Driving Tests

Foreign Driver's License in Massachusetts: Convert or Test?

informational·how to guide·Published June 30, 2026

Can I convert my foreign driver's license to a Massachusetts license without tests?

Only if it comes from Canada, Mexico, a U.S. territory, South Korea, Germany, France or Taiwan. If you are a Massachusetts resident with a valid license from one of those places, you can convert it in person for $115, without a written or road test. A license from any other country cannot be converted: you pass the learner's permit exam and a road test as a new driver.

Where these Massachusetts rules come from

The rules come from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) pages on transferring a foreign license, converting certain foreign licenses and driving on a foreign license. The exam, sponsor, fee and visitor details come from the RMV learner's permit, Class D road test and fee pages, the Driver's Manual (revised April 2026) and Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.) chapter 90, section 10. This post is current as of 2026, and the RMV can change fees. Confirm the rules with the Massachusetts RMV (mass.gov/rmv) before you drive.

What each place needs for a conversion

What each place needs for a conversion
License from	Who qualifies and which records	Other rules
Canada, Mexico or a U.S. territory	A certified driving record from the country or territory, not more than 30 days old.	Take and pass an eye test. If your license expired more than 1 year ago, you also take a written test and a road test.
South Korea	A valid Korean license equal to a Class D license. Age 18 or older and a Massachusetts resident. A Certificate of Driving Record or Certificate of Driver's License in English, issued no more than 60 days ago, that shows your license to operate passenger vehicles.	Turn in the new version of the Korean license (with English on the back). The RMV forwards it to the Korean Consulate.
Germany	A valid German license equal to a Class D license. Age 18 or older and a Massachusetts resident. A license translation stamped by the German Consulate, not more than 30 days old. A driving record from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority, issued no more than 30 days ago.	Call 857-368-8110 for an appointment. Bring all original documents, or you must reschedule.
France	A valid French Class B or B1 passenger license, or Class A or A1 motorcycle license, not expired, suspended or revoked. Age 18 or older and a Massachusetts resident. A license translation and a certified driving record issued no more than 30 days ago, with a translation, from the French Consulate or an acceptable translator.	Turn in the license. The French Consulate keeps it.
Taiwan	A valid Taiwan license, not expired, suspended or revoked. Age 18 or older and a Massachusetts resident. A license translation and a certified driving record issued no more than 60 days ago, with a translation, from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston or an acceptable translator.	Turn in the license. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston keeps it.

What if my license is from another country?

You cannot convert it. After you become a Massachusetts resident, you apply for a license, meet all the identification requirements, and pass a learner's permit exam and a road test. The permit exam has 25 questions, and you must answer 18 correctly to pass. The road test needs a sponsor, even if you hold a valid foreign license. Your sponsor must be 21 or older, have at least 1 year of driving experience and hold a valid license issued by their home state. A holder of a foreign license cannot be your sponsor. The Massachusetts road test guide covers the vehicle and the booking steps.

Which path fits you?

Your license is from Canada, Mexico, a U.S. territory, South Korea, Germany, France or Taiwan, and you live in Massachusetts

Gather the documents in the table, then convert in person. No written or road test is needed, unless your Canada, Mexico or U.S. territory license expired more than 1 year ago.

Your license is from any other country, and you live in Massachusetts

Apply as a new driver: identification documents, the learner's permit exam, then the road test with a sponsor.

Your license is marked temporary, limited term or driver privilege only

You cannot convert it, because Massachusetts has no equivalent credential.

You hold an international Commercial Driver License (CDL)

You cannot convert it to a Massachusetts CDL.

You are visiting and live elsewhere

Drive on your valid foreign license under the visitor rules below. A Massachusetts license is only for residents, not for tourists or temporary visitors.

Documents for Korea, Germany, France and Taiwan

Identification documents, the completed application and the fee.
A Social Security Number, or an acceptable Denial Notice with proof of acceptable visa status and an I-94 (Record of Arrival and Departure).
Any visa you show must indicate an authorized stay in the U.S. of at least 12 months.
All documents must be originals, not photocopies.

Fee, payment and your temporary license

The Class D license conversion fee is $115 (U.S. dollars). You convert in person, and you can pay by cash, check, money order, credit card or debit card. Accepted methods vary by location, so check the site you will visit. After you convert, you get a temporary photo-imaging license that is valid for 30 days, and the permanent license comes in the mail.

Can I drive on my foreign license while I visit?

Yes. A visitor may drive private passenger vehicles in Massachusetts with a valid foreign license.
You must be at least 16, and your license must be valid, not suspended or revoked.
You may drive the same type of vehicle that your license lets you drive in your home country.
If your license is not in English and has no English translation, you also need an international driving permit, an English translation of the license, or a similar document with your photo and an English translation.
Carry the license, and the translation if you need one, every time you drive. A violation of M.G.L. chapter 90, section 10 is a criminal violation, and a first offense carries a $500 fine.

When you become a resident

Once you become a Massachusetts resident, you must get a Massachusetts license to keep your driving privileges, and there is no grace period. If you are here to study, read about international students driving in Massachusetts.

Key takeaways

Only licenses from Canada, Mexico, U.S. territories, South Korea, Germany, France and Taiwan convert without a written or road test.
The conversion fee is $115, and you get a 30-day temporary license until the permanent one arrives by mail.
Korea, Germany, France and Taiwan applicants must be 18 or older and show a Social Security Number or a Denial Notice, with a visa that shows a stay of at least 12 months.
An international driving permit, a temporary or limited-term license and an international CDL cannot be converted.
Next step: practice for the permit exam on the free Massachusetts Class D learner's permit practice test.

Foreign license in Massachusetts: common questions

Can I convert an international driving permit (IDP) to a Massachusetts license?

No. The RMV does not convert an international driving permit to a Massachusetts driving permit, and it does not convert an international Commercial Driver License (CDL) either. You can still use an IDP as a visitor: it goes with your foreign license when that license is not in English. As a new resident with no convertible license, plan for the learner's permit exam and a road test.

Can I convert my French or Taiwanese motorcycle license in Massachusetts?

Yes. France and Taiwan licenses convert to the equal Massachusetts passenger or motorcycle license. For France, that means a Class A or A1 motorcycle license or a Class B or B1 passenger license. Your certified driving record must show your license to operate passenger vehicles or motorcycles. Korean and German licenses must be equal to a Class D (passenger car) license.

I have no Social Security Number. Can I still convert my foreign license?

Yes. For a license from Korea, Germany, France or Taiwan, bring an acceptable Denial Notice with proof of your visa status and your I-94. The I-94 can be a paper copy from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or you can download and print it. Your visa must show an authorized stay of at least 12 months.

Is an international driver's license bought online valid in Massachusetts?

No. Some websites sell documents called an "International Driver License" or "International Driving Permit" that claim to give driving rights. The RMV does not recognize any such document as a license. To drive here as a visitor, you need your valid home-country license, plus an English translation or an international driving permit if the license is not in English.