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How to Get ID & Documents in Massachusetts

Massachusetts issues state identification cards through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), which is part of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The state also has the Mass ID project, which helps homeless individuals obtain identification.

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Quick Answer

To get a state ID in Massachusetts, visit an RMV service center with a birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and two proofs of Massachusetts residency. A standard state ID costs $25. Massachusetts also has the Mass ID project to help homeless residents obtain identification.

Massachusetts ID Agency

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)

Website: mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-registry-of-motor-vehicles

Phone: (857) 368-8000

State ID Card

Cost: $25

REAL ID: $25 (REAL ID compliant included at no extra charge)

Processing: Temporary document issued same day; permanent card mailed within 7-10 business days

Online renewal: Yes

Requirements:

  • One primary identity document (U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or Certificate of Citizenship)
  • Social Security card or W-2 showing full SSN
  • Two proofs of Massachusetts residential address (utility bill, bank statement, lease, government mail)
  • Proof of legal name change if applicable (marriage certificate, court order)

Massachusetts RMV service centers require appointments for most services. Appointments can be scheduled online at mass.gov/rmv. The state offers both standard and REAL ID compliant cards. Massachusetts also offers the Standard ID as an alternative for residents who cannot provide proof of lawful presence.

Birth Certificate

Agency: Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics

Cost: $20 (certified copy)

Online ordering: Yes

Processing: Walk-in: same day at Boston office. Mail: 4-6 weeks. Online: 5-10 business days

Order online: mass.gov/orgs/registry-of-vital-records-and-statistics

Massachusetts birth certificates can be ordered in person at the Registry of Vital Records in Boston, by mail, or online through the state's VitalRecords Online portal. City and town clerks in the municipality where the birth occurred also issue certified copies, often with faster turnaround times.

Special Programs & Fee Waivers

Reentry ID Program

The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) operates reentry programs that assist individuals with obtaining identification before release. The DOC partners with the RMV and community organizations to help returning citizens obtain state IDs. Pre-release planning includes document gathering for birth certificates and Social Security cards.

Homeless Provisions

Massachusetts has the Mass ID project, a collaborative effort between community organizations and state agencies that helps homeless individuals obtain identification. The project assists with document gathering, fee coverage, and navigating the application process. Several shelters and service agencies in Boston and other cities participate in this program.

Fee Waivers

Massachusetts does not offer a universal fee waiver for state IDs. However, the Mass ID project and other community organizations often cover ID costs for homeless individuals. Some reentry programs also provide financial assistance for returning citizens.

Recommended Order to Get Your Documents

If you have no documents at all, this is the order most reentry specialists recommend. Each document makes the next one easier to get.

  1. 1
    Birth certificate -- This is the foundation document. You can usually order it by mail with minimal ID. It unlocks everything else. Cost in Massachusetts: $20 (certified copy).
  2. 2
    Social Security card -- Always free. With your birth certificate, you can get a replacement SS card at any SSA office or online at ssa.gov. You can replace up to 3 cards per year, 10 in a lifetime.
  3. 3
    State ID card -- With your birth certificate and SS card, you have everything needed for a state ID at the RMV. Cost: $25.
  4. 4
    Other documents -- Once you have a state ID, you can open a bank account, apply for benefits, get a job, register to vote, and apply for a driver's license, passport, or other documents.

Pre-Release Document Planning Timeline

If you or someone you know is currently incarcerated, start the document process as early as possible. Many states allow document applications from inside the facility.

6-12 months out

Request a birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator about ID assistance programs. Ask if your facility has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration for in-facility SS card processing.

3-6 months out

Apply for your Social Security card replacement. If your facility has a partnership with the RMV, begin the state ID application. Gather any educational transcripts, vocational certificates, or GED documentation earned during incarceration.

1-3 months out

Confirm your documents are ready or in process. If your facility issues a DOC/prison release ID card, make sure it will be provided on release day. Identify the nearest RMV office and SSA office to where you will be living.

Release day

Get your prison release ID card, any documents your facility has prepared, and your personal property. Your release ID is a valid form of identification at many government offices. Visit the RMV as soon as possible to get your state ID.

Federal Release Identification Card (BOP)

If you or someone you know was incarcerated in a federal prison, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues a Federal Release Identification Card with REAL ID-level security features. This card is accepted by TSA for domestic air travel and by many state RMV offices as a valid form of identification. Over 16,700 cards have been issued since October 2023.

The federal release ID is nota REAL ID, but it can be used as proof of identity when applying for a state ID or driver's license. It includes your photo, date of birth, and federal inmate number. Ask your unit team or case manager about the Federal Release Identification Card program before your release date.

Note: This program is for federal (BOP) facilities only. State prison release IDs vary by state -- see the reentry program section above for Massachusetts-specific information.

County Jail vs. State Prison: Different ID Situations

State prison releases typically have access to pre-release ID programs and reentry services. Many state corrections departments partner with the RMV to issue state IDs before release. Your facility case manager or reentry coordinator can help navigate this process.

County jail releases often get little or no document assistance. Jail stays are shorter, and most county jails do not have formal reentry ID programs. If you are released from county jail without ID, your best resources are:

  • Call 211 for local reentry and ID assistance programs
  • Contact your local Legal Aid office for help with documents
  • Ask your parole/probation officer about ID assistance
  • Visit a local shelter or reentry center -- many help with document recovery
  • Some RMV offices accept jail release paperwork as a secondary form of ID

Born in a Different State?

If you were born in a state other than Massachusetts, you will need to order your birth certificate from the state where you were born. Every state has a vital records office that processes mail-in requests. You can also use VitalChek.com (official partner for most states) to order online, though they charge a processing fee on top of the state fee.

If you are currently incarcerated in Massachusetts but were born elsewhere, your case manager or reentry coordinator can often help you request your birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Start this process at least 6 months before your release date, as out-of-state requests can take 4-8 weeks.

Born outside the U.S.? You will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for U.S. citizens born overseas), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a local immigration legal aid organization for help.

Social Security Card -- Key Facts

Replacing your Social Security card is always free -- do not pay anyone for this service. You can get a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail, or in person at any SSA office. You are limited to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime.

Prison-SSA partnership: Many federal and state correctional facilities have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration that allows inmates to apply for replacement cards using their prison ID as proof of identity. Ask your case manager if your facility participates. The SSA processes these applications and mails the card directly to the facility or to a designated release address.

No ID at all? If you have no other identification, the SSA may accept alternative evidence of identity. Visit an SSA office in person and explain your situation. Bring any documents you have, including prison release papers, medical records, or school records. See our guide for getting ID with no documents.

Other Important Documents

U.S. Passport -- A valid federal photo ID that can also serve as proof of citizenship. Useful as a backup ID. Costs $130 (book) or $30 (card). Apply at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office). See our felon passport guide.
Criminal Record / RAP Sheet -- You have the right to request your own criminal history. This is useful for expungement applications, job interviews, and housing applications. Contact the MassachusettsState Police or use the FBI's Identity History Summary (costs $18, submitted via fingerprint card). See our guide to checking your own record.
Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) -- Veterans need their DD-214 for VA benefits, healthcare, and employment preferences. Request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (free). Many county recorders also keep copies on file.
Selective Service Registration -- Males 18-25 are required to register. Registration is needed for federal financial aid (Pell Grants), federal jobs, and citizenship applications. Register or verify status at sss.gov.
Educational Transcripts & Vocational Certificates -- If you completed a GED, vocational training, or college courses during incarceration, contact the facility's education department for official transcripts before or soon after release. These documents help with employment and education applications. See our education & training guide.
Voter Registration -- Check your voting eligibility in Massachusetts and register to vote. See our Massachusetts voting rights guide.

Step-by-Step Guides

More Massachusetts Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I get a Massachusetts state ID?
State ID applications are processed at RMV service centers across Massachusetts. Most services require an appointment, which can be scheduled online at mass.gov/rmv. Walk-in service may be available at some locations but is not guaranteed.
What is the Mass ID project?
The Mass ID project is a collaborative initiative that helps homeless individuals in Massachusetts obtain state identification. The project assists with gathering required documents, covering fees, and navigating the RMV application process. Contact local shelters or 211 to connect with Mass ID services.
Can I renew my Massachusetts state ID online?
Yes, Massachusetts allows eligible ID holders to renew online through the RMV website. You must meet certain criteria including having a current valid ID and no changes to your personal information.
How do I get a replacement birth certificate in Massachusetts?
You can order a certified copy from the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics in Boston ($20), by mail, or online. You can also request copies from the city or town clerk where the birth occurred, which may be faster. You need valid identification to request a copy.
Does the Massachusetts DOC help inmates get ID?
Yes, the Massachusetts Department of Correction operates reentry programs that help inmates obtain identification documents before release. This includes assistance with birth certificates, Social Security cards, and coordinating state ID applications with the RMV.
What is the difference between a Standard ID and a REAL ID in Massachusetts?
Both cost $25. A REAL ID requires proof of lawful presence and is marked with a gold star. It can be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights. A Standard ID does not require proof of lawful presence but cannot be used for federal identification purposes after the REAL ID deadline.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change frequently. Contact your local RMV, vital records office, or Social Security office for exact current requirements. For help, call 211 or visit 211.org.
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