Where to renew and what documents you 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. In-person renewal takes about 15 minutes once you're called. Mail renewal takes two to four weeks from the time the BMV receives your process.

For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of Maine residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

For mail renewal, you'll need to complete Form MDOT 237, which you can read from the Maine BMV website or request by phone. Mail the form with your current license, a photocopy of your proof of residency, and the renewal fee. Do not send your original documents — the BMV will return your license by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any Maine BMV office or by mail if your license is not suspended and you have no medical restrictions.
  • In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of Maine residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
  • Mail renewal uses Form MDOT 237 and takes two to four weeks; send photocopies of documents, not originals.
  • Your renewed license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, or four years if you are 65 or older.
  • If your license has been expired for more than three years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

When you can renew by mail

Mail renewal is available only if your current license is valid (not expired), you have no medical restrictions noted on it, and your license has not been suspended or revoked. You also cannot renew by mail if you need to change your address, add or remove endorsements (like motorcycle or commercial), or update your name.

If any of those conditions explore to you, you must renew in person at a BMV office. The same rule applies if your license has been expired for longer than three years — the BMV will require you to come in and retake the written knowledge test before issuing a new license.

Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts

The renewal fee for a standard eight-year license is $65 if you renew in person or by mail. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for four years and costs $32.50. These fees cover the license itself; there is no separate process fee.

Payment methods vary by location. At BMV offices, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order — do not send cash through the mail. Make checks payable to "State of Maine." Your new license will be valid from the date of issue. If you renew before your current license expires, the new expiration date is eight years (or four years if you are 65+) from the date you renew, not from when your old license would have expired.

Finding a BMV office and what to expect

Maine has BMV offices in Augusta (headquarters), Bangor, Lewiston, Portland, and Presque Isle. You can also renew at many town offices in smaller communities — check the Maine BMV website for a full list of authorized locations near you. Some offices accept walk-ins; others operate by appointment only. Call ahead or check online before you go.

Bring all required documents in original form (except your Social Security number, which you can write on the process). Arrive early if you are going without an appointment, as wait times can be 30 minutes to an hour during peak hours. Bring reading glasses if you need them — you will be asked to read text on a sample license to confirm your vision is adequate.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than three years

If your Maine license expired more than three years ago, you cannot straightforward renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which means you will need to retake the written knowledge test at a BMV office. You do not need to retake the road test unless your license was suspended or revoked for a safety violation.

Bring the same documents as you would for a standard renewal — your expired license, proof of Maine residency, and your Social Security number. The written test covers Maine traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Maine Driver's Manual, which is available free on the BMV website. Most people pass on the first attempt.

In-person and mail renewal are your only options in Maine

Maine does not offer online license renewal at this time. Your only options are in-person at a BMV office or by mail. Some states have launched online renewal programs, but Maine's system is not yet set up to process renewals that way. Check the official Maine BMV website to see if this changes in the future.

If you need your license before a mail renewal arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at any BMV office. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license in the mail. There is no additional fee for the temporary license if you have already paid the renewal fee. Alternatively, you can choose in-person renewal instead and receive your new license the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended?

No. You must first resolve the suspension with the Maine BMV. Contact the BMV directly to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to lift it. Once the suspension is cleared, you can renew normally.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

It depends on the office. Some BMV locations accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Check the Maine BMV website or call your local office before you go. Appointments can usually be booked online or by phone.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person if your address has changed. Bring proof of your new Maine residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) along with your current license and Social Security number. The BMV will update your address on your new license.

Can I renew my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You need proof of legal presence in the United States, such as a valid visa, work permit, or green card. Bring the same documents as any other renewal applicant, plus your immigration document. Call your local BMV office if you have questions about which documents to bring.

How do I know when my license is about to expire?

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. The BMV does not send renewal reminders by mail. Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder a few weeks before the date so you do not accidentally let it expire.