Maine's online and in-person renewal options

In Maine, you can renew your driver's license online through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website, by mail, or in person at a BMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes without leaving home. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at an office takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Your may be able to access for online or mail renewal depends on how long your license has been expired, your age, and whether you have any restrictions or violations on your record. If you don't meet the requirements for online renewal, you'll need to renew in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Maine allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses expired within the last five years and who have no medical suspensions or violations.
  • Online renewal costs $35 for a five-year license and takes about 15 minutes; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you're not may be able to access for online renewal, you must renew in person at a BMV office with your current ID, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.
  • Mail renewal is available but slower than online; contact your local BMV office for a form and instructions.
  • Your license expires on your birthday, and you can renew it up to six months before expiration to avoid driving with an expired license.

Online renewal through the Maine BMV website

To renew online, go to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer questions about your driving record and medical history.

Online renewal is available only if your license expired within the last five years, you're at least 18 years old, you have no medical suspensions, and you have no outstanding violations or suspensions. If the system tells you that you're not may be able to access, you cannot complete the renewal online and must go to an office instead.

The fee for online renewal is $35 for a five-year license. Once you submit your process and payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your expired license until the new one arrives.

In-person renewal at a Maine BMV office

If you're not may be able to access for online renewal or prefer to renew in person, visit any Maine BMV office. Bring your current driver's license (or state ID if your license is expired), proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. The in-person renewal fee is $35 for a five-year license.

You do not need to take a new photo or pass a vision test unless your license has been expired for more than five years or you have a medical condition that requires it. If either applies to you, the office staff will let you know when you arrive.

Wait times at BMV offices vary. To avoid long lines, visit early in the morning, mid-week, or during off-peak hours. Some offices allow you to check current wait times on the Maine BMV website before you go. Your new license is issued on the spot, and you can drive when ready.

Mail renewal and when to use it

Mail renewal is slower than online or in-person options but may be useful if you cannot visit an office. Contact your local BMV office or read the renewal form from the Maine BMV website. Complete the form, include a copy of your current license and proof of residency, and mail everything with your payment to the address on the form.

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the BMV receives your process. Because of this delay, mail renewal is not recommended if your license is already expired or will expire soon. If you use mail renewal, you are responsible for ensuring your process arrives before your license expires.

What happens if your license is already expired

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maine, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited. However, if you can show proof that you submitted your renewal process before your license expired, an officer may issue a warning instead of a citation.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you are no longer may be able to access for online renewal and must renew in person. You will also need to pass a vision test and may need to pass a written test, depending on how long it has been expired. Contact your local BMV office for specific requirements before you go.

If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, you can request a temporary driving permit from a BMV office. This permit allows you to drive legally while your renewal is being processed.

License expiration dates and renewal timing

Your Maine driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires without penalty. Renewing early is a good idea if your birthday falls during a busy time or if you plan to travel and want your new license to arrive first.

If you renew online, your new license will arrive before your birthday in most cases, since processing takes 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you receive your license when ready. If you use mail renewal, plan ahead to may support your process arrives well before your expiration date.

Fees and what they cover

The standard renewal fee in Maine is $35 for a five-year license. This fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. If you renew in person, you pay at the office. If you renew online, you pay by debit or credit card during the process. If you renew by mail, include a check or money order with your process.

The fee does not change based on your age, driving record, or how you renew. Some people may be may be able to access for a reduced fee — for example, active military members or certain seniors — so ask at your local BMV office if you think you may have access to for a discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a BMV office. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to pass a written test and vision test in addition to the standard renewal process. Contact your local office to confirm what you'll need to bring.

What if I moved and my address on my license is wrong?

If you're renewing online, you can update your address during the renewal process. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease) and the office will update it for you. If you're renewing by mail, include a note with your new address and proof of residency.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, unless your license has been expired for more than five years or you have a medical condition that requires an updated photo. In those cases, the BMV will take a new photo when you renew in person. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo.

How long does it take to get my license if I renew online?

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you submit your online process. You can drive on your expired license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you can renew in person instead and receive it when ready.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew online if you don't have your current license number. You must renew in person at a BMV office. Bring another form of ID (such as a passport or state ID) and proof of residency. The office will issue a replacement license with a new number during your renewal.