What you need to get a Maine driver's license

Maine issues driver's licenses through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), which operates regional offices across the state. To get your first license or renew an expired one, you will need to visit a BMV office in person — you cannot complete the process online or by mail.

Bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consulate document), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Maine residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test unless you already hold a valid license from another state.

The fee for a new license is $37 for an adult (21 and older) and $27 for a minor. Renewal fees are the same. Maine licenses are valid for eight years for adults and four years for minors, after which you must renew in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a BMV office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and Maine residency to get or renew a license.
  • First-time applicants must pass a vision test and written knowledge test unless they hold a valid license from another state.
  • Adult licenses cost $37 and are valid for eight years; minor licenses cost $27 and are valid for four years.
  • Maine offers REAL ID-compliant licenses at no extra cost, which you will need for domestic air travel starting May 2025.
  • You can check wait times and book an appointment at most BMV offices through the state's online scheduling system.

Where to find a BMV office and how to schedule an appointment

Maine has 16 BMV offices statewide, including locations in Portland, Bangor, Lewiston, Augusta, and Presque Isle. The main office is in Augusta at 101 Hospital Street. You can find the full list of offices, hours, and contact numbers on the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website.

Most offices now use an online appointment system. You can book a time slot through the BMV website, which shows current wait times and available appointments. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first, so booking ahead will save you time. Some smaller offices do not offer online scheduling; call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.

Appointments typically fill up two to four weeks in advance during busy seasons (spring and early summer). If you cannot find an appointment near you, check offices in neighboring towns or consider visiting during off-peak times like Tuesday through Thursday mornings.

What to expect during your visit

Bring all required documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency. The BMV staff will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. You will then take a vision test using a machine at the office.

If you are a first-time driver or your license has been expired for more than two years, you must pass the written knowledge test. This test covers Maine traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Maine Driver's Manual, which is available free on the BMV website. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit; if you fail, you can reschedule and try again.

Once you pass all tests, your license is issued on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you, which typically arrives within two weeks.

REAL ID compliance and what it means for you

Maine driver's licenses are now REAL ID-compliant by default at no additional cost. REAL ID is a federal security standard that the Department of Homeland Security requires for domestic air travel, entry to federal buildings, and access to military bases. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license or passport to board a domestic flight.

Your current Maine license is REAL ID-compliant if it has a gold star in the upper right corner. If your license does not have this star, you can renew it to get a compliant version, or you can bring your passport to the airport instead of a license. You do not need to do anything special to get REAL ID compliance — it is included automatically when you renew.

Renewing your license before it expires

You can renew your Maine license up to one year before it expires. Renewal requires an in-person visit to a BMV office; you cannot renew by mail or online. Bring the same documents as you would for a new license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.

If your license is still valid, you do not need to retake the vision or knowledge tests during renewal — the BMV will update your photograph and issue a new card. The renewal fee is the same as the original license fee ($37 for adults, $27 for minors).

If your license has been expired for more than two years, the BMV treats it as a new process, and you will need to pass the knowledge test again. To avoid this, renew before your expiration date or within two years of expiration.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit a BMV office with proof of identity and proof of residency. You do not need to retake tests. The replacement fee is $37 for adults and $27 for minors. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and a permanent card by mail within two weeks.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police for your records, though this is not required by the BMV. Keep your temporary paper license with you until the permanent card arrives, as it is valid for driving.

Changing your name or address on your license

To change your name on your Maine license, visit a BMV office with proof of the name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and proof of identity. The fee is $37 for adults and $27 for minors. You will receive a new card by mail.

To change your address, you can update it online through the BMV website if you are renewing your license. If you are not renewing, visit a BMV office with proof of your new address. Address changes are free and do not require a new photograph or tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maine license online or by mail?

No. All renewals and new licenses require an in-person visit to a BMV office. You can book an appointment online, but you must appear in person with your documents.

What if I move to Maine from another state?

You must get a Maine license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maine residency. If your out-of-state license is valid, you do not need to retake the knowledge test, but you will take a vision test and have a new photograph taken.

How long does it take to get my license after my visit?

You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day of your visit. Your permanent card is mailed to you and typically arrives within two weeks. If it takes longer, contact the BMV office where you applied.

What happens if I fail the knowledge test?

You can reschedule another appointment and retake the test. There is no limit to how many times you can take it, but you must pass before your license is issued. Study the Maine Driver's Manual between attempts.

Do I need a REAL ID license if I have a passport?

No. A valid passport is accepted for domestic air travel and federal building access. You only need a REAL ID-compliant license if you want to use your license instead of a passport for these purposes.