Obtaining a Massachusetts 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 ID cards are official forms of identity, signature, and age that are accepted in the Commonwealth*. Please refer to Obtaining a Massachusetts Liquor ID for more information about the Massachusetts Liquor ID.

You may apply for a Massachusetts ID at any full service RMV office. You will be given a temporary Mass ID, valid for 30 days, at the branch, and a permanent Mass ID will be mailed to you.

*Please Note: Some establishments which serve alcohol may refuse to accept a Massachusetts ID card. State law (c.138, §34B ) provides the establishment some legal protection if alcohol was served to a minor in reliance on a valid Massachusetts Liquor ID card but not if the establishment relied on the Massachusetts ID card.

Massachusetts ID Requirements

• You must be at least 16 years of age.
• You may not hold a valid license in any state.
• You must be a resident of Massachusetts.

Fees

• There is a $15.00 fee for a Massachusetts ID
• There is a $15.00 replacement fee for a lost or damaged Massachusetts ID

Expiration

Massachusetts ID's expire every five (5) years

Documentation Requirements

You must have a valid social security number or an acceptable denial letter (with an acceptable visa code)

If you are under 18 years of age:

You must present the following:

• SSN Card or valid, current, U.S. or non-U.S. Passport
• 1 document proving date of birth
• Parental consent on the License application
• A valid Social Security Number that verifies with the Social Security Administration or an acceptable written denial notice from the Social Security Administration.

Note: The Social Security Administration does not include any Visa information on written denial notices, therefore, if you do not have a valid Social Security Number, you will have to provide evidence of an acceptable Visa code in addition to the written denial notice from the Social Security Administration.

All documents must be originals. Photocopies will not be accepted. You must also clear a check through the National Driver Register and pay the required fees.

 

If you are 18 years of age or older:

You must present the following:

• SSN Card or valid, current U.S. or non-U.S. Passport
• Document proving date of birth
• Document proving signature
• Document proving Massachusetts residency

A valid Social Security Number that verifies with the Social Security Administration or an acceptable written denial notice from the Social Security Administration.

Note: The Social Security Administration does not include any Visa information on written denial notices, therefore, if you do not have a valid Social Security Number, you will have to provide evidence of an acceptable Visa code in addition to the written denial notice from the Social Security Administration.

All documents must be originals. Photocopies will not be accepted. You must also clear a check through the National Driver Register and pay the required fees.

A Massachusetts Liquor ID can be used to prove date of birth or signature.

To Obtain a Massachusetts ID

Complete an application for a Mass ID. This form is available at any RMV service office. You may also download it from the Forms and Files section on our website.

Present the application, $15.00 fee and appropriate documentation, in person, to any RMV full service office to receive your ID.

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