How to Renew Your Driver's License in Maine

Maine driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

You can renew your Maine driver's license through the mail, online, or at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a Real ID, and how soon you need the new one. Mail renewal takes about two weeks; online renewal is fastest if you're may be able to access; in-person renewal is when ready.

Maine allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your current license. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online—you must go to a BMV office and may need to retake the written test.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online at maine.gov/dmv if your license is valid, you don't need a Real ID upgrade, and you haven't changed your address or name.
Mail renewal requires the renewal notice mailed to you by the state, a check or money order, and takes about two weeks to receive your new license.
In-person renewal at any BMV office takes about 15 minutes and you leave with your new license the same day.
A Real ID upgrade requires an in-person visit and documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Maine residency.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to pass the written knowledge test again.

Online renewal through Maine's DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to maine.gov/dmv, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $35 for a five-year license or $65 for an eight-year license.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license has expired, if you need a Real ID, if you've changed your name or address since your last renewal, or if you wear corrective lenses and need a new photo. If any of these explore, use mail or in-person renewal instead.

After you complete online renewal, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal with the renewal notice

If the state mailed you a renewal notice, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. The notice includes a form and instructions specific to your situation. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($35 for five years or $65 for eight years), and mail both to the address shown on the notice.

Do not send cash. Include your current license with your mailed process so the state can process it faster. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the BMV receives your envelope. You can continue driving on your current license during this time.

If you did not receive a renewal notice in the mail, you may still renew by mail. Contact the BMV at 207-624-9000 to request a renewal form, or visit a BMV office to pick one up in person.

In-person renewal at a BMV office

Visit any Bureau of Motor Vehicles office with your current license and payment. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. The renewal fee is $35 for five years or $65 for eight years, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

You will have your photo taken and receive your new license before you leave. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. No appointment is required, but you can check wait times on maine.gov/dmv before you go.

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need a Real ID, if you've changed your name or address, or if you wear corrective lenses and need a new photo. It's also the only option if your license expired more than five years ago.

Real ID upgrade during renewal

A Real ID is a federal standard for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your current license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not a Real ID. You must upgrade in person at a BMV office; you cannot upgrade by mail or online.

Bring your current license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and two documents proving your Maine address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). The Real ID fee is included in the standard renewal fee.

If you do not upgrade to Real ID, your current license will remain valid for driving in Maine. However, starting May 7, 2025, you will not be able to use a non-Real ID license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building—you'll need a passport or other federal ID instead.

What to do if your license is expired or lost

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online using the same process as a current license. If it expired more than five years ago, you must go to a BMV office in person. You may be asked to retake the written knowledge test; the BMV will tell you when you call or visit.

If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the BMV by phone at 207-624-9000 or in person at any office. You can request a replacement license with the same number and expiration date. Bring your Social Security card or proof of your number, and pay the replacement fee (usually $20 to $25).

BMV office locations and hours

Maine has BMV offices in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland. Hours vary by location but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offices open Saturday mornings. Check maine.gov/dmv for the full list of locations, current hours, and wait times before you visit.

You do not need an appointment for renewal, but some offices accept appointments for other services. If you're renewing, walk in during business hours with your documents and payment ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Maine allows you to renew up to one year before your expiration date. This is useful if you're traveling or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date one year from the renewal date.

What if I changed my address since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at a BMV office if your address has changed. Bring a document showing your new Maine address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. You cannot use online or mail renewal when your address has changed.

How much does a Maine driver's license renewal cost?

A standard renewal costs $35 for a five-year license or $65 for an eight-year license. Real ID upgrades are included in these fees. Replacement licenses for lost or stolen licenses cost $20 to $25. All fees are the same whether you renew by mail, online, or in person.

What if I need my license before the mail renewal arrives?

You can continue to drive on your current license while waiting for your new one to arrive by mail. If you need proof of renewal before the license arrives, contact the BMV at 207-624-9000 and ask for a temporary renewal receipt. For when ready renewal, visit a BMV office in person.

Do I need a new photo for renewal?

If you renew by mail or online, your photo from your current license will be used again. If you wear corrective lenses and your prescription has changed significantly, or if you straightforward want a new photo, you must renew in person at a BMV office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.