Office of Immigration Services MA State ID & Driver's License

REAL ID or Standard ID

The standard versions of the MA State ID and driver's license require slightly less documentation.  However, as of May 7, 2025, standard versions of these IDs will not be acceptable forms of documentation for flying domestically and entering federal buildings (only REAL ID versions will be accepted).

Starting July 1, 2023, eligible residents in Massachusetts can obtain a Standard (Class D or M) driver's license, regardless of immigration status, under the Work and Family Mobility Act.

Driver's License or State ID

A valid driver's license is required to operate a motor vehicle on any public road, highway, or other way permitting access to the public.  Different driver's licenses can be used to operate different classes of vehicles. The most common is the passenger (Class D) license, which allows you to legally operate a passenger vehicle, van or small truck.  Driver's licenses can be pursued in both standard and REAL ID form.

WFMA: Starting July 1, 2023, eligible residents in Massachusetts can obtain a standard (Class D or M) driver's license, regardless of immigration status, under the Work and Family Mobility Act.  (This does not apply to eligibility for a standard MA State ID.)

MA State ID cards are issued to non-drivers who are residents of Massachusetts.  An MA State ID is an official form of identity, signature, and age that is accepted in MA.  MA State IDs can be pursued in both standard and REAL ID form.

 

Students with a Driver's License from their Home Country

The RMV indicates that all foreign licensed drivers are subject to the following requirements when operating a vehicle in Massachusetts:

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Must be in possession of a valid driver’s license when operating a motor vehicle in Massachusetts.
• May operate a motor vehicle in Massachusetts of the same type in which licensed to operate in any other state or country.
• If the foreign license is not in English or does not have an English translation, must have one of the following:
  • An International Driving Permit (IDP)
  • A Translation into English of a Foreign License document, or similar acceptable translation
  • An alternative translation document that contains a photo and English translation that closely matches the information from an IDP
• Must not be suspended or revoked.

Where to Apply

All applications for MA State ID and Driver's Licenses can be initiated online, and will require an in-person appointment at a local RMV.  The nearest RMV location is in Easthampton.  There are also RMV locations in Springfield and Greenfield.

What is a learner's permit?

Unless you already know how to drive and can pass the RMV driving exam, you will need to start with a learner's permit.  The application can be initiated online.  The documentation required to apply for a learner's permit is the same as for a driver's license.  Once you have initiated your permit, you will need to pass the learner's permit written exam (this exam can be taken in-person at the RMV or virtually from home).

Learning to Drive

If you don't know how to drive, you will need to contact a local driving school and arrange to take driving lessons.  The closest driving school to campus is Pioneer Valley Driving School.  This driving school can also help coordinate your road test (required to obtain your license), which can be very helpful.