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

You can renew your Maine driver's license through three routes: online at maine.gov/dmv, by mail using the renewal notice the state sends you, or in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready if you need your license the same day, but you will wait in line and pay a higher fee.

Which route you can use depends on your license type and how long it has been expired. Standard licenses can renew online or by mail if they expired within the last 5 years. Commercial licenses and licenses that have been expired longer than 5 years require an in-person visit. If your address has changed, you must update it during renewal — online and mail renewal both let you do this without visiting an office.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal at maine.gov/dmv is the fastest method and works for most standard driver's licenses that expired within the last 5 years.
  • Mail renewal uses the renewal notice Maine sends you automatically and takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time you mail it back.
  • In-person renewal at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office is required for commercial licenses, licenses expired more than 5 years, and when you need your license when ready.
  • Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, and you can use it to renew by mail or bring it to an office.
  • Address changes, name changes, and correcting information on your license all happen during the renewal process at no extra cost.

Online renewal through maine.gov/dmv

Online renewal is available at maine.gov/dmv if your standard license expired within the last 5 years and you have not had any suspensions or revocations. You will need your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and let you know when ready whether you can renew online.

During online renewal, you can update your address, phone number, and emergency contact information. You cannot change your name or photograph online — those require an in-person visit. Once you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, Maine will mail your new license to the address you provide. The new license arrives in about 10 business days.

If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, it will explain why and direct you to the appropriate next step — usually either mail renewal or an in-person visit. Keep your confirmation number from the online transaction in case you need to check the status of your renewal.

Mail renewal using your renewal notice

Maine sends a renewal notice to your mailing address about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form, instructions, and an envelope. You fill out the form, sign it, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it back to the address on the envelope. Do not send cash through the mail.

Mail renewal works for standard licenses that expired within the last 5 years. You can update your address on the form, but you cannot change your photograph or legal name by mail. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time Maine receives your envelope. If you do not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by calling the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 207-624-9000 or visiting maine.gov/dmv.

Keep a copy of the form you mail and note the date you sent it. If your new license does not arrive within 3 weeks, contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles with your confirmation information. Do not mail your renewal during the week before a holiday, as mail delays are common.

In-person renewal at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office

Visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office if your license expired more than 5 years ago, if you hold a commercial license, if you need to change your photograph or legal name, or if you need your license the same day. Maine has offices in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, Portland, and Presque Isle. You can find hours and locations at maine.gov/dmv.

Bring your current or expired license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, tax return, or W-2), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a commercial license, bring your current medical certificate.

The fee for in-person renewal is higher than online or mail renewal. Payment is by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You will have your new license photograph taken at the office, and your new license is valid when ready. You can drive with your receipt until your physical license arrives in the mail if there is any delay.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Standard Maine driver's licenses are valid for 6 years. The renewal fee for a 6-year license is $35 if you renew online or by mail, or $40 if you renew in person. Commercial licenses are valid for 4 years and cost more — the fee depends on the class of commercial license. Senior licenses (for drivers 65 and older) are valid for 8 years and cost $20.

If you renew before your current license expires, your new license will be valid for the full term from the date you renew, not from the expiration date of your old license. This means renewing early does not waste the time remaining on your current license — the new term starts when ready. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives.

What to do if your renewal notice does not arrive

If you do not receive a renewal notice 60 days before your license expires, contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 207-624-9000 or visit maine.gov/dmv to request one. You can also renew online without the notice if your license has not yet expired — the online system does not require the paper notice. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.

If your mailing address has changed recently and you did not update it with the DMV, your renewal notice may have gone to your old address. Update your address at maine.gov/dmv or by calling 207-624-9000 before your license expires. If you have moved and cannot locate your renewal notice, an in-person visit is the fastest way to renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. You cannot use online or mail renewal if your license has been expired for more than 5 years. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

What happens if I renew online but do not receive my new license within 10 business days?

Contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 207-624-9000 with your confirmation number from the online transaction. They can check the status of your renewal and tell you whether your license is in the mail or if there is a problem. You can legally drive with your receipt while waiting for your physical license to arrive.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office?

Appointments are not required, but you can schedule one at maine.gov/dmv to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Call ahead to ask about current wait times if you prefer not to schedule an appointment.

Can I change my name during license renewal?

You can change your name during renewal, but only in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. Bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.

What if I move to a different state before my Maine license expires?

You should renew your Maine license before it expires if you plan to keep it, or you can get a license in your new state. If your Maine license expires while you live out of state, you can renew it by mail or online as long as it has not been expired for more than 5 years. Update your address with Maine during the renewal process.