Renewing Your Maine License: The Basic Steps

In Maine, you can renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office. Most people renew by mail or online because it takes less time than a visit. You'll need to decide which method works for you based on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the renewed license in hand.

Your Maine license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. You can renew it up to one year before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last moment. The BMV mails renewed licenses to your address on file, which usually takes one to two weeks after your renewal is processed.

Key Takeaways

  • Maine allows mail, online, and in-person renewal, and most people renew by mail because it's the fastest option for those who don't need a new photo.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you have a wide window to complete the process.
  • If you renew by mail or online, you keep your current photo; if you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a BMV office.
  • The renewal fee is $35 for an eight-year license, and you'll need to bring or submit proof of your current address if it has changed since your last renewal.
  • If your license has been expired for more than three years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a BMV office in person.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is the most common method in Maine. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. This notice includes a form you fill out, sign, and mail back to the BMV along with your $35 renewal fee and a copy of proof of your current address if it has changed.

You do not need to include your old license with your mail renewal. The BMV will process your renewal and mail your new license to the address on file. This process typically takes one to two weeks from the time the BMV receives your mailed materials. If you don't receive your renewal notice, you can request one by calling the BMV at 207-624-9000 or visiting the Maine BMV website.

Mail renewal keeps your current photo on your license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person instead.

Renewing Online

Maine's online renewal system is available through the BMV website. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start. Online renewal costs $35 and works the same way as mail renewal — your new license is mailed to your address on file.

Online renewal is faster than mail renewal because you don't have to wait for the renewal notice to arrive or for the BMV to receive your mailed form. You can complete it at any time, day or night. Like mail renewal, online renewal keeps your current photo. You'll need to update your address in the system if it has changed since your last renewal.

Renewing in Person at a BMV Office

Visit a BMV office if you want a new photo, if your address has changed and you prefer to update it in person, or if your license has been expired for more than three years. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of your address (such as a utility bill or lease), and $35.

The BMV office will take a new photo and issue your renewed license on the spot or mail it to you within one to two weeks, depending on the office location. Some offices issue licenses when ready; others mail them. Call ahead to confirm what your local office does. You can find your nearest BMV office and its hours on the Maine BMV website.

What You Need to Bring or Submit

For mail or online renewal, you need your $35 renewal fee and proof of your current address if it has changed. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other official document showing your name and current address. You do not need to send your old license.

For in-person renewal, bring your current license, $35, and proof of your address. If your address hasn't changed, you may not need to bring proof, but it's wise to call your local BMV office ahead of time to confirm what documents they require.

If your name has changed since your last renewal (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you'll need to bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. This applies whether you renew by mail, online, or in person.

When You Cannot Renew by Mail or Online

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than three years. You also must renew in person if you want a new photo, if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you need to change your name on the license.

If you have medical conditions that affect your driving, or if you've had a change in your vision or hearing, the BMV may require you to take a vision test or medical exam before renewing. Call the BMV at 207-624-9000 to ask whether your situation requires an in-person visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maine license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew by mail or online from anywhere. Mail renewal and online renewal both work for people living outside Maine. If you need to renew in person, you'll need to visit a BMV office in Maine or contact the BMV to ask about options for out-of-state renewal.

What if my address has changed since my last renewal?

If you renew by mail, include a copy of proof of your new address with your renewal form. If you renew online, update your address in the system before you submit your renewal. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address to the BMV office. Your renewed license will be mailed to your new address.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I mail in my renewal?

The BMV typically processes mail renewals within one to two weeks of receiving them. Your new license is then mailed to your address on file, which adds another one to two weeks. In total, expect three to four weeks from the time you mail your renewal form to the time you receive your new license.

Do I need to take a new photo if I renew by mail or online?

No. Mail and online renewal keep your current photo. Your new license will look the same as your old one, except for the new expiration date. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a BMV office.

What if I lose my renewal notice before I can mail it back?

Call the BMV at 207-624-9000 and ask for a replacement renewal notice, or visit the Maine BMV website to request one. You can also renew online without the notice if you have your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.