How to Renew Your Maine Driver's License

Maine License Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Maine driver's license online through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, by mail, or in person at a BMV office. Online renewal is the fastest route if you are renewing before your license expires and have no medical suspensions or address changes. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at a BMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your photo, or if you have certain medical conditions flagged on your record.

Maine licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to six months before your expiration date. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal costs $35 and takes minutes if your address and medical status have not changed since your last license was issued.
Mail renewal requires a completed process for Operator License or Permit (Form 14) and a check or money order for $35, mailed to the BMV address in Augusta.
In-person renewal at any BMV office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment; appointments are recommended but walk-ins are accepted.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test and written exam depending on your age.
Maine does not require a new photo every eight years unless you request one; your current photo will be used unless you pay an extra $10 for a new one.

Online Renewal Through the Maine BMV Website

Visit maine.gov/bmv and select "Renew Your License Online" from the homepage. You will need your current Maine driver's license number, the expiration date, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and confirm that you are may be able to access for online renewal. If you have any medical suspensions, address changes, or name changes since your last license was issued, the system will reject your online request and direct you to mail or in-person renewal.

The online fee is $35, paid by debit or credit card. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your renewed license will arrive by mail 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 you are under 21, if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you have a medical condition code on your current license. Drivers over 76 years old must renew in person.

Mail Renewal: Step-by-Step Process

read or request the process for Operator License or Permit (Form 14) from the Maine BMV website. Complete the form in full, including your name, address, date of birth, and license number. Sign and date the form. Do not use a pen that will not photocopy clearly.

Enclose a check or money order for $35 payable to "State of Maine." Do not send cash. Include your current license (or a photocopy if you need to keep the original) so the BMV can verify your identity. Mail the completed form and payment to:

Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles Licensing Division 29 Child Street Augusta, ME 04330

Mail renewal typically takes 10 to 14 business days from the date the BMV receives your envelope. Processing times are longer during peak renewal periods (typically spring and early summer). You can drive on your current license while your renewal is being processed. If you do not receive your new license within three weeks, contact the BMV at 207-624-9000 to check the status.

In-Person Renewal at a Maine BMV Office

Visit any Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office with your current driver's license, proof of Maine residency, and payment of $35. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days and showing your current address. A government-issued ID is not required if your current Maine license is valid.

BMV offices are located in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, Portland, and Presque Isle. You can walk in during business hours, but the BMV recommends scheduling an appointment online at maine.gov/bmv to reduce wait time. Appointments are typically available within one to two weeks. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day; offices are usually less busy on weekday mornings.

At the office, you will present your documents, pay the fee, and have your photo taken unless you request to keep your current photo. If you want a new photo, the fee remains $35 (no extra charge). Processing is when ready, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

When You Must Renew In Person

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years. In this case, you must visit a BMV office in person. Depending on your age and how long your license has been expired, you may be required to pass a vision test and a written exam on Maine traffic laws. Drivers age 76 and older must renew in person every four years instead of every eight years.

You must also renew in person if you have a medical suspension on your record, if you need to change your name or address, or if you have been convicted of certain traffic offenses since your last renewal. If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access for online or mail renewal, call the BMV at 207-624-9000 before submitting your process.

Photo and Address Changes During Renewal

Your current photo will be used on your renewed license unless you request a new one. If you want a new photo, you can request it during online renewal (the system will prompt you), during mail renewal (write "NEW PHOTO REQUESTED" on Form 14), or in person at any BMV office. There is no extra charge for a new photo; the renewal fee remains $35.

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your new Maine address. Mail renewal requires the completed Form 14 with your new address. In-person renewal requires proof of residency at your new address.

Fees, Payment Methods, and Processing Times

The renewal fee is $35 for all methods. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices, though payment methods may vary by location.

Processing times depend on the method you choose. Online renewal delivers your new license within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 10 to 14 business days from receipt. In-person renewal issues a temporary paper license when ready and mails your permanent license within 7 to 10 business days. During peak periods (April through June), all methods may take longer.

If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited processing at a BMV office in person. Expedited processing costs an additional fee and is not available by mail or online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maine license if I have an out-of-state address?

No. You must be a Maine resident to hold a Maine driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Maine resident, you can renew by mail or online if you are otherwise may be able to access.

What happens if my license expires before my renewal arrives?

If you renewed online or by mail before your license expired, you can continue to drive on your expired license for a grace period while your new license is in the mail. However, you should carry proof of your renewal (the confirmation email for online renewal, or a copy of your mailed process) in case you are stopped. Once your new license arrives, the expired one is no longer valid.

Do I need to take a new written test or vision test to renew?

No, unless your license has been expired for more than five years or you are renewing in person and the BMV officer determines a test is necessary based on your age or driving record. Routine renewals do not require testing.

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked status?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Maine BMV before you can renew. Contact the BMV at 207-624-9000 to find out what steps are required to clear your status.

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

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. You must visit a BMV office in person with proof of identity and residency. The office will issue a replacement license and process your renewal at the same time for the standard $35 fee.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.