Maine driver's licenses renew every six years, and you can do it by mail, online, or in person 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, how much time you have left, and whether you need to update information. Most people can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If your license has expired or you need to change your address or name, your options narrow. The state charges a renewal fee that varies based on your license type and how you renew.
You'll need your current Maine license or ID card to start any renewal. If you've lost it, you'll need to explore for a replacement first, which requires an in-person visit. The renewal process itself is straightforward once you know which route fits your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Maine licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person depending on whether your information has changed.
- Online renewal through the BMV website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and your address hasn't changed.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires mailing your current license to the BMV along with the renewal form and fee.
- In-person renewal at a BMV office is necessary if your license has expired, you need a new photo, or you're changing your address or name.
- Renewal fees range from around $35 to $50 depending on your license type and renewal method, with online renewal typically costing less than mail or in-person.
Renewing online through the Maine BMV website
Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is current and your information hasn't changed. You go to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, enter your license number and date of birth, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
Online renewal works only if your license hasn't expired and you don't need to update your address, name, or photo. If any of those things have changed, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead. The BMV website will tell you when ready whether you're may be able to access for online renewal when you start the process.
Renewing by mail with the BMV renewal form
Mail renewal takes longer than online but doesn't require a trip to an office. You request a renewal form from the Maine BMV by phone at 207-624-9000 or read it from their website. Fill out the form, include your current license, and mail everything with the renewal fee to the address on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks after the BMV receives your packet.
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and your information hasn't changed significantly. If you've moved, changed your name, or need a new photo, the BMV will likely ask you to come in person instead. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee—the BMV does not accept credit cards by mail. Keep a copy of everything you send in case there's a question about your renewal.
Renewing in person at a BMV office
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, you need a new photo, you're changing your address or legal name, or you want to add or remove endorsements (like a motorcycle endorsement). You bring your current license, proof of your new address if you've moved, and any legal documents showing a name change. The BMV takes a new photo and processes your renewal on the spot. You can get a temporary license to use while your permanent one is mailed to you.
BMV offices are located in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, Portland, and Houlton. Hours vary by location, and some offices require appointments. Check the BMV website or call 207-624-9000 to find the office nearest you and see whether you need to book ahead. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, as the BMV verifies this information during renewal.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired more than a few years ago, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit a BMV office in person. The BMV treats an expired license like a new process in some cases, which may require additional documents or a written test depending on how long it's been expired. Call the BMV before you go to find out what documents to bring.
If your license expired recently—within the last year or so—you may still be able to renew by mail or online. The BMV website will tell you whether you're may be able to access when you try to renew online. If you're unsure, call 207-624-9000 and have your license number ready.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Maine renewal fees depend on your license type and how you renew. A standard six-year renewal costs less if you do it online than if you renew by mail or in person. Commercial driver's license renewals cost more than standard licenses. The exact amount varies, so check the BMV website or call 207-624-9000 for current fees.
Online and in-person renewals accept credit and debit cards. Mail renewals require a check or money order. If you're renewing in person, bring your payment method with you. If you're renewing by mail, make the check payable to "State of Maine" and include it with your form and license.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you've moved or changed your legal name, you must renew in person or provide documentation with a mail renewal. For an address change, bring proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. For a name change, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
If you're renewing by mail and need to update your address or name, include copies of the required documents with your renewal form and license. The BMV may contact you if the documents don't meet their standards. In-person renewal is faster if you have these documents ready, because the BMV can verify them on the spot and issue your new license when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maine license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew by mail or online if your license is still valid and your information hasn't changed. If you need to update your address to an out-of-state address, you can do that by mail renewal or by visiting a BMV office in Maine if you're back in the state. Call 207-624-9000 to confirm your options.
What if I lost my current license before renewal?
You'll need to get a replacement license first, which requires an in-person visit to a BMV office. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, proof of your address, and a form of ID. Once you have your replacement, you can renew it by mail or online if it's still valid.
How long does a renewed license take to arrive?
Online and mail renewals typically arrive within two to three weeks. In-person renewals can give you a temporary license to use when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you need your license sooner, ask about expedited options when you renew in person.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Not always. If you renew by mail or online, the BMV uses your current photo. If you renew in person, the BMV takes a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail or online, you'll need to renew in person instead.
What if my renewal is rejected or delayed?
The BMV will contact you if there's a problem with your renewal. Check your mail and any email address you provided. If you don't hear back within four weeks, call 207-624-9000 with your license number to ask about the status.