Renewing Your Maine Driver's License: 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 and you don't have to visit an office. Your license is valid for eight years, and Maine sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before it expires — that notice tells you which method you can use.
The method available to you depends on your age, whether you wear corrective lenses, and how many renewals you've done by mail or online already. If you've renewed the same way twice in a row, you'll need to renew in person the third time. This rule exists so the BMV can verify your identity and take a new photo every few years.
Key Takeaways
- Maine sends renewal notices 60 days before your license expires, and that notice tells you whether you can renew by mail, online, or must come in person.
- Online renewal is the fastest option if you're under 65, have no vision correction requirement, and haven't renewed online twice in a row already.
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs less than in-person renewal, but you cannot renew by mail if you need a new photo or have certain vision requirements.
- In-person renewal at a BMV office takes about 30 minutes and is required every third renewal cycle, or if your license has restrictions or corrections that have changed.
- You'll need your current license, proof of residency, and payment — the cost varies depending on how many years you're renewing for.
Renewing Online Through Maine's Portal
Online renewal is the fastest way to renew if you're not required to appear in person. You go to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, log in with your license number and date of birth, answer questions about your current information, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.
You can renew online if you are under 65, your vision correction (if you wear glasses or contacts) hasn't changed, and you haven't renewed online for two consecutive renewal cycles already. If your renewal notice says you're may be able to access for online renewal, that means the BMV has confirmed you meet these requirements.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. The online renewal fee is lower than renewing in person.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal is slower than online but doesn't require a trip to an office. You fill out the renewal form that comes with your notice, include your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address on the form. Processing takes about two weeks from the time the BMV receives your envelope.
You cannot renew by mail if you are 65 or older, if your vision correction has changed, or if your license has restrictions or endorsements that need updating. You also cannot renew by mail if you've already renewed by mail twice in a row — the third renewal must be in person.
Mail in your renewal materials at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid driving on an expired license while you wait for the new one. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you are no longer legally allowed to drive.
Renewing in Person at a BMV Office
In-person renewal is required every third renewal cycle, or whenever your license has restrictions, endorsements, or vision corrections that have changed. You bring your current license, proof of Maine residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment to any BMV office. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for proof of residency.
The BMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot or within a few days. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if your name has changed since your last license was issued. The in-person renewal fee is higher than mail or online renewal.
Wait times at BMV offices vary by location and time of day. Call ahead or check the BMV website to see current wait times at your nearest office. Many offices are busier on Saturdays and at the end of the month, so visiting on a weekday morning often means a shorter wait.
What You Need and What It Costs
For any renewal method, you need your current Maine driver's license and payment. The renewal fee depends on how many years you're renewing for — you can renew for 4 or 8 years. An 8-year renewal costs more upfront but works out cheaper per year. Online and mail renewal are less expensive than renewing in person.
If you're renewing in person, bring proof of Maine residency as well. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy with your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves the change. This might be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll need the original or a certified copy.
When Your License Expires and What Happens If You Miss the important date
Your Maine driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew anytime during the 60 days before it expires, and the BMV recommends renewing at least two weeks early to avoid driving on an expired license.
If your license expires before your renewal arrives, you cannot legally drive in Maine or any other state. If you're caught driving on an expired license, you can be fined. If you miss the important date, you'll need to renew in person at a BMV office — you cannot use mail or online renewal for a license that has already expired.
If your license expired more than a few years ago, you may need to take a written test and a road test to get a new one, depending on how long it's been expired. Contact your local BMV office to find out what's required in your situation.
Changing Your Address or Other Information
If you've moved since your last license was issued, you can update your address during renewal. When you renew online or by mail, you'll be asked to confirm or update your address. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your new Maine address.
If you need to change information on your license before it expires — such as your address, name, or vision correction status — you don't have to wait for renewal. You can visit a BMV office and request an updated license. There is a fee for this service, but it's less than a full renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maine license if I live out of state?
No. To renew a Maine driver's license, you must be a Maine resident. If you've moved out of state, you need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency to find out what documents you need.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?
You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online. Go to a BMV office with proof of your identity and Maine residency. The BMV will issue a replacement license and renew it at the same time. You'll pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you can visit a BMV office to request an expedited replacement, though this costs extra.
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked status?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the BMV to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your status is cleared, you can then renew your license.
Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail or online?
No. When you renew by mail or online, your current photo stays on your license. You only get a new photo when you renew in person. If you want a new photo before your renewal is due, you can visit a BMV office and request a replacement license with a new photo for a fee.