Renewing Your Maine License: In-Person, By Mail, or Online
Maine allows you to renew your driver's license in three ways: online through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website, by mail, or in person at a BMV office. Which method you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains your renewal code, which you will need for online or mail renewal. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew, but you will need to provide your Social Security number and other identifying information.
Maine licenses are valid for eight years. You can renew up to one year before expiration and up to five years after expiration, though driving with an expired license is illegal. The state charges no additional fee for renewing early.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Maine BMV website is the fastest option and requires only your renewal code, driver's license number, and a valid payment method.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires a completed process for Renewal form, a check or money order, and your renewal notice.
- In-person renewal at a BMV office is necessary only if you need a Real ID, have a commercial license, or cannot renew online or by mail.
- The renewal fee is $35 for a standard eight-year license; Real ID licenses cost $40 and require proof of citizenship and residency.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 10 business days of approval for online renewal, or two to three weeks for mail renewal.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Online renewal through the Maine BMV website takes about 10 minutes and is available if your license is not expired, you are not changing your address, and you do not need a Real ID. You will need your renewal code (from your renewal notice), your current driver's license number, and a valid credit or debit card.
Go to maine.gov/bmv, select "Renew Your License Online," and enter your information. The system will confirm your identity and process your payment when ready. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive by mail within 10 business days.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew online as long as it expired within the last five years. However, if you are changing your address, you must renew by mail or in person so the BMV can verify your new residency.
Mail Renewal: What You Need to Send
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the BMV receives your process. You will need to complete the process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form MDMV 2), include a check or money order for $35 (or $40 for Real ID), and mail everything to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 101 Hospital Street, Augusta, ME 04330.
Your renewal notice includes the process for Renewal form. If you did not receive a notice, you can read the form from maine.gov/bmv or request one by calling the BMV at 207-624-9000. Include your renewal notice with your process if you have it; if not, provide your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number so the BMV can locate your record.
Do not send cash. The BMV will not process your process until it receives payment. Once received and processed, your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
In-Person Renewal at a BMV Office
You must renew in person if you need a Real ID-compliant license, hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), are changing your name, or cannot renew online or by mail. Maine has BMV offices in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland. You can schedule an appointment online at maine.gov/bmv or call 207-624-9000.
Bring your current driver's license, your renewal notice (if you have it), and payment of $35 for a standard license or $40 for Real ID. If you are renewing a Real ID license, you must also bring proof of citizenship (a U.S. birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate) and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days).
Processing at the office takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your new license is printed and mailed to you. The new license arrives within 10 business days.
Real ID Compliance and When You Need It
A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Maine began issuing Real ID licenses in 2009, and the federal important date for all domestic air travel is May 7, 2025. If your current license does not have the gold star, you will need to renew in person and bring proof of citizenship and residency.
You cannot upgrade to Real ID by mail or online. You must visit a BMV office in person. The process is the same as standard renewal, but takes slightly longer because the BMV must verify your citizenship and residency documents. The fee is $40 instead of $35.
If you renew before May 2025 and choose not to get Real ID, your new standard license will be valid for eight years. However, you will not be able to use it for domestic air travel after the important date. Plan ahead if you fly frequently.
Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Payment Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Renewal code, driver's license number | Credit or debit card | 10 business days |
| By Mail | process for Renewal form, renewal notice (optional) | Check or money order | 2–3 weeks |
| In Person (Standard) | Current driver's license, renewal notice (optional) | Cash, check, debit card, or credit card | 15–20 minutes; license arrives in 10 business days |
| In Person (Real ID) | Current driver's license, proof of citizenship, proof of residency | Cash, check, debit card, or credit card | 15–20 minutes; license arrives in 10 business days |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is sending cash in the mail. The BMV will not process your process if you send cash, and it may not be returned. Always use a check or money order. Write your driver's license number on the check so the BMV can match it to your process if the check becomes separated.
Another frequent error is attempting to renew online when your address has changed. The online system does not allow address changes; you must renew by mail or in person. If you try to renew online and your address is different from what the BMV has on file, the transaction will be rejected.
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. While you can renew up to five years after expiration, driving with an expired license is illegal and can result in a fine. Renew as soon as you receive your renewal notice, which arrives about 60 days before expiration.
If Your Renewal Notice Did Not Arrive
If you did not receive a renewal notice 60 days before your license expires, contact the Maine BMV at 207-624-9000 or visit maine.gov/bmv. The BMV can confirm your address on file and resend a notice or provide you with the process for Renewal form.
You can still renew without the notice. For online renewal, you will need your driver's license number and Social Security number instead of your renewal code. For mail renewal, read the process for Renewal form from maine.gov/bmv, complete it with your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number, and mail it with payment to the Augusta office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maine license if it has been expired for more than five years?
No. Maine allows renewal up to five years after expiration, but if your license has been expired longer than that, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. Contact the BMV at 207-624-9000 to learn what documents you will need.
What if I changed my name since my last license?
You must renew in person at a BMV office and bring a certified copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The BMV will not process a name change by mail or online. Schedule an appointment at maine.gov/bmv.
How long can I drive on an expired Maine license?
You cannot legally drive on an expired license. Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation and can result in a fine. Renew before your license expires or as soon as possible after expiration.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
No. For online and mail renewal, the BMV uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the BMV will take a new photo unless you request to keep your current one.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew without it. For online renewal, use your driver's license number and Social Security number instead of your renewal code. For mail renewal, read the form from maine.gov/bmv and include your Social Security number so the BMV can locate your record.