Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Maine driver's license in person at any Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing by mail, you'll need to send your current license, a completed process for Renewal form, and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Maine allows mail renewal only if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that have changed. If either of those conditions applies to you, you must renew in person at a BMV office. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewal at a BMV office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
  • Mail renewal is available only if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no new medical conditions or restrictions.
  • The renewal fee varies depending on how many years you're renewing for — typically $35 for a four-year renewal or $65 for an eight-year renewal.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if you renew in person, or within two to three weeks if you renew by mail.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Maine offers two renewal periods: four years or eight years. A four-year renewal costs $35, and an eight-year renewal costs $65. You choose which period you want when you renew. The eight-year option costs more upfront but means you won't need to renew again for eight years, which can be worth it if you plan to stay in Maine long-term.

Your new license will be valid from the date it's issued. If you renew in person at a BMV office, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, allow two to three weeks. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.

In-person renewal at a BMV office

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and know your Social Security number. You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself — just have the number ready. If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Walk into any BMV office during business hours — no appointment is required, though you can check wait times online before you go. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, process your payment, and send your new license to the address on file. If your address has changed, tell the staff before you leave so they mail it to the correct location.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read or request the process for Renewal form from the Maine BMV website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a note with your current mailing address if it has changed since your last renewal.

Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal — expect two to three weeks from the time the BMV receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide. If you need your license sooner, renew in person instead. Mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you have new medical conditions or restrictions to report.

What to do if your license is expired or will expire soon

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it by mail as long as it expired fewer than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

If your license will expire within the next 30 days, renew now rather than waiting. Processing times mean your new license may not arrive before your current one expires, but you can legally drive on your current license until the replacement arrives in the mail. Once your new license comes, destroy your old one or return it to any BMV office.

Name changes and other updates

If your name has changed since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring proof of the change when you renew in person. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing by mail and your name has changed, include a copy of the relevant document with your process.

If your address has changed, tell the BMV staff before you leave the office, or include a note with your mail renewal process. If you have new medical conditions or restrictions that affect your driving, you must renew in person so the BMV can update your license accordingly. Do not attempt to add restrictions or medical information by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Maine does not offer online renewal. You can renew in person at a BMV office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster if you need your license quickly.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail if you don't have your current license to send in. Go to a BMV office in person and bring your proof of residency and Social Security number. The staff will issue a replacement license and can renew it at the same time if it's due.

How long is my new license valid?

Your new license is valid for either four or eight years from the date it's issued, depending on which renewal period you chose. You'll see the expiration date printed on the front of your license.

What if my address changed and I'm renewing by mail?

Include a note with your process stating your new address, or call the BMV before you mail your process to update it in their system. Your new license will be mailed to whichever address is on file when they process your renewal.

Do I need a new photo for renewal?

If you renew in person, the BMV will take a new photo. If you renew by mail, your photo from your current license will be used on your new license unless your current license is more than eight years old, in which case a new photo will be taken when you renew in person next time.