How to Check If Your License Is Suspended in Maine

How to find out whether Maine has suspended your license

You can check your Maine license suspension status three ways: online through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website, by phone, or in person at a BMV office. The online method is fastest and available 24 hours a day. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number to look up your status.

A suspension means you cannot legally drive in Maine or any other state until the suspension is lifted. Suspensions typically result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical conditions reported to the BMV, or failure to maintain auto insurance. The reason for your suspension determines how you remove it.

Key Takeaways

Check your suspension status online at maine.gov/bmv using your license number or Social Security number, or call the BMV at 207-624-9000 during business hours.
Maine suspensions are issued for specific reasons — unpaid fines, failure to appear, unpaid child support, medical issues, or lapsed insurance — and each reason requires a different action to restore your license.
You must resolve the underlying reason for suspension before the BMV will lift it; paying a fine alone will not work if the suspension was issued for failure to appear in court.
Driving on a suspended license in Maine is a criminal offense that can result in fines up to $500, jail time, and an extended suspension period.

Check your status online through the Maine BMV website

Go to maine.gov/bmv and select "License Status Inquiry" or "Check License Status." You will be asked to enter either your Maine driver's license number or your Social Security number. The system will display your current license status when ready, including whether it is valid, suspended, or revoked.

If your license is suspended, the website will show the reason code and the date the suspension began. It may not always display the exact action needed to lift the suspension, so you may need to call the BMV or visit an office to learn what steps to take. The online system is available at any time, including nights and weekends.

Call the Maine BMV directly

The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles phone line is 207-624-9000. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. A staff member can tell you whether your license is suspended, why it was suspended, and what you must do to restore it.

Call during business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you reach a voicemail, leave your name and callback number; the BMV typically returns calls within one business day.

Visit a Maine BMV office in person

You can walk into any Maine BMV office and ask a staff member to check your license status. Bring a photo ID. Staff can look up your status on the spot and explain the reason for any suspension and the steps to resolve it. This method is useful if you need detailed guidance or have questions the phone line cannot answer.

Maine has BMV offices in Augusta (headquarters), Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland. Hours vary by location but are generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Check maine.gov/bmv for the specific office nearest you and its hours before you go.

Understand the common reasons for Maine license suspension

Maine suspends licenses for unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered restitution. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine or appear in court, the court notifies the BMV, which suspends your license. You must pay the fine and any court costs to the court that issued the ticket, not to the BMV. The court then notifies the BMV that the fine is paid, and the BMV lifts the suspension.

Failure to appear in court for a traffic violation also triggers suspension. You must appear in court or contact the court to resolve the case before your license can be restored. If you missed a court date, call the court that issued your ticket and ask how to reschedule or resolve the case by phone or mail.

Unpaid child support causes suspension under Maine law. The Department of Health and Human Services notifies the BMV when child support is past due. You must contact the child support enforcement office and bring your account current or arrange a payment plan. Once the office confirms payment, it notifies the BMV to lift the suspension.

Medical suspensions occur when a doctor or the BMV determines you have a condition that makes driving unsafe — such as seizures, severe vision loss, or cognitive decline. You must obtain medical clearance from your doctor and submit it to the BMV. The BMV may require a medical examination or a road test before restoring your license.

Lapsed auto insurance also causes suspension. Maine requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. If your policy lapses and the insurance company reports it to the BMV, your license is suspended. You must obtain a new insurance policy and provide proof to the BMV or the court that issued the suspension.

What to do if your license is suspended

First, determine the reason for suspension by checking online, calling, or visiting an office. Write down the reason code and any case or ticket number provided. Next, take the action specific to that reason: pay a fine to the court, appear in court, contact child support enforcement, obtain medical clearance, or provide proof of insurance.

Keep documentation of whatever action you take — a receipt showing payment, a letter from the court, a medical form signed by your doctor, or an insurance card. Send this documentation to the BMV or the court, depending on the reason for suspension. The BMV typically lifts the suspension within 5 to 10 business days after receiving proof that the underlying issue is resolved.

Do not drive while your license is suspended. Driving on a suspended license in Maine is a criminal offense. A first offense can result in a fine of up to $500, jail time of up to 30 days, and an additional suspension of 30 days. A second offense within five years carries a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail.

Reinstatement fees and timelines

Maine does not charge a separate reinstatement fee to lift a suspension once the underlying reason is resolved. However, you may owe court fines, child support arrears, or other costs related to the reason for suspension. The BMV will not restore your license until those obligations are met.

Timelines vary by reason. Court-ordered fines typically lift a suspension within 5 to 10 business days after payment is received by the court. Medical suspensions may take longer if the BMV requires additional documentation or a road test. Child support suspensions are lifted once the enforcement office confirms the account is current or a payment plan is in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to work if my license is suspended in Maine?

No. A suspended license means you cannot legally drive for any reason, including work, medical appointments, or errands. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Maine. You must resolve the suspension before driving.

How long does it take for Maine to lift a suspension after I pay a fine?

Once the court receives your payment, it notifies the BMV, which typically lifts the suspension within 5 to 10 business days. Some courts process payments faster than others. Call the court that issued your ticket to confirm payment was received.

What if I don't know which court issued my ticket?

Call the Maine BMV at 207-624-9000 with your license number. Staff can tell you which court has your case and provide the court's phone number. You can then contact the court directly to ask about your fine or ticket.

Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended in Maine?

Maine does not issue hardship or work licenses for most suspensions. If your suspension is medical, you may request a conditional license after obtaining medical clearance and passing a road test. Contact the BMV to ask whether a conditional license is available for your specific situation.

What happens if I move out of Maine while my license is suspended?

Your Maine suspension remains in effect in all states through the Interstate Compact. Other states will not issue you a license while a Maine suspension is active. You must resolve the suspension in Maine before you can obtain a license in another state.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.