Maine License Renewal: In Person, by Mail, or Online
Maine allows you to renew your driver's license through three routes: online, by mail, or in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how much time is left before expiration, and whether your address or name has changed. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains a renewal code you will need for online or mail renewal. If you do not receive a notice, contact the Maine BMV directly at 207-624-9000 or visit the BMV website to request one.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available if your license has not expired, your address is current, and you have your renewal notice with the renewal code.
- Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the BMV receives your completed form and payment, so submit it at least three weeks before expiration.
- In-person renewal at a BMV office is required if your license has already expired, your address or name has changed, or you need a new photo.
- Maine driver's licenses are valid for eight years; the renewal fee is $35 for a standard license and $50 for a Real ID-compliant license.
- You must bring your current license, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification to any in-person renewal appointment.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Option
Online renewal through the Maine BMV website is the quickest method if you are may be able to access. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. You will need your renewal notice (which contains your renewal code), your current license number, and a valid payment method.
Go to the Maine BMV online renewal portal, enter your renewal code and license number, verify your information, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your address has changed since your last renewal, your name has changed, your license has already expired, or you need a new photo. In those cases, use mail renewal or visit a BMV office in person.
Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required
Mail renewal works if your license has not expired and your address and name are current. Complete the renewal form (Form DL-44, available on the Maine BMV website), include a copy of your current license, and mail both along with the renewal fee ($35 standard, $50 Real ID) to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the BMV receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to you. To avoid delays, mail your renewal at least three weeks before expiration. Include a check or money order payable to "State of Maine" — the BMV does not accept credit cards by mail.
If your address or name has changed, you cannot use mail renewal. You must renew in person at a BMV office or use online renewal if your address change is already reflected in the system.
In-Person Renewal at a BMV Office
Visit a BMV office if your license has expired, your address or name has changed, you need a new photo, or you prefer to renew face-to-face. Maine has BMV offices in Augusta (headquarters), Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland. You can also renew at many municipal offices in smaller towns — check the Maine BMV website for the office nearest you.
Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or birth certificate). If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can also schedule an appointment online through the Maine BMV website. Appointments typically have shorter wait times, especially at the Augusta office. Bring exact payment in cash, check, or debit card — not all offices accept credit cards.
What Documents You Need
| Renewal Method | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Online | Renewal notice with renewal code; current license number; valid payment method |
| Completed Form DL-44; copy of current license; payment (check or money order) | |
| In Person | Current license; proof of residency (dated within 90 days); valid ID; name change document (if applicable) |
Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail. A driver's license or ID card from another state does not count as proof of residency.
If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring the original or certified copy of the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The BMV will not accept photocopies of these documents.
Real ID Compliance and Photo Requirements
Maine offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license costs $50 and is required for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. A standard license costs $35 and can be used for state identification and driving only.
When you renew, you can choose which type you want. If you want to upgrade from a standard license to Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person at a BMV office. You will need to bring additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of residency.
Your photo is taken at the time of renewal if you renew in person. If you renew by mail or online, your photo from your previous license is used. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail or online, you must visit a BMV office instead.
Renewal Timeline and Expiration
Maine driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Your renewal notice arrives approximately 60 days before expiration, so plan to renew within that window.
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a BMV office. Driving on an expired license is illegal, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can show the officer your renewal notice or a receipt from the BMV as proof that renewal is in progress, but this does not may provide you will not be cited.
If you do not receive a renewal notice 60 days before expiration, contact the Maine BMV at 207-624-9000 or visit the website to request one. Do not wait until your license expires to begin the renewal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maine license if I have moved out of state?
No. If you have moved out of state and no longer live in Maine, you must surrender your Maine license and obtain a license in your new state. If you still live in Maine but have moved within the state, you can renew by mail or online if your address change is already in the system, or in person if it is not.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
Contact the Maine BMV at 207-624-9000 or visit the website to request a replacement notice. You can also renew in person at any BMV office without the notice — bring your current license and the required documents. If you want to renew online, you must have the renewal code from your notice.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days after the BMV receives your process. In-person renewals are faster — you receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license when ready.
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Maine BMV before you can renew. Contact the BMV to find out what steps are required to clear the suspension or revocation, which may include paying fines, completing a course, or waiting out a suspension period.
What if my name or address is wrong on my current license?
If your name or address is incorrect, you must correct it during renewal. You cannot use online or mail renewal if your address has changed — you must renew in person at a BMV office. Bring proof of the correct address and, if your name has changed, a certified copy of the document that shows the change.