Drivers_Manual

Massachusetts IDs and Liquor IDs
For people who do not have a Massachusetts driver's license, the RMV can issue one of
two official identification (ID) cards. The Massachusetts ID and Massachusetts Liquor ID
look similar to driver's licenses, but they do not extend any driving privileges. These two ID
cards are official forms of identity, signature, and age that are accepted in the
Commonwealth. You cannot hold an ID card and a license at the same time.
You can apply for a Massachusetts ID or a Liquor ID at any RMV branch.
See Appendix D for color images of identification cards issued by Massachusetts.
Massachusetts IDs and Liquor IDs are produced at a secure location and are generally mailed to
you five to seven days after you visit the branch.
At the branch, you will receive a receipt that includes your personal information, image, and
signature. The receipt is not valid for identification. This means that it will not be accepted by
most airlines, cruise ships, etc., for travel as a state-issued photo ID.
Massachusetts ID
If you do not have a valid driver's license, but would like an official ID card, the RMV can
issue you a Massachusetts ID. To obtain one, you must meet the following requirements:
• Be at least 14 years old
• Be a Massachusetts resident
• Not hold a valid driver's license from Massachusetts or any other jurisdiction
A Massachusetts ID expires every five years.
Acceptable Identification to Purchase Alcoholic
Beverages in Massachusetts
State law (M.G.L. Chapter 138, Section 34B) provides alcohol servers with some legal
protection if it is found that alcohol was served to an underage person and it is also found
that the server reasonably relied on:
(1) A valid Massachusetts Driver’s License
(2) A valid Massachusetts Liquor ID Card
(3) A valid Massachusetts ID Card issued under M. G. L. Chapter 90, Section 8E to a
Massachusetts resident (effective October 29, 2012)
(4) A valid passport issued by the United States government (including a U.S. Passport
Card) or by the government, recognized by the U.S. government, of a foreign country
(5) A U.S. issued Military ID card
Note that out-of-state and out-of-country licenses and ID cards are not on this list
and alcohol servers may refuse to accept such licenses or ID cards.
The Liquor ID card can be issued to Massachusetts residents, as well as to residents of
other states or other countries. To obtain one, you must meet the following requirements:
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