Renewing Your Maine License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Maine driver's license through three routes: online at the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, by mail, or in person at a BMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 business days and you do not have to leave home. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a BMV office is when ready if you bring the right documents, though you may wait in line.

Not everyone can renew online. You must have a valid license that is not suspended or revoked, and your license must not be expiring because of a medical condition or a change in your vision. If either of those applies, you must renew in person. The same is true if your name has changed since your last license was issued.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. Maine sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Maine BMV website is available if your license is valid and not expiring for medical reasons, and takes about 10 business days.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee to the BMV, and takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a BMV office is when ready but requires an appointment or a visit during walk-in hours, and you must bring your current license and proof of residency.
  • Maine driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can begin the renewal process up to one year before expiration.
  • If your license is suspended, revoked, or expiring because of a medical condition, you must renew in person at a BMV office.

Online Renewal Through the Maine BMV Website

To renew online, go to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website and select the renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — the BMV accepts credit and debit cards. The fee for an eight-year renewal is $65.

After you submit your process online, the BMV will mail your new license to the address on file. The process takes about 10 business days from the date you submit. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive, as long as your current license has not yet expired.

If the BMV cannot process your renewal online — for example, if your address cannot be verified — you will be notified and directed to renew by mail or in person instead.

Mail Renewal: What to Send and Where

To renew by mail, you will need to complete an process form, which you can read from the Maine BMV website or request by phone. The form is called the process for a Maine Driver's License or Permit. You will also need to include your current license and a check or money order for $65 payable to the State of Maine.

Mail your completed process, current license, and payment to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 101 Hospital Street, Augusta, Maine 04330. The BMV will process your renewal and mail your new license to you. This route takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your envelope.

Keep a copy of your process and note the date you mailed it. If your current license expires before your new one arrives, you can contact the BMV to request a temporary extension or a replacement license.

In-Person Renewal at a BMV Office

You can renew in person at any Maine BMV office. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. The fee is $65, which you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Most BMV offices operate by appointment. You can schedule an appointment through the Maine BMV website or by calling 207-624-9000. Some offices also hold walk-in hours on specific days; check the website for the office nearest you. In-person renewal is when ready — you will receive your new license before you leave the office.

If you are renewing because your license is expiring for a medical reason, or if your vision or name has changed, you must renew in person. You may also need to pass a vision screening or provide a medical report, depending on your situation.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. The process is similar to renewal, but you will need to provide additional documents, such as proof of your date of birth and proof of your Social Security number. Contact the Maine BMV directly to find out what documents you need for your specific situation.

You should not drive with an expired license. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, contact the BMV to ask about a temporary permit or extension.

Renewing a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Maine

If you hold a Maine commercial driver's license, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a BMV office. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and any medical certificates required by federal law. The renewal fee is $65.

CDL renewals may require a vision test and a written knowledge test, depending on whether your endorsements or restrictions have changed. Some CDLs must be renewed every four years instead of eight, depending on your medical certification status. Contact the Maine BMV to confirm the renewal requirements for your specific CDL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Maine BMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it.

What if my name has changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person at a BMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of your current address. The renewal fee is still $65.

How long can I drive after my license expires while waiting for my renewal?

You cannot legally drive with an expired license. If your new license has not arrived by the expiration date, contact the Maine BMV when ready. They may issue a temporary extension or a replacement license so you can continue to drive legally.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a BMV office?

Most Maine BMV offices require an appointment, which you can schedule through the website or by phone. Some offices hold walk-in hours on certain days. Check the website for the office nearest you to see whether appointments are required and when walk-in hours are available.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

Contact the Maine BMV to report your lost license and request a replacement. Once you receive the replacement, you can renew it using any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person. You will pay the replacement fee plus the renewal fee.