Maine Driver's License Renewal: 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 your current license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. The process typically takes two to four weeks by mail, or a few minutes online if you're renewing early.
Your license is valid for eight years in Maine. You can start the renewal process up to one year before your license expires, which gives you plenty of time to choose the method that works best for you. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or online—you don't have to go to an office.
Key Takeaways
- Maine offers three renewal methods: mail, online, and in-person at a BMV office, with mail and online being the fastest for most people.
- You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so plan ahead rather than waiting until the last moment.
- The renewal fee is $35 for an eight-year license, and you'll need your current license plus proof of residency to complete the process.
- If your address has changed, you must renew in person or update your address before renewing by mail or online.
- An expired Maine license can still be renewed by mail or online; you do not need to visit an office to restore it.
Renewing Online Through the Maine BMV Portal
The Maine BMV website allows you to renew online if your license is not expired and your address hasn't changed. Go to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, select the renewal option, and enter your license number and date of birth. You'll pay the $35 renewal fee by credit or debit card. Once approved, your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.
Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. You don't have to leave home, and you'll receive confirmation when ready. However, if your address has changed since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online—you'll need to use the mail or in-person method instead.
Renewing by Mail in Maine
To renew by mail, contact the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles to request a renewal process form, or read it from their website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for $35. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form.
Processing by mail takes two to four weeks. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. If your address has changed, you must include a document proving your new address—such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Without proof of your new address, the BMV will return your process.
Renewing in Person at a Maine BMV Office
If you prefer to renew in person, visit any Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office with your current license, proof of residency, and $35. You can also renew in person if your address has changed, if your license is significantly damaged, or if you want a new photo on your license. The office will process your renewal on the spot, and you'll receive a temporary paper license to use while your new one is mailed to you.
In-person renewal is useful if you need your license quickly or if you're updating your address. Wait times vary by location and time of day. The BMV offices in larger cities like Portland and Bangor tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoons. Check the Maine BMV website for office locations, hours, and current wait times before you go.
What Happens If Your License Has Expired
An expired Maine license can be renewed by mail or online without penalty, as long as it expired fewer than five years ago. If your license expired more than five years ago, you'll need to visit a BMV office in person and may need to retake the written test and road test, depending on how long it has been expired.
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, the renewal process is the same as for a current license: mail in your process with proof of residency, or renew online if your address hasn't changed. There is no extra fee for renewing an expired license. However, you should not drive until your new license arrives, since an expired license is not valid for driving.
Changing Your Address During Renewal
If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during the renewal process. You cannot renew online if your address has changed—you'll need to renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, include a document proving your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency at your new address, and $35. The BMV will update your address on the spot and mail your new license to your new address. If you need to update your address without renewing your license, you can do that at any BMV office or by mail.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
The renewal fee for an eight-year Maine driver's license is $35. If you renew online or by mail, you can pay by check, money order, or credit/debit card (online only). If you renew in person, the BMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. There are no additional fees for renewing an expired license or updating your address during renewal.
Make checks and money orders payable to "State of Maine." If you're mailing your renewal, do not send cash. Keep your receipt or confirmation number in case you need to track your renewal or contact the BMV about your new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maine license if I don't have proof of residency?
No. Proof of residency is required for all renewal methods. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have one of these, contact the Maine BMV to ask about alternative documents they will accept.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
By mail, two to four weeks. Online, two to three weeks. In person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The exact timing depends on mail delivery and BMV processing volume.
What if my license is damaged or the photo is outdated?
You can renew in person and request a new photo at the same time. There is no extra fee for a new photo during renewal. If your license is damaged but not expired, you can also visit a BMV office to request a replacement without renewing.
Do I need to take a new written or road test to renew my license?
No, not for a standard renewal. You only need to retake tests if your license expired more than five years ago. If you're renewing within five years of expiration, no tests are required.
Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?
Yes. You can renew by mail or online from anywhere. Mail your process and documents to the Maine BMV, or renew online if your address hasn't changed. If you need to renew in person, you'll have to visit a Maine BMV office.