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Driver's license in Massachusetts

What Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) publishes about getting a license, checked August 27, 2026.

A Vietnamese licence cannot be converted, you must test
Massachusetts converts a foreign licence with no written or road test, but only for a short list: Canada, Mexico and the US Territories, the Republic of Korea, Germany, France and Taiwan. VIETNAM IS NOT ON THAT LIST. A Vietnamese licence holder applies from scratch: meet the identification requirements, pass the learner's permit exam, then the road test.
Source: Massachusetts RMV - Transfer your driver's license from a foreign country · Checked August 27, 2026
Conversion fee
$115 for a Class D licence conversion. You can pay by cash, cheque, money order, credit card or debit card, but accepted methods vary by location, so check the site you plan to visit.
Source: Massachusetts RMV - Transfer your driver's license from a foreign country · Checked August 27, 2026
As a visitor you may drive on your own licence
The RMV states you may drive in the United States on a valid foreign licence while you are a visitor. Once you become a Massachusetts resident you need the state's own licence.
Source: Massachusetts RMV - Transfer your driver's license from a foreign country · Checked August 27, 2026
An International Driving Permit converts to nothing
An International Driving Permit cannot be converted into a Massachusetts permit, and an international commercial licence cannot become a Massachusetts CDL. The RMV warns plainly that driving on a fraudulent licence is grounds for arrest.
Source: Massachusetts RMV - Transfer your driver's license from a foreign country · Checked August 27, 2026
Temporary or limited-term credentials do not convert
Credentials marked temporary, limited term, or driver privilege only cannot be converted, because Massachusetts has no equivalent credential.
Source: Massachusetts RMV - Transfer your driver's license from a foreign country · Checked August 27, 2026
The temporary licence lasts 30 days
After the conversion you get a temporary photo licence valid for 30 days, with the permanent card arriving by post. If 30 days pass without the card, contact the RMV rather than waiting.
Source: Massachusetts RMV - Transfer your driver's license from a foreign country · Checked August 27, 2026

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The oldest line on this page was checked August 27, 2026

Read the general driver's license guide