Maine driver's license renewal by mail or in person

You can renew your Maine driver's license by mail if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions that need review. Mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs $35 for a five-year license. If your license is already expired, you have a medical condition listed on your record, or you want to change your address or name, you must renew in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office.

In-person renewal at a BMV office takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You'll pay the same $35 fee, plus an additional $5 if you want a Real ID-compliant license (which is required for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025). The BMV has seven regional offices across Maine, and you can visit any of them regardless of where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions — otherwise you must go to a BMV office in person.
  • Mail renewal costs $35 and takes about two weeks; in-person renewal costs $35 plus $5 for Real ID and takes 30 minutes on average.
  • You can renew at any of Maine's seven BMV regional offices, not just the one nearest your home address.
  • Real ID compliance is required for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025, so plan ahead if you fly regularly.

What you need to bring for in-person renewal

Bring your current Maine driver's license and proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable proof includes your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. You do not need to bring a birth certificate unless you are changing your name or address for the first time on your Maine license.

If you are renewing for Real ID compliance, bring one document proving your current Maine address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license with your current address already on it counts as proof of address, so you may not need a second document if your address has not changed.

Bring your current license even if it is expired. If you have lost it, bring a police report of the loss or a statement signed by you describing the loss. The BMV will not issue a new license without proof that your old one is gone or that you are surrendering it.

How to renew by mail

Request a mail renewal form by calling the BMV at 207-624-9000 or visiting the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website. You can also pick up a form at any BMV office. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and your signature. Mail the form along with your $35 fee (check or money order only — no credit cards by mail) to the address listed on the form.

The BMV will mail your new license to the address on your current license. If you have moved and your license still shows your old address, you cannot use mail renewal — you must renew in person and update your address at the same time. Mail renewal typically takes 10 to 14 business days after the BMV receives your form, but processing times can be longer during peak periods.

Real ID requirements and what changes in 2025

Real ID is a federal security standard that applies to driver's licenses used for domestic air travel. Starting May 7, 2025, you will not be able to board a domestic flight with a standard Maine driver's license — you will need a Real ID-compliant license or another form of federal ID like a passport.

A Maine Real ID license looks the same as a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. It costs $5 more than a standard renewal ($40 total instead of $35). You can add Real ID to your renewal whether you renew by mail or in person, though mail renewal for Real ID requires additional steps — call the BMV to confirm the current process before mailing your form.

If you renew in person and want Real ID, tell the BMV staff when you arrive. You will need to bring proof of your current Maine address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your address on your current license is current, that counts as proof and you do not need a separate document.

BMV office locations and hours

Maine has seven BMV regional offices: Augusta (capital region), Bangor (eastern Maine), Lewiston (western Maine), Portland (southern Maine), Presque Isle (far northern Maine), Rockland (midcoast), and Waterville (central Maine). Each office handles renewals, replacements, and address changes. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices offer appointment scheduling during busy seasons — check the BMV website to see if your preferred office has appointments available.

Office hours vary by location but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offices closing for lunch. A few offices have limited Saturday hours. Call ahead or check the BMV website for the specific hours of the office you plan to visit, especially if you are traveling a distance.

What happens if your license expires before renewal arrives

If you applied by mail and your license expires before your new one arrives, you are still considered to have a valid license as long as you have proof that you mailed your renewal form. Keep the receipt or confirmation from the BMV showing your process was received. If you are stopped by police, show them your expired license and your proof of process — most officers will accept this as evidence that renewal is in progress.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives and you do not have proof of process, go to a BMV office in person and request an interim license. An interim license is a paper document that is valid for 30 days and costs $5. It allows you to drive while your permanent license is being processed.

Changing your name or address during renewal

You can change your address during mail renewal without visiting an office, as long as your license is not expired. Include your new address on the mail renewal form and mail it with your fee. The BMV will print your new address on your renewed license.

Changing your name requires an in-person visit and proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other legal document showing the change. Bring the legal document along with your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The BMV will not process a name change by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Maine does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions, or you can renew in person at any BMV office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online renewal and takes about two weeks.

What if my license has a medical restriction or a note about my vision?

You must renew in person at a BMV office. The BMV needs to review your medical information and may require you to pass a vision test or provide updated medical documentation from your doctor. Call the BMV at 207-624-9000 to ask what documents you need to bring.

How long is a Maine driver's license valid?

A standard Maine driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

Do I need Real ID if I only drive in Maine?

No, Real ID is required only for domestic air travel. If you drive only within Maine and do not fly, you do not need to pay the extra $5 for Real ID. A standard Maine driver's license is valid for all driving purposes within the state.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You must go to a BMV office in person. Bring a police report of the loss or a signed statement describing when and where you lost it. The BMV will issue a replacement license and can renew it at the same time if your current license is expired or expiring soon. You will pay the standard renewal fee plus a replacement fee if applicable.