How to Renew Your Maine Driver's License

Maine driver's licenses expire every six years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office

The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether your information has changed, and how quickly you need the new one. Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if you're may be able to access. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal is necessary if your license has expired by more than five years, if you need to update your photo, or if you have certain medical conditions that require a vision test.

Your renewal important date is printed on the front of your license. Renewing before it expires keeps you legal to drive and avoids the need to retake the written test. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it without retesting as long as the expiration happened within the last five years.

Key Takeaways

Maine driver's licenses are valid for six years from the date of issue, and your expiration date is printed on the front of your card.
Online renewal through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website costs $35 and takes about 10 business days if your information hasn't changed and your license is still valid.
Mail renewal requires a completed process form, your current license, and a check or money order, and takes three to four weeks.
In-person renewal at a BMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you have a medical condition affecting your ability to drive safely.
You must renew in person if you are changing your name, address, or gender marker, or if you want to add or remove the Real ID designation.

Online Renewal Through the Maine BMV Website

Online renewal is available if your current license is still valid and your name, address, and other identifying information have not changed. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The fee is $35, payable by debit card or credit card.

Go to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, select the driver's license renewal option, and follow the prompts to enter your information. The system will verify your details against state records. If everything matches, you will receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 10 business days.

Online renewal does not include a new photo. Your renewed license will display the photo from your previous license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person.

Mail Renewal Using the process Form

Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo or medical evaluation. read the Driver's License Renewal process (Form DL-44) from the Maine BMV website or pick one up at any BMV office. Fill in all required fields, including your current license number and the reason for renewal.

Mail the completed form along with your current license and a check or money order for $35 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want your old license returned. Processing takes three to four weeks from the date the BMV receives your process. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time.

If the BMV finds an error or missing information on your form, they will contact you by mail. This can delay processing. Double-check that all fields are complete and legible before mailing.

In-Person Renewal at a BMV Office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name or address, or if you have a medical condition that requires a vision test. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days).

Visit any Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office during business hours. Office hours vary by location, so check the BMV website for the office nearest you and confirm their schedule. You may be able to make an appointment online to reduce wait time. The renewal fee is $35, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

The BMV will take a new photo and may conduct a vision screening. If you wear corrective lenses, bring your glasses or contacts. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your new license is printed and mailed to you.

When You Must Renew in Person for Medical or Legal Reasons

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely—such as seizures, severe vision loss, or certain neurological conditions—the BMV may require you to pass a vision test or provide a medical evaluation form signed by your doctor. You cannot renew online or by mail in these cases.

If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The same applies if you are changing your gender marker on your license.

If you want to add or remove the Real ID designation on your license—which is required for federal building access and domestic air travel—you must do this in person. Bring your passport, birth certificate, or other federal ID document to verify your citizenship or legal residency status.

What Happens If Your License Expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maine, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can face a fine. However, if you can show proof that you submitted your renewal before the expiration date, an officer may issue a warning instead.

If your license has expired within the last five years, you can still renew it without retaking the written driving test. If it expired more than five years ago, you will need to pass the written test and the road test again, and you must renew in person at a BMV office.

If you are unsure whether your license is still valid, check the expiration date printed on the front of your card. The date format is month/day/year. If today's date is after that date, your license has expired.

Real ID Compliance and Your Renewed License

Maine driver's licenses can be issued with or without the Real ID designation. A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for federal building access and domestic air travel. A standard license without the star is still valid for driving but cannot be used for these federal purposes.

When you renew, you can choose to add or remove the Real ID designation. If you want Real ID, bring a passport, birth certificate, or other federal ID document to verify your citizenship or legal residency. If you renew online or by mail without specifying Real ID, your new license will be issued as a standard license.

If you already have a Real ID license and are renewing online or by mail, your new license will automatically include the Real ID designation as long as your information has not changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic fines or child support obligations?

Maine may suspend your license if you have unpaid court-ordered child support or certain unpaid traffic fines. Contact the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles or the court that issued the fine to find out whether your license is suspended. You must resolve the obligation before you can renew.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you must explore for a replacement at a BMV office in person. Bring proof of your identity and address. A replacement costs $35. You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

The temporary paper license issued at the BMV office is valid for 30 days. Your new plastic license will be mailed to you during this time. If it does not arrive within 30 days, contact the BMV to check the status.

Can I renew my license if I am out of state?

Yes. If you are a Maine resident living out of state, you can renew online or by mail. You cannot renew in person at a BMV office outside Maine. If you need in-person renewal, you must visit a Maine BMV office or contact them about options for military personnel or residents temporarily stationed elsewhere.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

If you have moved, you must update your address. You can do this online during online renewal if your name has not changed. If your name has also changed, or if you prefer to update in person, visit a BMV office with proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

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.