The Basic Steps to Get Your License Back
To reinstate a suspended license in Maine, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete whatever requirement caused the suspension, and finally submit a reinstatement request to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The BMV will not return your license until you have satisfied the reason for suspension — whether that is paying a fine, completing a safety course, or serving out a suspension period.
The process takes different forms depending on whether your suspension was for a traffic violation, unpaid fines, a DUI-related offense, or a medical reason. Maine does not have a single reinstatement form that works for all suspensions. Instead, you contact the BMV directly, explain your situation, and follow their specific instructions for your case.
You cannot drive legally while your license is suspended, even if you have started the reinstatement process. Driving on a suspended license in Maine is a separate criminal offense and will make reinstatement much harder.
Key Takeaways
- You must discover the exact reason your license was suspended before you can begin reinstatement, because different reasons have different requirements.
- The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles will not reinstate your license until you have completed the requirement that caused the suspension.
- Contact the BMV by phone at 207-624-9000 or visit a local BMV office in person to learn what you owe and what steps come next.
- Reinstatement usually requires a fee, which varies by the type of suspension, and you may need to provide proof that you have met all conditions before the BMV processes your request.
- Driving on a suspended license is a separate crime in Maine and will delay or prevent reinstatement.
Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Your first step is to contact the Maine BMV and ask them directly why your license is suspended. You can call 207-624-9000 during business hours, or visit a BMV office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
Maine suspends licenses for several common reasons: unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered fines, failure to pay child support, failure to appear in court, DUI or OUI (Operating Under the Influence) convictions, accumulation of too many points from traffic violations, medical reasons, or failure to maintain insurance. Each reason has its own reinstatement path.
The BMV representative will tell you exactly what you need to do. Write down the requirement, any important date, and the fee amount. Ask whether you need to bring documents or complete a form before you can reinstate.
Common Reasons for Suspension and What to Do
If your suspension is for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed. You can often pay by phone, by mail, or in person at a BMV office. Once the BMV confirms payment has been received, you can request reinstatement.
If your suspension is for failure to appear in court, you must resolve the underlying case first. Contact the court that issued the suspension and ask what you need to do. You may need to appear before a judge or pay a fine. Only after the court lifts the suspension can the BMV reinstate your license.
If your suspension is related to a DUI or OUI conviction, reinstatement is more complex. Maine requires you to complete an alcohol and drug education program, install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle (for certain convictions), and wait out a mandatory suspension period. The length of the suspension depends on whether it is your first, second, or third offense within ten years. You cannot reinstate until all conditions are met.
If your suspension is for accumulation of points from traffic violations, you must wait out the suspension period set by Maine law. Points suspensions typically last 30 days for a first suspension, 90 days for a second, and one year for a third or more. You cannot shorten this waiting period, but once it ends, you can request reinstatement.
If your suspension is for failure to maintain insurance, you must obtain a new insurance policy and provide proof to the BMV. Your insurance company can send proof directly to the BMV, or you can bring a copy of your policy and proof of payment to a BMV office.
The Reinstatement Fee and What It Covers
Maine charges a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the reason for suspension. As of the most recent information available, reinstatement fees typically range from $25 to $100, but you should confirm the exact amount with the BMV when you call, because fees can change.
The reinstatement fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or other money you owe related to the original violation. You must pay both the underlying debt and the reinstatement fee before your license is restored.
You can pay the reinstatement fee by phone, by mail, or in person. Ask the BMV which payment methods they accept and whether they need the fee before or after you submit your reinstatement request.
How to Submit Your Reinstatement Request
Once you have completed the requirement for your suspension — whether that is paying a fine, finishing a course, or waiting out a period — contact the Maine BMV to formally request reinstatement. You can do this by phone at 207-624-9000, by mail, or in person at a BMV office.
When you contact the BMV, have the following information ready: your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reason your license was suspended, and proof that you have met the reinstatement requirement. If you paid a fine, have your receipt or confirmation number. If you completed a course, have the course completion certificate. If you waited out a suspension period, have the dates.
The BMV will verify that you have satisfied the condition, process your reinstatement fee, and issue your license. In most cases, you will receive your license by mail within one to two weeks. If you need it sooner, ask whether you can pick it up in person at a BMV office.
What Happens If You Drive Before Reinstatement
Driving on a suspended license in Maine is a criminal offense separate from the original violation that caused the suspension. A first offense carries a fine of $250 to $500 and possible jail time. A second offense within five years carries a fine of $500 to $1,000 and possible jail time.
If you are caught driving on a suspended license, the BMV may extend your suspension period, increase your reinstatement fee, or refuse to reinstate your license until additional conditions are met. You may also face criminal charges, which will make reinstatement much more difficult.
If you need to drive for work or medical reasons while your license is suspended, ask the BMV whether Maine offers a hardship license or work permit. These are not available for all suspension types, but it is worth asking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my request?
Most reinstatements are processed within one to two weeks if you submit by mail or in person. If you submit by phone, the BMV may be able to process it the same day, but you will still receive your physical license by mail. Call the BMV at 207-624-9000 to ask about the current processing time.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Maine does not offer hardship licenses for all suspension types. Hardship licenses are sometimes available for suspensions related to unpaid fines or points accumulation, but not for DUI-related suspensions or failure to appear in court. Contact the BMV to ask whether a hardship license is an option in your situation.
What if I cannot pay the full fine right away?
Contact the court or the BMV and ask about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay fines in installments over time. You may need to appear before a judge or submit a written request. The BMV cannot reinstate your license until the full amount is paid, but a payment plan can help you work toward that goal.
Do I need to take a written test or road test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require a new written or road test unless your suspension was for a medical reason and the BMV requires a medical evaluation to confirm you are fit to drive. For most suspensions, you straightforward complete the requirement and request reinstatement.
What if the BMV says my suspension is still active even though I completed the requirement?
Contact the BMV again and ask them to verify that the requirement has been recorded in their system. Sometimes there is a delay between when you complete a requirement (like paying a fine) and when the BMV's records are updated. Bring documentation of what you completed and ask the BMV to manually review your file.