How to Check Your Driver’s License Status in Massachusetts: A Quick Guide
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Keeping up to date with your driver’s license status is a great idea, as it’ll alert you of any suspensions or other anomalies you may not have been aware of. Checking your driver's license status in Massachusetts is straightforward, but it may be confusing at first if you’ve never done it before.
Below, we’ll walk you through how to check your driver’s license status in Massachusetts, reinstate a suspended license, and remain within the bounds of Massachusetts driver’s license laws.
Introduction to Checking Your Driver's License Status in Massachusetts
Your driver’s license status is easy to overlook, but keeping on top of it can be beneficial. First, if you’re applying for a new job that requires a license, a suspension or other issues could lead to you getting turned down. Also, knowing your license status prevents you from unknowingly driving with a suspended license.
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) offers a quick and easy online interface to check driver's license status in MA. This online driver’s license check allows you to determine your license status without visiting an RMV office in person.
But why would you need to check your license status in Massachusetts online? Shouldn’t you already know if your license is suspended? Yes, in obvious situations, such as driving under the influence (DUI) and breaking other serious driving laws, you’d be aware of your suspension. However, Massachusetts can suspend your license for other, less obvious reasons, such as multiple small traffic infractions, non-payment of child support, lack of auto insurance, and more.
How to Use the Massachusetts RMV Online Tools
The Massachusetts RMV’s online system allows you to complete over 60 transactions online, streamlining processes and minimizing foot traffic in its offices. To complete an online transaction, navigate to the myRMV Online Service Center, choose the transaction you want to complete, and follow all the prompts.
To check your license status in MA or Massachusetts identification status, navigate to the driver’s license check interface and enter your date of birth, last name, driver's license, permit or identification number, and Social Security number. Check the box certifying you’re not a robot, then click “Submit.” The system will then bring up your license status.
Understanding Your License Status Results
When you check your MA driver's license status or identification status, you will see one of five statuses:
- Active: Your license is valid, and you are legally allowed to drive.
- Suspended: Your license is temporarily invalid due to certain violations.
- Revoked: Your license has been permanently canceled, and you must reapply.
- Right to operate revoked: If you never obtained a Massachusetts license but had an offense that would result in revocation, Massachusetts will revoke your driving privileges only since there is no license to suspend.
- Expired: Your license has not been renewed and is invalid.
A firm grasp of these statuses will help you determine your next steps if your license is invalid.
Common Reasons for License Suspension
You can get a suspended Massachusetts driver’s license for several reasons. Common reasons include:
- Accumulation of traffic violations
- Three offenses of illegal window tint
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or refusing a chemical test following a DUI arrest
- Failure to pay fines or fees associated with traffic tickets
- Insufficient auto insurance
- Non-payment of child support or state taxes
Steps to Take if Your License is Suspended or Revoked
If the driver’s license check indicates you have a suspended license in Massachusetts, you must take specific steps to reinstate it. This all starts by determining what caused the suspension so you know the initial steps to rectify the issue.
Next, follow these reinstatement steps:
- Contact the Massachusetts RMV to clarify the suspension and reinstatement steps.
- Complete any necessary steps for reinstatement, such as fulfilling court obligations, purchasing auto insurance, enrolling in a driver safety course, or paying an overdue fine.
- Submit the required paperwork and the reinstatement fee to the RMV for reinstatement.
- If your suspension was two years or longer, you must retake the full driving exam, including the permit and road tests.
Ensuring Compliance With Massachusetts Insurance Requirements
Massachusetts requires all drivers to have minimum insurance coverage. Failure to obtain this coverage could result in a driver’s license suspension. The state minimum coverage is:
- Bodily injury to others: $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident
- Personal injury protection (PIP): $8,000 per person, per accident
- Bodily injury caused by an uninsured auto: $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident
- Damage to someone else's property: $5,000 per accident
These are all just the state's minimum requirements. You can always purchase supplemental insurance if you want more protection.
Start Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Today!
Having at least state minimum insurance on your vehicle will help keep you from getting a license suspension. EverQuote can help by allowing you to compare multiple Massachusetts car insurance premiums and choose the best one.