Maine driver's license renewal by mail or in person

Maine allows you to renew your driver's license by mail if you meet certain conditions, or you can renew in person at any Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office. The mail route is faster and requires no appointment — you send your renewal form and documents to the BMV, and they mail your new license back to you. In-person renewal at a BMV office takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your address or name, or if you want to change your license class.

Your renewal timeline depends on which method you choose. Mail renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days from the date the BMV receives your packet. In-person renewals are completed the same day. The BMV recommends mailing your renewal packet at least two weeks before your expiration date to avoid driving on an expired license.

Key Takeaways

  • Maine allows mail renewal for standard license renewals only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or license class in the past five years.
  • The mail renewal fee is $35 for a five-year license or $65 for an eight-year license; in-person renewal costs the same but includes a new photo.
  • You must send your completed process for Renewal (Form 1-R) along with your current license and payment to the BMV's renewal processing center.
  • If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail and must appear in person with proof of identity and residency.
  • Maine's BMV offices are located in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland, with some satellite offices in smaller towns.

Documents and fees for mail renewal

For a mail renewal, you need your current Maine driver's license, a completed process for Renewal (Form 1-R), and payment. You can read Form 1-R from the Maine BMV website or request it by phone. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, and signature — do not skip any field or the BMV will return your packet.

The renewal fee depends on the license term you choose. A five-year license costs $35; an eight-year license costs $65. Mail your packet to the BMV Renewal Processing Center, 29 Child Street, Augusta, Maine 04330. Include a check or money order made payable to "State of Maine" — the BMV does not accept credit cards by mail. Do not send cash.

If you are renewing in person, bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Maine address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days). You will also need to pay the same fee — $35 for five years or $65 for eight years — and the BMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at offices.

When you must renew in person

You cannot use mail renewal if your license has been expired for more than five years. You also must renew in person if you have changed your name or address since your last renewal, or if you want to change your license class (for example, from a standard Class D to a commercial Class A). Additionally, if you are renewing a license that was suspended or revoked, you must appear in person and may need to provide additional documentation or pass a written test.

In-person renewal requires no appointment at most BMV offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The Augusta office typically has shorter waits on weekday mornings. Bring all required documents listed above, your current license, and your payment. The BMV will take a new photo and issue your license the same day.

Maine BMV office locations and hours

Maine has four full-service BMV offices: Augusta (29 Child Street), Bangor (1033 Hammond Street), Lewiston (179 Lisbon Street), and Portland (67 Forest Avenue). Hours vary by location but most are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some offices closing for lunch between noon and 1 p.m. The BMV website lists current hours for each office, as some locations have adjusted schedules seasonally.

Several smaller towns also have part-time satellite offices that handle renewals on specific days. These include Rockland, Houlton, and Presque Isle. Call the Augusta office at 207-624-9000 to confirm whether a satellite office near you is open and what days it operates.

What happens if your license expires

Driving on an expired Maine license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you may be fined and your vehicle could be impounded. However, if your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew by mail or in person without taking a written test or vision test again.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and will need to pass a vision test. You may also be required to pass a written test on Maine traffic laws, depending on how long the license has been expired. The BMV will tell you what tests you need when you arrive at the office.

Renewing a license with a different name or address

If you have changed your name since your last renewal (for example, through marriage or legal name change), you must renew in person and bring legal proof of the name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of name change. The BMV will not process a name change by mail.

If you have moved to a new address in Maine, you can update your address by mail during renewal or in person. Include your new address on Form 1-R if renewing by mail. If renewing in person, bring proof of your new address dated within the past 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement. If you have moved out of Maine, you must renew in person or contact the BMV about transferring your license to your new state.

Renewing a commercial or motorcycle license

Commercial Class A, B, or C licenses and motorcycle endorsements cannot be renewed by mail in Maine. You must renew in person at a full-service BMV office. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of Maine residency, and payment. You will need to pass a vision test and may need to pass a written test depending on the license class and how long it has been since your last renewal.

If you hold a commercial license, you may also need to provide a medical certificate (CDLIS form) if your license is Class A or B. The BMV will tell you whether you need this when you call or arrive at the office. Commercial license renewals take about 45 minutes to an hour in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maine license online?

No, Maine does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a BMV office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online renewal and takes 7 to 10 business days.

What if I lost my current license before renewal?

You cannot renew by mail if you do not have your current license. You must go to a BMV office in person and request a replacement license. Bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency. The replacement fee is $35 for five years or $65 for eight years.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew by mail?

Mail renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days from the date the BMV receives your packet. The BMV recommends mailing your renewal at least two weeks before your expiration date. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a BMV office.

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

Yes, you can renew your license even if you have an unpaid traffic ticket. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid fines or other violations, you must clear the suspension before renewing. Contact the BMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out how to resolve it.

Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?

No, mail renewal uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a BMV office. In-person renewal includes a new photo at no extra cost.