person. Customers should note that they are not required to wait for the RMV’s birthday card reminder and may renew online up to 12 months ahead of their expiration date.
For online renewal eligibility, a customer’s license or ID card photo must be under 14 years old and must have been taken after the customer turned 21.
Those holding a license or ID card are encouraged to visit www.mass.gov/how-to/renew-your-drivers-license to verify their eligibility and complete an online renewal.
Beginning March 26, 2018, the RMV will implement changes to its driver’s license and ID card issuance and renewal processes. Starting on that date, the agency will issue REAL ID-compliant credentials to meet federal requirements.
Massachusetts residents will not require a REAL ID until after October 2020, and it will only be necessary for air travel or entry to U.S. government buildings. As of October 1, 2020, acceptable credentials where REAL ID is required will include a valid U.S. or foreign passport, U.S. passport card, military ID, or a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID.
For questions regarding REAL ID, visit www.mass.gov/realID.
Further details are available on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website at www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs.