How to Renew Your Maine Driver's License

Where and how to renew your Maine license

You can renew your Maine driver's license through the mail, online, or in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how many years you want to renew it for, and whether you need to update your photo.

Mail renewal is the fastest option if your license hasn't expired and you don't need a new photo. Online renewal through the Maine BMV website works the same way — you'll answer questions about your current information, pay the fee, and receive your renewed license by mail within two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a BMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you want to change your address or other information, or if you prefer to have your photo updated.

Maine licenses are valid for eight years for drivers under 65 and four years for drivers 65 and older. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, which means you don't have to wait until the last moment.

Key Takeaways

Mail and online renewal take two to three weeks and cost less than in-person renewal, but only work if your license is currently valid and you don't need a new photo.
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you want to update your photo, or if you need to change your name or address.
Maine licenses last eight years for drivers under 65 and four years for drivers 65 and older, and you can start the renewal process up to one year early.
The BMV office wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead or checking the website for current wait times can save you a trip.
You'll need your current license, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee, which differs depending on how many years you renew for.

Renewing by mail or online

Mail renewal is the simplest path if your license is still valid. You'll need your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a completed process for Renewal of Operator's License form (Form 14). Mail these to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 101 Hospital Street, Augusta, Maine 04330. Processing takes two to three weeks after the BMV receives your materials.

Online renewal through the Maine BMV website skips the mailing step. You'll log in with your license number and date of birth, review your current information, upload a new photo if you want one (optional), and pay by credit or debit card. The fee is the same as mail renewal. Your new license arrives by mail in the same timeframe.

Both methods work only if your license is currently valid and you don't need to change your name, address, or other personal information. If your license expired more than five years ago, the BMV will not process a mail or online renewal — you must visit an office in person.

Renewing in person at a BMV office

Visit any Bureau of Motor Vehicles office with your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on wait times. You'll have your photo taken on the spot, and your new license is printed before you leave.

In-person renewal costs more than mail or online renewal because you're paying for the photo session and when ready issuance. The fee depends on how many years you renew for — typically $35 for four years or $60 for eight years, though these amounts can change. Check the Maine BMV website for current fees before you go.

Maine has BMV offices in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, Portland, and Presque Isle. Some offices are busier than others; the Portland and Bangor locations often have longer waits during midday hours. The BMV website shows current wait times for each office, updated throughout the day. You can also call ahead to ask about staffing and expected wait times.

What to bring and what it costs

For any renewal method, you'll need your current Maine driver's license. If you're renewing in person, add proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID from another state or country works if you don't have a Maine utility bill yet.

Renewal fees vary by how long you renew for and whether you renew by mail, online, or in person. Mail and online renewals cost less because you're not paying for in-office photo services. In-person renewal includes the photo fee. Exact amounts change periodically, so check the Maine BMV website or call your local office before you go. You can pay by check or money order by mail, or by credit or debit card online or in person.

If you're changing your name, you'll need to bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Address changes don't require extra documents; you can update your address in person, by mail, or online.

If your license has expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online using the same process as a current license. The BMV treats it as a standard renewal, not a reissue.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a BMV office. The BMV considers this a reissue rather than a renewal, which requires a new photo and verification of your identity. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and a second form of ID (such as a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license). The fee for a reissue is the same as in-person renewal.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maine, even if you've submitted a renewal process. If you're stopped by law enforcement before your new license arrives, you could face a fine. If your license expired and you need to drive before your renewal is processed, visit a BMV office in person to get an when ready temporary license while you wait for your permanent one.

Timeline and what to expect

Mail and online renewals take two to three weeks from the date the BMV receives your materials. If you mail your renewal, add three to five days for postal delivery each way. In-person renewal is when ready — you leave with your new license the same day.

Your new license is valid starting on the date you renew, not on the date your old one expires. This means you can renew up to one year early without losing any validity time. Many people renew three to six months before expiration to avoid the rush and may support they have a valid license if they need it for travel or identification.

If you don't receive your renewed license within four weeks of mailing it or submitting it online, contact the BMV. You can call the main office in Augusta at 207-624-9000 or check the website for your local office's number. Have your license number and date of birth ready when you call.

Renewing before you move out of state

If you're moving out of Maine soon, you can renew your Maine license before you leave. Your Maine license remains valid in other states for identification purposes, and you won't need to renew it again until it expires — even after you move. However, if you plan to get a driver's license in your new state, that state will issue you a new license, and you won't use your Maine license for driving anymore.

Some people renew their Maine license before moving to keep it as a form of ID, especially if they're moving temporarily or plan to return. Others skip renewal and get a license in their new state right away. Either choice is legal; it depends on your situation and how long your current Maine license is still valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding ticket or fine?

Yes. The BMV does not check for outstanding traffic tickets or fines during renewal. However, if you have an unpaid fine, the court may suspend your license separately. Check with the court that issued the ticket to find out whether your license is suspended before you renew.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

Bring a certified copy of the document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — to a BMV office in person. You cannot update your name by mail or online. The office will update your records and issue a new license with your current name.

Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail or online?

No. Mail and online renewal use your current photo from your existing license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a BMV office. Some people choose in-person renewal just to update their photo.

How long is my renewed license valid?

Maine licenses are valid for eight years if you're under 65 years old, or four years if you're 65 or older. Your new license is valid for that full period from the date you renew, regardless of when your old one expired.

What if I lose my license before my renewal arrives?

Contact the BMV when ready to report it lost. You can get a replacement at any BMV office in person. If you've already submitted a renewal process, tell the BMV staff so they can track both requests and make sure you receive your renewed license when it's ready.

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.