After you pass, a few rules decide how quickly your license arrives and whether you must visit the RMV again. New residents who already hold a permit or license from elsewhere follow conversion rules instead of starting over.
Know the rule
Pass with fees prepaid and no outstanding obligations, and the examiner validates your permit as a temporary license, valid up to 60 days (unless the permit expires first). Your permanent photo license is mailed to you.
Handbook p. 35 ↗Know the rule
Passed without prepaying? Within 60 days, pay online or bring the permit to a service center. Paying online gives you no temporary license. Not paying within 60 days may mean retaking the road test at your expense.
Handbook p. 35 ↗If your permanent license hasn't arrived in the mail by then, call the RMV Contact Center
Handbook p. 35 ↗Know the rule
Whenever you drive in Massachusetts, the law requires you to carry a valid license on your person or within easy reach inside the vehicle.
Handbook p. 35 ↗Know the rule
Licenses are generally mailed 10-14 business days after a service center visit. Your receipt serves as a temporary license, but it isn't valid ID for travel.
Handbook p. 35 ↗Know the rule
Converting a Junior Operator license needs a certified driving record from your old state, a Massachusetts driver's ed certificate on file, and 40 logged supervised hours (30 with a driver skills program). All JOL rules apply.
Handbook p. 35 ↗Know the rule
A converting junior operator whose record shows a valid license for a full six months, without suspension or revocation, is not subject to the passenger restriction.
Handbook p. 36 ↗Converting an out-of-state Class D or M permit:
- The permit must have been issued less than two years ago
- Bring a certified driving record not more than 30 days old
- Under 18? A parent or guardian signs the permit application
- No permit exam, but you pay the conversion fee
- It's dated from the original issue date and expires two years from that date
Know the rule
Converting from one of the 14 U.S. territories, Canada or Mexico requires an original certified driving record no more than 30 days old, because those records aren't available through the Problem Driver Pointer System.
Handbook p. 36 ↗Key RMV fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Learner's permit exam (charged again to retest) | $30 |
| Road test (charged again if failed, no-show, late cancel) | $35 |
| Class D or Class M license issue/renew | $50 |
| Duplicate or amended license | $25 |
| Out-of-state conversion, Class D | $115 |
| Out-of-state conversion, Class A, B or C | $140 |
| Class D or M permit conversion | $30 |
Know the rule
Licenses issued for less than five years are prorated, and all license fees are non-refundable. Disabled Veterans who have, or qualified for, Disabled Veteran plates pay no driver's license fees.
Handbook p. 40 ↗Put it into practice
You pass the road test without having prepaid and pay online that evening. That's allowed within 60 days, but you won't receive a temporary license; your license comes by mail.