Maine driver's license renewal basics
You can renew your Maine driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have left, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Maine licenses expire on your birthday. You get a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before expiration. That notice contains a code you'll need if you renew online or by mail. If you don't receive one, you can still renew, but you'll need your license number and other identifying information.
The renewal fee is $37 for a standard five-year license. You pay by credit card online, by check or money order by mail, or in person at a BMV office. If you renew more than one year after expiration, you may need to take a vision test and pass a written exam, so renewing before your license expires is simpler.
Key Takeaways
- Maine driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a BMV office.
- Online renewal is the fastest method and requires your license number, the renewal code from your notice, and a credit card.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires a check or money order; use the form included in your renewal notice.
- In-person renewal at a BMV office is necessary only if you need a new photo, have an address change, or your license expired more than one year ago.
- The renewal fee is $37 for a five-year license, and you must renew before your birthday to avoid driving with an expired license.
Renewing online through the Maine BMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes. Go to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, select "Renew Your License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the renewal code from your notice. You'll answer a few questions about your address and whether any information has changed.
You'll need a credit card to pay the $37 fee. Once you submit your process, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until your birthday, so you can drive legally while you wait.
Online renewal is not an option if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need to change your photo, or if you've had a name change since your last license was issued. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.
Renewing by mail with the BMV renewal form
Mail renewal uses the form included in your renewal notice. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $37 to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash. Include your renewal code if you have it, though it's not required.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the BMV receives your process. Your new license will arrive by mail after that. Mail your process at least three weeks before your birthday to make sure it arrives in time. If you're cutting it close, online renewal is faster.
If you don't have your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail. Contact the Maine BMV to request a renewal form, or read one from their website. You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and current address.
Renewing in person at a Maine BMV office
Visit a BMV office if you need a new photo, have changed your name since your last license, or your license expired more than one year ago. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
BMV offices are located in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland. Hours vary by location; check the Maine BMV website for the office nearest you and its hours before you go. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait time.
In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you're called. You'll have your photo taken, pay the $37 fee by cash, check, or card, and receive a temporary license to drive while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maine, even if you've submitted a renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you can be ticketed. However, if you can show proof that you submitted your renewal before your birthday, an officer may issue a warning instead of a ticket.
If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can still renew online or by mail using the standard process. If it's been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a BMV office. You'll need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written exam.
To avoid this situation, renew at least two weeks before your birthday. If you miss your birthday, renew when ready. Your old license is still proof of identity even after expiration, so bring it with you if you need to renew in person.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you've moved, you can update your address during online or mail renewal. Online, you'll enter your new address in the form. By mail, write your new address clearly on the renewal form. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, your Social Security card, and a document showing your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The BMV will issue a new license with your updated name.
Address changes take effect when ready when you renew online or by mail. If you renew in person, your temporary license shows your new address right away, and your permanent license arrives with the updated information within 7 to 10 business days.
Documents and fees for Maine license renewal
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | License number, renewal code, credit card | $37 | 7–10 business days |
| By Mail | Renewal form, check or money order | $37 | 2–3 weeks |
| In Person | Current license, SSN proof, address proof | $37 | 7–10 business days for permanent license |
The $37 fee covers a five-year license. This is the standard renewal fee for all Maine drivers. If you're renewing in person and need a duplicate license (for example, if yours was lost or stolen), there's an additional fee; ask at the BMV office for current pricing.
If you renew online or by mail, you don't need to bring or mail any documents except payment. If you renew in person, bring originals or certified copies of your documents—photocopies are not accepted for proof of Social Security number or address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maine license if I'm out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest and requires only your license number, renewal code, and a credit card. If you're deployed military or living abroad, mail renewal is also an option, though it takes longer due to mail delays.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online or by mail without it. Online, enter your license number and date of birth instead of the renewal code. By mail, contact the Maine BMV to request a renewal form, or read one from their website. You'll need your license number and current address.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Not unless you want one. Online and mail renewal keep your current photo. If you renew in person, you'll get a new photo automatically. If your appearance has changed significantly or you dislike your current photo, renewing in person gives you a fresh one.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Contact the Maine BMV to find out the reason and what steps are required to restore your driving privileges. Once your license is restored, you can renew normally.
How long can I drive after my license expires if I've submitted a renewal?
You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if your renewal is pending. However, if you can show proof of submission before your birthday, an officer may issue a warning. Renew before your birthday to avoid this risk.