Maine lets you renew online if you meet a few conditions

You can renew your Maine driver's license online through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website if your license is not expired and you have not had any major violations or address changes since your last renewal. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $37 for a five-year license, and you receive your new physical card by mail within two to three weeks.

Not everyone can use the online route. If your license has already expired, if you need to change your address, or if you have had certain violations, you will need to renew in person at a BMV office instead. The online system also cannot process renewals for people who hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) or who need to add or remove endorsements.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your current license is still valid and you have not moved or had violations since your last renewal.
  • The online renewal fee is $37 for a five-year license, and you pay by debit or credit card during the process.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in two to three weeks; you can continue driving on your current license until it arrives.
  • If your license is expired, you have moved, or you hold a CDL, you must renew in person at a BMV office.
  • You will need your current Maine driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start the online renewal.

What you need before you start

Gather your current Maine driver's license and have your Social Security number ready. The BMV website will ask for your license number and the last four digits of your SSN to verify your identity. You will also need a debit or credit card to pay the $37 renewal fee.

Check that your address on file with the BMV is still correct. If you have moved since your last renewal, you cannot complete the renewal online and must visit a BMV office in person instead. The same applies if you have changed your name — you will need to bring documents to prove the change.

The online renewal process step by step

Go to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website and look for the online renewal option. You will be directed to enter your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and confirm that you are may be able to access to renew online.

Review the information on your license — your name, address, and date of birth. If everything is correct, you can proceed. You will then answer a few questions about your health and whether your vision has changed since your last renewal. Answer honestly; these questions help the BMV determine whether you need to take a vision test or provide a medical report.

At the end, you will enter your payment information and submit your renewal. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

When you cannot renew online

If your license has expired, you cannot use the online system. You must renew in person at a BMV office and may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long your license has been expired. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence.

You also cannot renew online if you have moved and have not updated your address with the BMV, if you hold a commercial driver's license, if you need to add or remove endorsements (such as motorcycle or hazmat), or if you have had certain violations or suspensions. In any of these cases, visit a BMV office in person or call ahead to confirm what documents you need to bring.

What happens after you submit your renewal

After you complete the online renewal, the BMV processes your request. You will receive a confirmation email with your confirmation number. Your new physical license is printed and mailed to your address on file within two to three weeks, though it can sometimes take longer depending on mail delivery.

You can continue to drive legally on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. You do not need to do anything else. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the BMV to check on the status of your renewal.

Paying the renewal fee

The online renewal fee is $37 for a five-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card during the online process. The BMV does not accept cash, check, or money order for online renewals. Your card is charged when ready after you submit your renewal, and you will see the charge on your statement within one to two business days.

If your renewal is denied for any reason, you will not be charged. If you are charged but your renewal is later denied, contact the BMV to request a refund.

Renewing in person if you cannot go online

If you do not meet the conditions for online renewal, you will need to visit a Maine BMV office. You can find the office nearest you on the BMV website. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment; check ahead to see what your local office requires.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of citizenship or legal presence (such as a passport or birth certificate). If you have changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The in-person renewal fee is also $37 for a five-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license expired more than a year ago?

No. If your license has been expired for any length of time, you must renew in person at a BMV office. You may also need to retake the written and vision tests depending on how long it has been expired.

What if I moved but have not updated my address with the BMV yet?

You cannot renew online if your address is not current. You must visit a BMV office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. You can update your address and renew at the same time.

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

Your new license is mailed within two to three weeks of your renewal, though delivery can take longer depending on mail service. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the BMV.

Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?

Yes. The online system will ask whether your vision has changed since your last renewal. If you wear corrective lenses, make sure your license shows the restriction code. If your vision has changed significantly, the BMV may ask you to take a vision test in person.

What if I want to add a motorcycle endorsement when I renew?

You cannot add endorsements online. You must visit a BMV office in person. You will need to pass the motorcycle written test and, in most cases, provide proof of motorcycle safety training or pass a riding skills test.