Maine driver's license renewal by mail or online
You can renew your Maine driver's license by mail or through the online portal at maine.gov/dmv, depending on whether you're renewing early, on time, or late. Mail renewal takes about two weeks; online renewal is faster if your license hasn't expired yet. If your license has been expired for more than a year, you'll need to visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in person and may need to retake the written test.
Maine sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a barcode and instructions for both mail and online renewal. You do not need an appointment for mail renewal, but you will need one for an in-person visit.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through maine.gov/dmv works if your license is not yet expired and you have not changed your address, name, or other key information.
- Mail renewal requires sending your current license, the renewal notice, and payment to the address listed on the notice; processing takes about two weeks.
- If your license expired more than a year ago, you must visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in person and may need to pass the written test again.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address before renewing if you have moved.
- Maine licenses are valid for eight years for most adults, or four years if you are over 65.
Online renewal through maine.gov/dmv
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license has not yet expired. Go to maine.gov/dmv, select "Renew Your License," and enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You'll review your information, pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card, and receive confirmation when ready.
Online renewal works only if you have not changed your name, address, or other personal information since your license was issued. If any of that information is different now, you must renew by mail or in person. You also cannot renew online if your license has already expired.
Mail renewal with your renewal notice
Mail renewal is available whether your license has expired or not. The renewal notice Maine sends you includes a barcode, payment instructions, and the address to mail everything to. You'll send your current license, the renewal notice, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash.
Processing takes about two weeks from the time the Bureau receives your envelope. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires if you need it by a specific date. Include a return address on the envelope so the Bureau can contact you if there's a problem with your process.
In-person renewal at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than a year ago. You'll also need an in-person visit if you've changed your name, address, or other information and want to update it on your new license. Book an appointment through maine.gov/dmv or call 207-624-9000.
Bring your current license (or expired license if it's been more than a year), proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and payment. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Bureau may ask you to retake the written test if your license has been expired for a long time.
What you'll pay and how long it takes
The renewal fee for a standard eight-year license is $35. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for four years and costs $20. These fees are the same whether you renew by mail, online, or in person.
Online renewal is when ready—you'll see your confirmation right away, though your physical license will still be mailed to you. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal is usually completed the same day, and you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the new one in the mail.
Updating your address before renewal
Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the Bureau. If you've moved, update your address before you renew. You can change your address online at maine.gov/dmv without renewing your license, or you can update it during the renewal process itself.
If you're renewing by mail and have moved, include a note with your new address in the envelope, or update it online first. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your new address. If you're renewing online and your address has changed, you'll need to use mail or in-person renewal instead.
What happens if your license expires
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maine, even if you've already sent in your renewal. If you're pulled over, you can show the officer your renewal notice or confirmation email as proof that you've applied, but this does not may provide you won't receive a ticket.
If your license has been expired for more than a year, the renewal process becomes more complicated. You'll lose the option to renew by mail or online and must visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. The Bureau may require you to retake the written test and vision screening. Plan ahead and renew before your expiration date to avoid this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I've moved?
No. Online renewal only works if your address, name, and other personal information are the same as what's on file. If you've moved, renew by mail or in person. You can update your address online separately before you renew, then use online renewal, but you must do the address change first.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online at maine.gov/dmv without the notice—you'll just need your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you want to renew by mail and don't have the notice, contact the Bureau at 207-624-9000 to request a new one or to find out the mailing address.
Do I need an appointment to renew by mail?
No. Mail renewal requires no appointment. Just send your license, renewal notice, and payment to the address on the notice. In-person renewal does require an appointment, which you can book at maine.gov/dmv or by calling 207-624-9000.
How long is my new license valid?
Standard licenses are valid for eight years. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for four years. The expiration date will be printed on your new license.
What if my license has been expired for more than a year?
You must renew in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office and may need to retake the written test and vision screening. Book an appointment at maine.gov/dmv or call 207-624-9000. Bring your expired license, proof of your address, and payment.