What you need to do right now

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Maine driver license, you will need to visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office in person with proof of identity and proof of Maine residency. The BMV will take a new photo, issue you a replacement license on the spot or by mail depending on which office you visit, and charge you a replacement fee. You cannot replace your license online or by mail — you must appear in person.

The replacement process is straightforward and takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the office. You will leave with either your new license when ready or a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you, depending on the BMV location.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in person with a valid form of ID and proof of your current Maine address.
  • The replacement fee is $35 for a standard license and $50 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at most offices.
  • Some BMV offices issue your replacement license on the spot; others mail it within 7 to 10 business days and give you a temporary paper license to use when ready.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and request a new license number to protect against fraud.
  • Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license unless you renew it at the same time.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one form of valid photo ID — a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID all work. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo forms of ID such as a Social Security card, birth certificate, or bank statement with your name on it.

You also need proof of your current Maine address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you recently moved and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring a lease or utility bill in your name plus a document showing your old address, and explain the move to the BMV staff.

Bring your old license if you still have it, though it is not required. If your license was stolen, bring a police report if you have one — this is optional but recommended if you are concerned about identity theft.

Where to go and what to expect

Maine has six full-service BMV offices: in Augusta (the capital), Bangor, Lewiston, Portland, Presque Isle, and South Portland. You can walk into any of them during business hours without an appointment. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours vary slightly by location. Check the BMV website or call ahead to confirm hours before you go.

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff you need a replacement license. You will fill out a short form (the process for Operator License or Permit, form 237), show your documents, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

If the office issues licenses on the spot, you will walk out with your new plastic license in hand. If the office mails licenses, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is a legal form of ID and works for driving, so you can use it right away.

The cost and payment options

A replacement license costs $35 if you want a standard Maine license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (the kind required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings starting in 2025), the cost is $50. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and require additional proof of citizenship or lawful presence, such as a passport or birth certificate.

Most BMV offices take cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. A few smaller offices may accept cash only, so call ahead if you want to be sure. There is no fee to report your license stolen or to request a new license number for fraud protection — that service is included when you pay for the replacement.

If your license was stolen

If someone stole your license rather than you losing it, consider reporting the theft to your local police department. You do not have to file a report to get a replacement license, but a report creates a record in case the license is used fraudulently. When you go to the BMV, mention that your license was stolen and ask if they can issue you a new license number. The BMV can usually do this at no extra charge and it reduces the risk that someone will use your old number to commit fraud.

If you are worried about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting one of them — they will notify the other two automatically. A fraud alert makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

What happens to your old license

Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license expired or is about to expire, you can renew it at the same time you replace it. Renewing costs an additional $35 (or $50 for Real ID) and takes a few extra minutes at the BMV office.

If you do not renew at the time of replacement, your new license will expire on the same date your old one would have. You can renew by mail or online when that date approaches, or you can renew in person at a BMV office.

Real ID and your replacement license

Maine offers both standard licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star and meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. Starting in 2025, you will need a Real ID license or a passport to fly domestically within the United States.

When you replace your license, you can choose either type. If you want Real ID, bring proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) in addition to your regular ID and proof of address. The Real ID process takes the same amount of time as a standard replacement and costs $15 more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Maine requires you to appear in person at a BMV office to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. You cannot do it by mail or online. However, if your license is straightforward expired and not damaged, you can renew it by mail or online.

How long does it take to get my replacement license?

If your BMV office issues licenses on the spot, you will have your new license when you leave. If the office mails licenses, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license within 7 to 10 business days. Call your local BMV office to find out which method they use.

Do I need to report my license stolen to the police?

You do not have to report it to the police to get a replacement license from the BMV. However, filing a police report creates a record and is recommended if you are concerned about fraud. When you go to the BMV, ask them to issue you a new license number for extra protection.

What if I do not have proof of my current address?

If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your new name yet, bring a document showing your old address plus a lease or other proof of your new address. The BMV staff can work with you on this. Call ahead to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.

Will my replacement license have a different expiration date?

No. Your replacement license will expire on the same date as your original license. If you want to renew at the same time, you can do that at the BMV office for an additional fee, and your new license will have a new expiration date five years in the future.