Driver's License/Additional Identification Card   Email     Print   PDF

	An example of a Massachusetts driver's license. (Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles)
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	» Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Office (RMV) » Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Office - Driver's Manual » Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Office - License & ID Information

State of Massachusetts Driver's License
In order to get a Massachusetts Driver's license, you must pass a written test (available in both English and Spanish), a road test and an eye screening for field vision and basic colors. There is a separate fee for each test.

The first step is to prepare for your written test by studying the Driver's Manual that is available at the Registry of Motor Vehicles Office (RMV) or the RMV website http://www.state.ma.us/rmv/dmanual.

After you pass the written and vision test you receive a Permit that will allow you to operate a vehicle when accompanied by a licensed operator. Permits expire two (2) years from the date of issue. Once you have passed your written permit test, you can schedule your road test. All road tests must be scheduled by the Phone center. The automated phone system number is (866)-627-7768. You may not schedule a road test appointment in person. You will receive your Massachusetts Driver's License once you pass the road test.

Identification Requirements and Acceptable Documents
In the state of Massachusetts, you must have a valid Social Security number to apply for any permit, license, or ID. If you do not have a valid Social Security number, you must obtain a written denial notice from the Social Security Administration (with an acceptable visa code), explaining why you can't be issued a Social Security number. In addition, you will be required to present three (3) pieces of identification that establish date of birth, signature and Massachusetts residency. All documents must be originals. A list of acceptable documents can be located in the Driver's Manual or at http://www.state.ma.us/rmv/dmanual.

You may drive a private passenger vehicle for up to one (1) year from the date you arrive in the United States if you have a driver's license issued by your home country and if your home country is recognized under one of the conventions, or the Registrar has granted driving privileges to residents from your country, (refer to Appendix C in the Driver's Manual for the list of countries/territories). Once you have established Massachusetts' residency, you must obtain a Massachusetts driver's license.
If you are younger than 18 years of age, be sure to read the special regulations that affect to you.

State of Massachusetts Identification Card
If you do not need a driver's license, but do require an additional form of identification, you can obtain a State of Massachusetts Identification (ID) card at and full service Registry of Motor Vehicle (RMV) Office for $15.00.

Massachusetts ID Requirements:

• You must be at least 16 years of age.
• You may not hold a valid license in any state.
• You must have a valid social security number or an acceptable denial letter from the Social Security Administration.
• You must be a resident of Massachusetts.

For further details and a list of acceptable documents, please refer to the RMV website at: http://www.state.ma.us/rmv/license/.