What You Can Do Online in Maine
Maine allows you to renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions. The process happens through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website, and you can complete it from home without visiting an office. The entire transaction takes about 15 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not every renewal qualifies for online renewal. You must have a valid Maine license that is not expired, you cannot have changed your name or address since your last license was issued, and your license cannot be suspended or revoked. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you will need to renew in person at a BMV office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Maine BMV website works only if your current license is valid, your name and address have not changed, and your license is not suspended or revoked.
- You will need your current Maine driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the transaction online.
- The renewal fee in Maine is $35 for a five-year license or $65 for an eight-year license, paid by credit card or debit card during the online process.
- Your new license is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal.
- If you cannot renew online because of a name change, address change, or license suspension, you must visit a BMV office in person with required documents.
Who Can Renew Online
To renew your Maine driver's license online, you must meet all of these conditions at the time you renew. Your current license must still be valid—not expired. Your name must be exactly the same as it appears on your current license; if you have married, divorced, or changed your name for any other reason since your last renewal, you cannot use the online process. Your mailing address must also be the same; if you have moved, you need to renew in person.
Your license cannot be suspended, revoked, or subject to any restrictions or holds. If you have unpaid traffic fines, child support obligations, or other issues that have resulted in a suspension, the online system will not allow you to proceed. You also cannot renew online if your license has been classified as a Real ID license and you need to update your Real ID status.
If you are unsure whether you meet these conditions, you can call the Maine BMV at 207-624-9000 before you attempt to renew online. Staff can confirm your may be able to access in a few minutes and tell you whether to proceed online or schedule an in-person appointment.
Documents and Information You Need
You do not need to print or mail any documents for an online renewal. Instead, you will enter information directly into the Maine BMV website. Have your current Maine driver's license in front of you so you can enter your license number and the date of birth printed on it. You will also need the last four digits of your Social Security number.
You will need a valid payment method to pay the renewal fee. Maine accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. The fee is $35 for a five-year license or $65 for an eight-year license. You choose the term length during the online process. There is no additional fee for online renewal—the cost is the same as renewing in person.
Step-by-Step: How to Renew Online
Start by going to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website at maine.gov/dmv. Look for the link labeled "Renew Your License Online" or "Online License Renewal." Click that link to enter the renewal portal.
Enter your current Maine driver's license number and the date of birth shown on your license. The system will pull up your record. Next, enter the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. Review the information the system displays—your name, address, and current license details. If any of this information is incorrect, stop and contact the BMV by phone before continuing, because you cannot correct it online.
Confirm that your address has not changed. If it has, you must exit and renew in person. Select your new license term: five years or eight years. Enter your payment information—the card number, expiration date, and CVV. Review the summary of your renewal one more time, then submit. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down the confirmation number or save the email.
What Happens After You Submit
Once you complete the online renewal, your transaction is processed when ready. The Maine BMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. During this time, you can continue to drive using your current license.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Maine BMV at 207-624-9000 with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your mailed license and reissue it if necessary. Keep your confirmation number and the email receipt until your new license arrives.
When You Cannot Renew Online
If your name or address has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a Maine BMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease). The in-person process takes about 15 minutes, and you will receive your new license on the spot.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or in person until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Maine BMV to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you must take to restore it. This may involve paying fines, completing a driver improvement course, or resolving child support issues.
If you have a Real ID license and need to update your Real ID status, or if you need to change any other information on your license besides the photo, you must visit a BMV office in person. The online renewal process updates only your license expiration date and photo; it does not change any other details.
Finding a Maine BMV Office
Maine has BMV offices in most towns and cities. You can find the office nearest you by visiting maine.gov/dmv and using the office locator tool. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment in advance. Check the website for your local office's hours and appointment policy before you go.
If you cannot visit an office during regular business hours, some Maine BMV locations offer extended hours on certain days. Call ahead to confirm the hours and whether an appointment is required. Bring all required documents with you—the BMV staff can tell you exactly what you need when you call to schedule or when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maine license online if it has already expired?
No. Your license must still be valid to renew online. If your license has expired, you must renew in person at a Maine BMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment for the renewal fee.
What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must visit a Maine BMV office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The staff will update your address and issue your new license.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your current license during this time. If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Maine BMV with your confirmation number.
Can I choose a different photo for my new license when I renew online?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Maine BMV office. The staff will take a new photo and issue your license on the spot.
What should I do if I see an error on my new license after it arrives?
Contact the Maine BMV when ready at 207-624-9000 with your new license and confirmation number. Explain the error. The BMV can issue a corrected license. If the error is the BMV's mistake, there is no additional fee; if the error was caused by information you provided, you may be charged a replacement fee.