Renewing Your Maine License: The Basic Steps

You can renew your Maine driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles 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. The process takes about two weeks by mail; online renewal is when ready if you're approved.

Maine allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires and up to five years after it expires. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must visit an office in person and may need to retake the written test.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew your Maine license by mail, online, or in person, and most people choose mail or online because it's faster.
  • You'll need your current license, proof where you live, and payment — the fee varies depending on how long your new license lasts.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you must go to a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in person.
  • Maine licenses are valid for four or six years depending on your age, so check your expiration date to know when you need to renew.

Renewing by Mail

To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles or read it from the state website. Fill out the form, include a copy of your current license, and mail it with proof of residency and a check or money order to the address on the form. Do not send cash.

Processing takes about two weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provide. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait. If you need your license sooner, use online renewal instead.

Renewing Online

Online renewal through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website is the fastest option. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and other identifying information. You'll pay by credit or debit card. If the system approves you, your renewal is complete when ready, and you can print a temporary license to carry while your physical card arrives by mail.

Not everyone can renew online. You cannot use online renewal if your address has changed, if you need to update your name, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. If the online system rejects you, you'll be told which office to visit or whether to use mail renewal instead.

Renewing in Person at a Bureau Office

Visit any Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office with your current license, proof of residency, and payment. Bring the original documents — photocopies are not accepted. You can get a new photo taken on the spot, and your new license is usually ready the same day or within a few days.

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if you were unable to renew online or by mail. Wait times vary by office and time of day. Call ahead or check the website to see current wait times before you go.

What You Need to Bring

For any renewal method, you'll need your current Maine driver's license and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you're renewing in person, bring the original documents. If you're renewing by mail, send a photocopy of your proof of residency along with your form. For online renewal, you won't need to submit documents — the system checks your information against state records.

Renewal Fees and License Validity

The renewal fee depends on how long your new license will be valid. Maine issues licenses that are valid for four or six years. A four-year license costs less than a six-year license. Your age and license type determine which option is available to you. When you renew, you'll be told the fee for your situation.

Drivers under 21 receive four-year licenses. Drivers 21 and older can choose between a four-year and a six-year license at renewal. If you choose the longer license, you pay more upfront but don't have to renew as often. Payment must be by check or money order if you renew by mail, or by credit or debit card if you renew online or in person.

If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than Five Years

You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than five years. You must visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. You may be required to retake the written knowledge test before you receive a new license.

Call the office before you go to ask whether you'll need to take the test. Some offices waive the test if your driving record is clean and you've been licensed before, but this varies. Having your expired license with you will help the staff determine what you need to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes. You can drive on your current license while you wait for your new one to arrive by mail. If you renewed online and printed a temporary license, you can use that temporary license while your physical card is in the mail.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your address has changed. You must visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in person and bring proof of your new address. Bring a utility bill, lease, or other document dated within the last 60 days showing your new address.

How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?

Most offices issue your new license the same day or within a few days. Some offices are busier than others. Call ahead to ask about wait times, or check the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website to see current information for the office nearest you.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license. You must visit an office in person and report your license lost. You'll pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee. Bring proof of residency and payment.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Maine allows you to renew up to one year before your expiration date. Renewing early is useful if you're about to travel or if you want to avoid a last-minute rush. Your new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew.