Maine driver's licenses expire every six years, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation

Maine's Bureau of Motor Vehicles handles license renewals, and the method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and whether you have any address or name changes. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a BMV office.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal number, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew — just bring your current license and proof of residency to a BMV office.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $37 for a six-year license if your photo is still acceptable and your address hasn't changed.
  • Mail renewal requires the renewal notice from Maine, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks to process.
  • In-person renewal at a BMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you need a new photo, or you've changed your name or address.
  • Maine accepts Real ID licenses, which cost $10 more but work for federal purposes like flying domestically or entering federal buildings.

Renewing online through Maine's BMV website

The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website lets you renew online if your license is still valid, your photo is acceptable, and your address hasn't changed. Go to maine.gov/bmv, select "Renew Your License," and enter your license number and renewal number from your notice. You'll answer questions about your vision, medical conditions, and whether you've had any traffic violations since your last renewal.

Payment is by credit or debit card only — Maine does not accept checks online. The fee is $37 for a standard six-year license. Your new license arrives by mail in about 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, if you've changed your name, or if you've moved to a new address. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

If you have your renewal notice, you can mail it back to Maine with payment and a new photo if required. Fill out the renewal form that came with your notice, include a check or money order for $37 (or $47 for Real ID), and mail it to the address printed on the form. Include a new photo only if the form asks for one or if your current photo is more than 10 years old.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time Maine receives your envelope. You can continue driving on your current license during this time. If you're renewing close to your expiration date and need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.

If you've moved to a new address or changed your name since your last renewal, you cannot use mail renewal — you must go to a BMV office in person. The same applies if your license has been expired for more than five years.

Renewing in person at a Maine BMV office

Visit any Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office with your current license, proof of residency, and payment. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it. If you need a new photo, the office will take one for you at no extra charge.

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, if you've changed your name, or if you've moved. It's also the fastest option if you're renewing close to your expiration date — you can walk out with a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

Maine has BMV offices in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, Portland, and Presque Isle, plus satellite offices in some towns. Check maine.gov/bmv for hours and locations near you. Wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead can tell you how busy an office is.

Real ID licenses and federal compliance

Maine offers Real ID-compliant licenses, which are required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings after May 7, 2025. A Real ID license costs $10 more than a standard license ($47 instead of $37 for six years). You don't have to get one — a standard license still works for driving and state identification — but if you fly domestically or visit federal offices, Real ID is now required.

To get a Real ID license, you must renew in person at a BMV office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your legal name (birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court order if applicable). The office will verify your documents and take a new photo. You'll receive a temporary Real ID license on the spot, valid for 30 days, and your permanent license by mail within two weeks.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maine, even if you've already submitted a renewal process. If you're pulled over, you can be cited. However, if you can show a police officer that you submitted a renewal before your license expired, the citation may be dismissed in court.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must visit a BMV office in person and provide proof of residency and your Social Security number. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot.

Fees and payment methods

A standard six-year Maine driver's license renewal costs $37. A Real ID license costs $47. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders made payable to "State of Maine." In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards.

If you're renewing early — before your license expires — you still pay the full six-year fee. Maine does not offer partial-year renewals or refunds for early renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maine license if I've moved out of state?

No. If you've moved out of state, you must surrender your Maine license and get a license from your new state. If you're temporarily out of state but still a Maine resident, you can renew by mail or online as long as your address on file is still in Maine.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew in person at any BMV office with your current license and proof of residency. You can also call the BMV at 207-624-9000 to request a replacement notice, though this takes several days by mail. In-person renewal is usually faster if you're close to your expiration date.

How long does a temporary license last while I wait for my permanent one?

A temporary license issued at a BMV office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within two weeks, but if it doesn't, you can use the temporary license until it arrives. If more than 30 days pass, return to the BMV office for a new temporary.

Do I need to take a vision test or written test to renew?

No. Renewal does not include a written test or road test. You will answer health and vision questions on the renewal form, and if you renew in person, the BMV may ask you to read a line on an eye chart. If you fail the vision screening, the office will refer you to an eye doctor before issuing your license.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Your new license will be valid for six years from the date of renewal, not from your old expiration date. Early renewal is useful if you're about to move, change your name, or need a Real ID license.