Massachusetts state law requires all residents to obtain a MA driver’s license within 30 days of their arrival if they plan to live in Massachusetts (MA) for one year or more. You may, however, utilize an International Driver’s License for up to one year in MA. Citizens of certain countries may also utilize their home country’s driver’s license for up to one year in MA. Please ask to see our “List of Parties to the 1949 Road Traffic Convention” flyer if you have a license from another country to determine if your license is valid for one year in Massachusetts.
Buying a Car
If you wish to purchase a car, most insurance companies will require you to have a MA driver’s license. Please note that if you move after you obtained a MA driver’s license, you must inform the Registry of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of your move. After buying a car, you have to (1) purchase auto insurance; (2) register your car by the end of the month in which you purchased the car; and (3) have your car inspected within 7 days. Before buying a used car, have a mechanic examine the car. Be sure the car you buy has a Certificate of Ownership. To legally transfer ownership of the car over to you, the previous owner must sign the title and give it to you. For a small additional fee, an insurance agent may register your car and get the license for you at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
Renting a Car
You may rent a car if you have a valid driver's license and are at least 25 years of age. Below are a few links to car rental services near Wellesley. You may also search the internet for others.
Avis Rent A Car, Natick +508-655-0911
Enterprise Rent A Car, Natick +508-655-8980
Thrifty Car Rental, Natick +508-653-3180
Most of these rental options are expensive. Renting a Car Renting a car in Boston can be expensive. There is one cheaper alternative for about $550 per month plus a $200 surcharge for insurance. See http://www.anyratecarrentals.com/ for more information.
Obtaining a Massachusetts Drivers License All applicants are required to have a
Social Security number or an official ‘Denial Letter’ from the Social Security Office. A Denial Letter will be issued on the spot at the Social Security Office; a Social Security number may take two or more weeks to obtain. You will also need photo identification, an example of your signature, proof of MA residency and proof of age. A passport provides photo ID, your signature, and proof of your age. Proof of MA residency could be a utility bill showing your name and current address. If you live on campus, ask the International Student Advisor for a letter that states that you live on campus.
Written and Road Test Requirements 
Currently, the license requires an eye exam, a short written exam, and a road test. The written test may be taken on a walk-in basis at any RMV between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm (Monday-Friday). If you pass it, you will get a learner’s permit. Driver’s license manuals are available to help you prepare for the written and road tests at the RMV or click here. Road tests must be scheduled at least three weeks in advance after you have earned your learner’s permit. At the time of the road test, you need to bring your completed application (obtained from the RMV), your learner’s permit, payment for each scheduled road test, a registered, insured, and inspected vehicle, and a sponsor. The sponsor must be at least 18 years of age, have at least one year of driving experience, and possess a valid license issued by his/her home state.
Obtaining a Massachusetts ID card
If you do not plan to get a Massachusetts driver’s license, you may still want to get an official Massachusetts identification (ID) card. It will serve as official identification and birth date with your photograph. In the U.S., where the legal drinking age is 21, you can expect to be “carded” (asked to show your ID) whenever you enter a bar. Passports and other forms of international identification are not always accepted at the door, but a Massachusetts ID is. You can apply for a Massachusetts ID at any full service Registry of Motor Vehicles.
