Maine renewal happens online, by mail, or in person depending on your age and license type
Maine lets you renew your driver's license online if you are between 18 and 69, your license is not suspended, and you have not had a major change in your medical status or vision. If you do not meet those conditions, you must renew in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $35. In-person renewal costs $37.50 and takes longer because of office wait times, but it is the only option if you need a Real ID-compliant license or if your license has been suspended.
Your current Maine license must not be expired by more than five years. If it is older than that, you cannot renew — you have to explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, proof of residency, and proof of identity. Check your license expiration date before you start the process so you do not waste time on a path that will not work.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available to drivers aged 18 to 69 with a valid, unsuspended license and no recent medical changes, and takes about 10 minutes.
- In-person renewal at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office is required if you are under 18, over 69, need a Real ID, or have a suspended license.
- Your license must have expired no more than five years ago; older licenses require a new process instead of renewal.
- Online renewal costs $35 and in-person renewal costs $37.50, and both are valid for eight years in Maine.
Online renewal through the Maine BMV website
Go to maine.gov/dmv and select the online renewal option. You will need your current Maine driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method — Maine accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You will also answer questions about whether your address, name, or medical information has changed since your last renewal.
The system will ask whether you want to keep your current address or update it. If you have moved, provide your new Maine address. If you have moved out of state, you cannot renew online — you must visit a BMV office in person or contact them by phone at 207-624-9000 to discuss your options.
After you submit your payment, the BMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery usually takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
In-person renewal at a BMV office
Visit any Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in Maine with your current license and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photocopy is not accepted.
You do not need an appointment for renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The BMV offices in larger cities like Portland and Bangor typically have longer waits during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you want to avoid a long wait, visit early in the morning or on a weekday rather than a weekend.
At the office, you will have your photo taken and answer the same questions about address and medical changes. The staff will issue your new license on the spot, and you can drive home with it when ready. This is the only way to get your new license the same day.
Real ID compliance and what it means for your renewal
A Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued IDs that the U.S. government requires for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Maine licenses issued after May 2017 are Real ID-compliant by default, but older licenses are not. If your current license does not have a gold star in the top right corner, it is not Real ID-compliant.
You cannot get a Real ID through online renewal. If you need one, you must renew in person at a BMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of your date of birth (a birth certificate or passport), and proof of your current address. The process takes longer than a standard renewal because the BMV must verify your identity documents, but your new license will be Real ID-compliant and will have the gold star.
If you do not fly domestically or enter federal buildings, you do not need a Real ID. A standard Maine license is still valid for driving. However, if you think you might need one in the future, it is easier to get it during renewal than to come back later and upgrade.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew your license while it is suspended or revoked. You must first contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to find out why it was suspended and what you need to do to restore it. Call 207-624-9000 or visit a BMV office in person.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or accumulation of points from traffic violations. Each reason has a different path to restoration. For example, if your license was suspended because of unpaid fines, you may be able to pay them and have your license restored when ready. If it was suspended for failure to appear in court, you will need to contact the court and resolve the case first.
Once your license is restored, you can then renew it using the online or in-person method that applies to your situation. Restoration does not automatically renew your license — those are two separate steps.
Medical conditions and vision changes that require in-person renewal
If you have been diagnosed with a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely — such as epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease, or a neurological disorder — you must renew in person. The BMV may require you to submit a medical form completed by your doctor before they will issue a new license. Some conditions require periodic medical review, meaning you may be issued a license valid for fewer than eight years.
Vision changes also require in-person renewal. If your vision has worsened significantly since your last renewal, or if you have had eye surgery, cataract removal, or a diagnosis like macular degeneration, tell the BMV staff when you renew. They may require you to pass a vision test or submit an eye doctor's report. If you fail the vision test, your license may be issued with restrictions — for example, you may be required to wear corrective lenses or to drive only during daylight hours.
If you are unsure whether your medical situation requires in-person renewal, call the BMV at 207-624-9000 before you start the process. It is faster to ask than to begin online renewal and find out partway through that you cannot complete it.
Changing your name or address during renewal
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. The BMV will issue a new license with your updated name.
If you have only changed your address and have no other changes, you can update it during online renewal. straightforward enter your new Maine address when prompted. If you have moved out of state, you cannot renew your Maine license online; you must either visit a BMV office or let your license expire and explore for a license in your new state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maine license if I am out of state?
You can renew online if you still have a Maine address on file and meet the age and medical requirements. If you have moved out of state, you cannot renew online and should contact the BMV at 207-624-9000 to discuss your options. You may need to explore for a license in your new state instead.
How long is a renewed Maine license valid?
A renewed Maine driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. You can renew it anytime within 12 months before it expires.
What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?
Contact the BMV at 207-624-9000 or visit an office in person to report it lost. You can request a replacement license, which costs $20. You will need to show proof of your identity and address. Your new renewed license will still be mailed to you on its original timeline.
Do I need to take a written test or driving test to renew?
No. Renewal does not require a written or driving test unless the BMV has concerns about your medical fitness or vision. If they do, they will tell you during the renewal process what you need to do.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding warrant or court case?
No. The BMV will not issue a renewed license if there is an active warrant for your arrest or an unresolved court case related to your driving. You must resolve the legal matter first, then renew your license.