How to Renew Your Maine Driver's License

Maine driver's license renewal by mail or online

You can renew your Maine driver's license by mail or online, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal. Most people under 65 can renew online through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website if their license is not expired and they have not had any major changes to their name, address, or medical status. If you are 65 or older, or if your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a BMV office.

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $35 for a five-year license. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal is also an option for some drivers, though it takes longer — typically two to three weeks — and requires you to send your current license and a completed process form to the BMV.

Key Takeaways

Maine residents under 65 with valid licenses can renew online at maine.gov/bmv for $35, and the new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Drivers 65 and older must renew in person at a BMV office, even if their license is still valid.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a BMV office in person.
You do not need a Real ID to renew a standard Maine driver's license, but Real ID licenses cost $10 more and require proof of citizenship and residency.
Maine licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue, and you can renew up to six months before expiration.

In-person renewal at a Maine BMV office

If you must renew in person, you will need to visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. Maine has BMV locations in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, Portland, and Presque Isle, as well as several satellite offices in smaller towns. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but you should check the BMV website before you go because some offices have limited hours or may be closed for training days.

Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current Maine address (such as a utility bill or lease). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

When you need to renew in person instead of by mail or online

You cannot use mail or online renewal if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you are 65 or older, or if you have had a major change to your medical status or name. You also must renew in person if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you have not renewed it in Maine before and are doing so for the first time as a Maine resident.

If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, you may need to provide proof that the reason for the suspension has been resolved. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you will need to show proof of payment. If it was suspended for a medical reason, you may need a letter from your doctor. Contact your local BMV office before you go to confirm what documents you need to bring.

Real ID versus standard Maine driver's license

Maine offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for these purposes — you will need a passport or other federal ID instead.

Real ID renewal costs $45 for five years, compared to $35 for a standard license. To get a Real ID, you must show proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and two forms of proof of your Maine address. If you are renewing a Real ID license online or by mail, you do not need to provide these documents again unless your address has changed. If you are upgrading from a standard license to Real ID, you must do so in person at a BMV office.

What happens if your license expires

If your Maine driver's license expires, you can still drive for a short grace period while you renew. However, if you are stopped by police, you must show proof that you have submitted a renewal process — either a confirmation email from online renewal or a receipt from mailing your process. Driving with an expired license can result in a fine, even if you have already started the renewal process.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, the BMV treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. You will need to pass a written test and an eye exam, and you may need to take a road test depending on how long it has been since you last held a valid license. This process takes longer and costs more than a standard renewal, so it is better to renew before your license expires.

Renewing after a license suspension or revocation

If your Maine license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it online or by mail. You must visit a BMV office in person and provide proof that the reason for the suspension or revocation has been resolved. The most common reason for suspension is unpaid traffic fines or child support; for revocation, it is usually a DUI conviction or accumulation of serious traffic violations.

For a suspension related to unpaid fines, bring proof of payment from the court or collection agency. For a medical suspension, bring a letter from your doctor stating that you are fit to drive. For a DUI-related revocation, you may need to show proof of completion of a substance abuse program and proof of insurance (an SR22 form). The BMV will tell you exactly what you need when you call or visit. Reinstatement fees vary but typically range from $50 to $150 in addition to the renewal fee.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you are moving to a new Maine address, you can update it during online or mail renewal without visiting a BMV office. When you renew online, you will be asked to confirm or change your address. If you are renewing by mail, write your new address on the process form. Your new license will be mailed to the new address you provide.

If your name has changed — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. A certified copy means a document issued by a court, government office, or vital records agency, not a photocopy you made yourself. The BMV will not accept a photocopy or an uncertified document. If you are renewing online or by mail and your name has changed, you must first visit a BMV office to update your name before you can use those methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maine license online if it is already expired?

You can renew online only if your license expired within the last five years. If it has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a BMV office and may need to retake the written test and eye exam. Check the expiration date on your license before you start the online process.

How much does it cost to renew a Maine driver's license?

A standard five-year license renewal costs $35 online or by mail. A Real ID license costs $45. If you are renewing in person after a suspension or revocation, there is an additional reinstatement fee that varies by reason but is typically $50 to $150.

What if I move out of Maine before my license expires?

You should renew your Maine license before you move, or you can renew it by mail from your new state. Once you move, you will eventually need to get a driver's license from your new state of residence. Check your new state's requirements for when you must switch over.

Do I need a Real ID to drive in Maine?

You do not need a Real ID to drive in Maine or anywhere else. A standard Maine driver's license is valid for driving. You only need a Real ID if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building without a passport or other federal ID.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?

You can renew your license online or by mail even if you have an unpaid ticket, but if your license was suspended because of unpaid fines, you must renew in person and show proof of payment before the BMV will process your renewal.

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.