How to Renew Your Maine Driver's License

Maine Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Know

In Maine, you renew your driver's license through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), either in person at a branch office or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The process depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to change information on your license. Most Maine licenses are valid for eight years, and the BMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, though you should not wait for that notice to begin the process.

You can renew by mail only if your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or suspensions in the past two years. If your license is already expired, you must renew in person at a BMV office. The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you will need to pass a vision test and provide specific documents.

Key Takeaways

Maine licenses last eight years, and you can renew by mail before expiration only if you have a clean driving record with no violations or suspensions in the past two years.
If your license is expired or you have had violations, you must renew in person at a BMV office and pass a vision screening.
The renewal fee is $35 for an eight-year license, and you must bring a valid form of identification and proof of Maine residency.
You can renew online through the BMV website if you meet mail-renewal requirements, which is faster than mailing documents.
If you need to change your name, address, or other information, you must renew in person and bring supporting documents for the change.

Renewing by Mail or Online

The BMV allows mail and online renewal for drivers whose licenses are not expired and who have no violations or suspensions within the past two years. Online renewal is the fastest option: you log into the BMV website, answer a series of questions about your driving record and personal information, pay the $35 renewal fee by credit or debit card, and your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If you prefer to renew by mail, you must complete the process for Renewal of License form (available on the BMV website or at any BMV office), include a check or money order for $35 payable to "Treasurer, State of Maine," and mail both to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 29 Child Street, Augusta, ME 04330. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks after the BMV receives your process. Do not send cash through the mail.

Before you choose mail or online renewal, verify that your current address on file with the BMV is correct. If you have moved and your license still shows an old address, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new Maine residency.

Renewing In Person at a BMV Office

You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you have had any traffic violations or suspensions in the past two years, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement). In-person renewal requires a vision test, so bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.

The BMV operates branch offices in Augusta (headquarters), Bangor, Lewiston, Portland, and Presque Isle. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis during posted hours. Check the BMV website for current hours and any temporary closures before you visit. Bring all required documents with you; if you are missing anything, the office will not process your renewal that day.

In-person renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The fee remains $35 for an eight-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you.

Documents You Must Bring

For any renewal method, you need proof of identity and proof of Maine residency. The BMV accepts a current or expired U.S. passport, a U.S. military ID, or a state ID card as proof of identity. If you do not have one of those, you can use a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, though this combination is less common and you should call the BMV ahead of time to confirm.

For proof of Maine residency, bring one of the following dated within the past 12 months: a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a property tax bill, or a piece of mail from a government agency addressed to you at your current Maine address. A driver's license with your current address also counts as proof of residency if you are renewing in person.

If you are changing your name, bring the legal document that supports the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are adding a motorcycle endorsement, you must pass the motorcycle knowledge test and vision test in person; bring your current license and proof of residency.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

A standard eight-year Maine driver's license renewal costs $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 vision testing or for standard address changes.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, the BMV may treat your renewal as a new license process rather than a renewal, which could require additional steps and documentation. Call the BMV at 207-624-9000 before you visit if your license has been expired for a long time.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

Driving with an expired Maine license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. If your license expired within the past year, you can still renew it through the standard process. If it expired more than five years ago, contact the BMV directly to find out whether you need to take the written knowledge test and road test again, or whether you can renew without retesting.

If you are renewing an expired license in person, bring all the same documents you would for a standard renewal. The BMV will run a check on your driving record to see whether any violations or suspensions occurred while your license was expired; if there were any, you may face additional requirements or delays.

Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal

You can update your address or name when you renew, but the method depends on what is changing. If you are moving within Maine and renewing by mail or online, you can update your address in the process or online form without visiting an office. If you are moving out of Maine, you cannot renew a Maine license; you must obtain a license from your new state.

If you are changing your name, you must renew in person and bring the legal document that supports the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The BMV will not process a name change by mail or online. Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and the name-change document to any BMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If you have moved out of Maine, you must obtain a license from your new state of residence. You cannot renew a Maine license if you no longer live in Maine. Contact your new state's DMV to begin the process there.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?

You must visit a BMV office in person. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency, and tell the staff that you are renewing and replacing a lost license. You will pay the standard $35 renewal fee; there is no separate replacement fee. You will receive a temporary paper license and your permanent license will be mailed to you.

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

If you renew online, your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, it takes 2 to 3 weeks after the BMV receives your process. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need to take the written test again when I renew?

No, not for a standard renewal. You only need to pass the vision test. If your license has been expired for more than five years, call the BMV to ask whether retesting is required.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. You can renew your Maine license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning to travel or if you want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.