What to Bring to the Massachusetts DMV for Your Permit Test

Don't get sent home. Here's the complete checklist — documents, fees, forms, and what to leave at home.

Before You Go

  • →Book an appointment online to skip the massive walk-in lines
  • →Print your completed application (LIC100) if you filled it out online
  • →Double-check that all your documents are originals, not photocopies
  • →Study the Massachusetts Driver's Manual thoroughly before the test
  • →Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in
  • →Make sure your parent/guardian knows the exact time and brings their ID
  • →Get a good night's sleep so you don't blank out on the road signs

Required Documents

Proof of Identity (Primary Document)

  • ✓Valid U.S. Passport
  • ✓Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
  • ✓Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • ✓Valid Foreign Passport with I-94
  • ✓Certificate of Citizenship

Bring the original document only; photocopies are not accepted. If you want a REAL ID, you must bring your primary ID plus two proofs of residency.

Proof of Social Security Number

  • ✓Social Security Card
  • ✓W-2 Form with full SSN
  • ✓Pay Stub with full SSN
  • ✓SSA-1099 Form
  • ✓Non-SSA-1099 Form

Massachusetts generally requires proof of your SSN. If you don't have one, you must visit the Social Security Administration first to get one, or bring a letter from the SSA stating you are ineligible.

Proof of Massachusetts Residency

Bring 2 of these:

  • ✓Utility bill (electric, gas, water) in parent's name
  • ✓Bank statement
  • ✓Mortgage or lease agreement
  • ✓Parent's Massachusetts driver's license or ID
  • ✓School report card or transcript with home address

For a standard license, one proof is usually enough if it matches your name, but for a REAL ID, you strictly need two different documents showing your MA address. The address must match what you put on your application.

Parental / Guardian Consent (applicants under 18)

  • ✓Parent/Guardian must sign the application in front of the RMV examiner
  • ✓Parent/Guardian must provide their own proof of identity
  • ✓Parent/Guardian must provide proof of their MA residency
  • ✓If parents are divorced, the custodial parent must sign
  • ✓Legal guardians must bring court documents proving guardianship

Both parents don't always need to be there, but the parent with legal custody must appear in person to sign. If a parent cannot make it, a notarized affidavit is sometimes an option, but showing up together is the safest bet to avoid delays.

Proof of Driver's Education

  • ✓Certificate of Completion from a state-licensed Driver Education program (Class 101/102)

Yes, driver's ed is mandatory for all applicants under 18 in Massachusetts. You cannot get your permit without the certificate from a licensed driving school showing you completed the classroom portion.

Fees & Payment

$30

This $30 fee covers the learner's permit application and the knowledge test. If you fail the test, you may need to pay a re-testing fee. The fee is non-refundable even if you don't pass.

Accepted payment:

Credit CardDebit CardCashMoney OrderCheck (made payable to 'Mass RMV')

Forms

Driver's License Application (Form LIC100)

Available at: Available online at mass.gov or at the RMV office

You can fill this out online to save time, but DO NOT sign it until you are standing in front of the RMV examiner. If you sign it early, they will make you fill out a new one.

What NOT to Bring

  • ✗Your cell phone (use it only for emergencies, otherwise it's a distraction)
  • ✗Friends or siblings (they can't help you and might get in the way)
  • ✗Pets (no animals allowed inside the RMV)
  • ✗Food or drinks (no eating or drinking in the testing area)
  • ✗Your own pen (use the one provided by the examiner)
  • ✗Heavy backpacks or large bags (storage is limited)
  • ✗Sunglasses (unless medically necessary, you'll need to see the screen clearly)

At the Office

  • →The knowledge test is computer-based and multiple-choice
  • →You must score 80% or higher to pass (18 out of 25 questions)
  • →If you fail, you can usually retake it the same day for a small fee, but policies vary by location
  • →Once you pass, you'll get a temporary paper permit immediately
  • →Your official plastic card will arrive by mail within 2-3 weeks

Official Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) info: www.mass.gov/orgs/registry-of-motor-vehicles

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