How Much Does a Massachusetts
Driver's License Cost?
A Massachusetts driver's license costs $50 and lasts 5 years. Below are all 6 official fees from the Massachusetts RMV.
Massachusetts License Costs at a Glance
- Permit + first license (approx.)
- $80
- License valid for
- 5 years
- About $10 per year
- Replacement
- $25
- REAL ID
- No extra cost
At $50, Massachusetts's license fee is higher than in 40 other states. The national median is $34.
📊Official Massachusetts RMV Fees
From the Massachusetts RMV fee schedule. Verify current amounts before paying.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Class D License (5 year) | $50.00 |
| Learner's Permit | $30.00 |
| Road Test Fee | $35.00 |
| REAL ID upgrade | No additional cost |
| Replacement License | $25.00 |
| Driver Education (state-approved school) | $650–$950 (varies by provider) |
🗓️When You Pay Each Fee in Massachusetts
- 1
Apply for a Class D Learner's Permit at 16
Bring your documents, your parent/guardian for in-person JOL signature, and the $30 permit fee.
- 2
Receive Your Junior Operator License (JOL)
Pay the $50 license fee.
How much does a Massachusetts driver's license cost?
A Class D license is $50 (5-year), the Learner's Permit is $30, and the Road Test fee is $35. State-approved Driver Education ranges $650–$950 depending on the school. A duplicate license is $25. Massachusetts is on the higher-priced side of U.S. states for licensing.
🗺️Massachusetts Compared With Neighboring States
You must be a resident to get a state's license, but if you live near a border, here is how Massachusetts's fees compare.
| State | License | Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $50 | $30 |
| Rhode Island | $84.50 | $8.50–$13.50 |
| Connecticut | $84 | $19 |
| New York | $76.75–$102.50 | Included |
| Vermont | $62 | $24 |
| New Hampshire | $50 | $10 |
🚚Moving to Massachusetts With a License?
New Massachusetts residents must visit an RMV Service Center within 30 days of becoming a resident. Bring your out-of-state license, identity and SSN documents, and 1–2 proofs of MA residency. The vision test is required, but the written and road tests are typically waived for U.S. licenses in good standing. Out-of-country licenses are NOT eligible for transfer — you must take the full written and road tests.
Transfer deadlines in every state →Budgeting Beyond the RMV Fee
The figures above are Massachusetts's official fees. Driver education, behind-the-wheel lessons, and insurance can cost more than the license itself.
Estimate your total Massachusetts cost
The official fees above are only part of the bill. Add your age, REAL ID, driver education and retests to see a realistic total for Massachusetts.
Required to board domestic US flights starting May 7, 2025.
Most states charge $5–$35 per failed road-test attempt. Optimistic? First-try pass rates run 50–60% in most states.
Estimates use the fees listed on this page. Open the full calculator to compare other states.
Fees change. Always confirm the amount on the official Massachusetts RMV website before paying. US Driver Guide is not affiliated with any government agency.