What you need to get a Maine driver's license
Maine issues driver's licenses through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), which operates from the Secretary of State's office. To get a license, you must visit a BMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You'll also take a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a road test before the license is issued.
The process takes multiple visits unless you pass all tests on your first attempt. Most people complete it within two to four weeks, though scheduling for the road test can add time depending on your local BMV office's availability.
Key Takeaways
- Maine requires you to visit a BMV office in person with a valid ID, proof you live in Maine, and proof of your Social Security number.
- You must pass a written test, vision test, and road test before receiving your license; the road test is the step that usually takes longest to schedule.
- A standard Maine driver's license costs $35 and is valid for eight years.
- If you have a suspended or revoked license, you may need an SR22 form and proof of insurance before you can restore driving privileges.
- Maine accepts Real ID-compliant documents, but a standard driver's license is not itself a Real ID; you must request a Real ID endorsement separately.
Documents you must bring to the BMV
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID card as proof of identity. A photocopy will not work. If your name has changed due to marriage or court order, bring the original or certified copy of the document showing the change.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your Maine address. A bank statement or insurance bill also works. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days.
For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can explore for one at the BMV office itself, though this delays the process.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 30 questions about Maine traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is based on the Maine Driver's Manual, which you can read online or pick up at any BMV office for free.
Most questions ask about speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what different road signs mean. Some ask about impaired driving, distracted driving, and what to do in an emergency. You can take the test on a computer at the BMV office, and you get your results when ready.
If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or schedule another visit. There is no fee to retake the test, but you do have to return to the BMV office.
The vision and road tests
The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot take the road test that day and must see an eye doctor before returning.
The road test lasts about 20 minutes. A BMV examiner sits in the car with you and watches how you handle basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner is looking for safe habits, not perfect driving. Common reasons people fail are not checking mirrors, rolling through stop signs, or hitting the curb while parking.
You must bring your own car for the road test, and it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn work before you drive. If your car fails this safety check, you cannot take the test that day.
Costs and how long the license lasts
A standard Maine driver's license costs $35 and is valid for eight years. You renew it by mail or online before it expires; the BMV sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. Renewal by mail costs $35 and takes about two weeks. Renewal online costs $35 and is when ready.
If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 2025), the cost is $37 instead of $35. You request the Real ID endorsement when you explore or renew, and you must bring the same identity and residency documents you brought for your original license.
A learner's permit, which lets you practice driving with a licensed adult, costs $20 and is valid for two years. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs $70 and requires additional testing and medical certification.
If your license is suspended or revoked
A Maine license can be suspended for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or driving under the influence. A revocation is permanent until you meet specific conditions set by the court or the BMV.
To restore a suspended license, you must pay any outstanding fines and court costs, then contact the BMV to confirm the suspension has been lifted. For a revocation, you typically must wait a set period (often one to five years), then petition the BMV for restoration. Some revocations require an SR22 form, which is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you have insurance. Your insurance company files the SR22 with the BMV at no extra cost; you straightforward ask your insurer to file it.
If you are restoring your license after a DUI or multiple violations, the BMV may require you to complete a defensive driving course or substance abuse program. The BMV will tell you what is required when you contact them about restoration.
Learner's permits and teen drivers
A learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat. To get a permit, you must pass the written test and vision test but not the road test. A permit costs $20 and is valid for two years.
Maine's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law restricts teen drivers to reduce crash risk. A teen with a permit must have a licensed adult in the car and cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. Once they pass the road test and get a license, they cannot drive between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. for the first six months, and they cannot have passengers under 21 unless a parent or guardian is in the car.
These restrictions lift after six months of safe driving with no violations. Teens who violate GDL rules face license suspension and fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maine license online?
Yes, if your license is not suspended or revoked and you are renewing before it expires. You can renew online at the Maine Secretary of State website. The renewal takes a few minutes and costs $35. Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test as soon as the next day if you schedule it. There is no fee to retake it. Most people pass on the second or third attempt. Between attempts, practice the skills the examiner said you need to improve.
Do I need a Real ID to fly domestically from Maine?
Starting May 7, 2025, yes. A standard Maine driver's license will not work for domestic flights or federal buildings. You must have a Real ID-compliant license or another accepted form of ID, such as a passport. Request the Real ID endorsement when you explore or renew your license.
What happens if I move to Maine from another state?
You must get a Maine license within 30 days of moving. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Maine, and proof of your Social Security number to a BMV office. You will take the written test and vision test but not the road test. The road test requirement is waived if your out-of-state license is valid and you have held a license for at least two years.
Can I get a Maine license if I don't have a Social Security number?
Yes. You can explore for a Social Security number at the BMV office when you explore for your license. Bring your birth certificate and proof of residency. The BMV will help you fill out the process, and the Social Security Administration will mail your number to you. Your license process will be delayed until you receive your number.