What you need to do to reinstate a suspended license in Maine
To reinstate a suspended Maine driver's license, you must first contact the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to find out why your license was suspended and what steps are required to restore it. The reason for suspension determines what you have to do next — some suspensions require you to pay a fine, others require proof of insurance, and some require you to complete a course or wait out a mandatory period. Once you have completed all requirements, you submit proof to the BMV, pay a reinstatement fee, and your license becomes valid again.
The process typically takes one to four weeks from the time you submit your completed paperwork, though it can be faster if you handle everything in person at a BMV office. You cannot legally drive until the BMV officially reinstates your license, even if you have paid all fines or completed all requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Maine BMV first to learn the specific reason your license was suspended and what you must do to restore it.
- Different suspension reasons require different actions — paying a fine, providing proof of insurance, completing a driver improvement course, or waiting a set period.
- You must submit proof of completion for all requirements, along with a reinstatement fee, before your license becomes valid again.
- Reinstatement typically takes one to four weeks by mail, or can be completed the same day if you visit a BMV office in person.
- You cannot legally drive until the BMV officially reinstates your license, even if you have completed all other steps.
Common reasons your Maine license was suspended
Maine suspends licenses for several reasons, and the cause determines what you must do to get it back. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered fines, failure to maintain auto insurance, accumulation of too many points from traffic violations, and failure to pay child support or court-ordered restitution. Some suspensions also result from a DUI or OUI (Operating Under the Influence) conviction, a medical condition reported to the BMV, or failure to pay a reinstatement fee from a previous suspension.
A few suspensions are administrative — for example, if you failed to renew your license before it expired, or if you did not respond to a BMV notice. These are usually the quickest to resolve because they often require only payment of a renewal or reinstatement fee.
The BMV will tell you the exact reason when you contact them. Write down this reason and any specific requirements they mention, because you will need to show proof that you have met them before reinstatement can happen.
How to find out what the BMV requires from you
Call the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 207-624-9000 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time). Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. Tell them your license is suspended and ask them to explain the reason, the amount owed (if any), and the exact steps you must take to reinstate it.
You can also visit a BMV office in person if you live near one. The main office is in Augusta, but there are branch offices in Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland. Visiting in person is often faster because a staff member can review your record when ready and tell you exactly what paperwork you need to bring.
Write down everything the BMV tells you, including any case numbers, fine amounts, or important date. Ask whether you can submit your reinstatement request by mail or whether you must appear in person. Some suspensions — particularly those related to court cases — may require you to contact the court or a probation officer instead of or in addition to the BMV.
Steps to complete reinstatement based on suspension type
For unpaid fines: Pay the full amount owed to the court or the BMV, depending on where the fine was issued. Get a receipt or written confirmation of payment. Send this proof to the BMV along with your reinstatement request and the reinstatement fee (currently $50 for a standard reinstatement).
For lapsed insurance: Obtain a current auto insurance policy and request a proof-of-insurance document from your insurance company. This document must show your policy is active and covers the vehicle you drive. Submit this proof to the BMV along with your reinstatement request and fee.
For too many points: You may be required to complete a driver improvement course before reinstatement. The BMV will tell you which course is approved. Once you complete it, the course provider will send a certificate to the BMV automatically, or you may need to submit it yourself. Check with the course provider about their process.
For DUI or OUI suspension: These suspensions often have mandatory waiting periods and may require completion of an alcohol education program, installation of an ignition interlock device, or both. The court handling your case will specify these requirements. Contact your probation officer or the court directly to confirm what you must do.
For child support or restitution: Contact the agency handling your case (usually the Department of Health and Human Services for child support). They will tell you the amount owed and whether a payment plan is available. Once you have paid or arranged a payment plan, request written confirmation and submit it to the BMV.
Submitting your reinstatement request to the BMV
Gather all required documents: proof that you have met the suspension requirements (such as a paid fine receipt, insurance proof, or course certificate), your driver's license or a copy of it, and a check or money order for the $50 reinstatement fee made payable to "Treasurer, State of Maine."
You have two options for submitting your request. By mail, send everything to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 101 Hospital Street, Augusta, ME 04330. Include a letter stating your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and a brief explanation of what you are submitting (for example, "Reinstatement request with proof of insurance payment"). Reinstatement by mail typically takes one to four weeks.
In person, visit any BMV office with your original documents and payment. Staff can review your paperwork on the spot and often issue a temporary license the same day if everything is in order. This is the fastest route if you need to drive soon.
Do not send cash by mail. Use a check, money order, or credit card (if paying in person). Keep copies of everything you send for your records.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
The BMV will review your submission to confirm that you have met all requirements for your specific suspension type. If everything is complete and correct, they will process your reinstatement and mail you a new license or a reinstatement notice. If something is missing or incorrect, they will contact you to ask for additional information or documents.
Your license is not valid until the BMV officially reinstates it. Even if you have paid all fines and completed all requirements, driving before receiving official reinstatement is illegal and can result in additional charges. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the BMV whether they can issue a temporary driving permit.
Once your license is reinstated, it will have the same expiration date as your original license unless the BMV issues you a new one. Check the expiration date when you receive it and plan to renew before that date to avoid another suspension.
Avoiding another suspension after reinstatement
After reinstatement, follow all traffic laws, maintain continuous auto insurance, and pay any fines or court-ordered payments on time. Keep proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times. If you receive a traffic ticket, pay the fine or appear in court by the important date — failure to respond can trigger another suspension.
If your suspension was related to points from traffic violations, drive carefully to avoid accumulating more points. Maine's point system adds points for each violation; too many points in a short time will suspend your license again. You can request a copy of your driving record from the BMV to see how many points you currently have.
If you are struggling to pay a fine or court-ordered amount, contact the court or the agency involved to ask about a payment plan. Many courts will work with you rather than suspend your license again. Acting early is much easier than going through reinstatement a second time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have completed all the requirements?
No. Your license remains suspended until the BMV officially reinstates it, even if you have paid all fines, obtained insurance, or completed a required course. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in criminal charges, additional fines, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation from the BMV before driving.
How much does it cost to reinstate a suspended license in Maine?
The reinstatement fee is $50. This is separate from any fines, court costs, or other amounts you may owe related to the reason for suspension. Some suspensions may require additional payments — for example, if you owe unpaid traffic fines or child support.
What if I cannot afford to pay the fine or reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the court or agency that issued the fine to ask about a payment plan. Many courts will allow you to pay in installments. For the reinstatement fee, contact the BMV directly to discuss your situation. Some circumstances may allow for a reduced fee or a temporary permit while you arrange payment.
How long does reinstatement take if I explore by mail versus in person?
By mail, reinstatement typically takes one to four weeks from the date the BMV receives your complete request. In person at a BMV office, you can often receive a temporary permit or confirmation the same day if all your documents are in order. If you need to drive soon, visiting an office in person is faster.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
For most suspensions, you do not need a lawyer. The BMV can tell you exactly what to do, and the process is straightforward. However, if your suspension is related to a criminal case (such as DUI or OUI) or if you are unsure about court-ordered requirements, speaking with a lawyer may help you understand your options and obligations.