What you can find out about your Maine license online
Maine's Bureau of Motor Vehicles lets you look up your driver's license status through their online system without visiting an office or calling. You can see whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired — and if there are holds or restrictions on it. The system also shows you the expiration date and any medical or vision restrictions that explore to your driving.
This is useful if you're unsure whether your license is still good, if you've had a lapse in renewal, or if you've received a notice about a suspension and want to confirm the details before taking next steps.
Key Takeaways
- You can check your Maine driver's license status online through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles website without creating an account.
- The status check tells you if your license is valid, expired, suspended, or revoked, plus any restrictions or holds.
- You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number to search.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, the system shows the reason and the date it will be cleared or what you need to do.
- The online tool is free and available 24 hours a day.
How to search your license status on the Maine BMV website
Go to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website and look for the "License Status" or "Driver License Inquiry" tool. You do not need to log in or create an account. Enter either your Maine driver's license number or your Social Security number, then click search.
The system will return your current status within seconds. If your license is valid, you'll see the expiration date. If it's suspended, revoked, or expired, the result will show the reason and — if applicable — when the suspension ends or what action you need to take to restore it.
What each license status means
Valid means your license is current and you are legally permitted to drive. Expired means the date on your license has passed and you cannot legally drive until you renew. Suspended
RevokedDenied
What to do if your license is suspended
If the status shows a suspension, the online result should tell you the reason and the date it will be lifted automatically. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or medical suspension. Some suspensions clear on their own once the date passes; others require you to take action first.
Contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles directly to find out what you need to do. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you may need to pay those amounts. If it's a medical suspension, you may need to provide a doctor's clearance. The BMV can tell you the exact steps and whether you can restore your license before the suspension date ends.
What to do if your license is revoked
A revoked license is more serious than a suspension. You cannot drive legally, and you cannot straightforward wait for it to expire. Depending on the reason for revocation, you may be able to request reinstatement after a waiting period — often one to five years — but you will need to meet specific conditions, which may include paying fees, completing a driver safety course, or passing a new written and road test.
Contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to understand the reason for revocation and what the reinstatement process requires in your case. Some revocations cannot be reversed, so it's important to get clear information about your specific situation.
Understanding restrictions and endorsements on your license
Your status check may also show restrictions or endorsements — these are conditions that limit how or when you can drive. A common restriction is "corrective lenses required," meaning you must wear glasses or contacts while driving. Other restrictions might limit you to daylight driving only, prohibit towing, or require an interlock device (which prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected).
Endorsements are different — they show that you are licensed for something beyond basic driving, like operating a motorcycle or a commercial vehicle. Make sure the restrictions and endorsements shown match what you expect. If they don't, contact the BMV to correct your record.
When to contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles directly
The online status check answers most questions, but you may need to call or visit in person if your status is unclear, if you disagree with what the system shows, or if you need to know the exact steps to resolve a suspension or revocation. The BMV's phone number and office locations are on their website.
Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call. If your license is suspended or revoked, ask specifically what caused it and what you must do to restore it. Write down the name of the person you speak with and any reference number they give you, in case you need to follow up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, contact the BMV about whether a hardship license or work permit is available in your situation.
How long does a suspension usually last?
Suspension length varies by reason. Some last 30 days, others several months or longer. The online status check should show the end date. If it doesn't, call the BMV to find out how long yours will last and whether you can shorten it by taking action.
What if the online system says my license is valid but I received a suspension notice?
The online system updates regularly but may lag by a day or two. If you received an official notice from the court or BMV, that notice is the current truth. Call the BMV with your notice to confirm the status and find out when the suspension takes effect.
Can I renew my license if it's suspended?
No. You cannot renew a suspended license. The suspension must be lifted first. Once it is, you can renew if your license has expired, or you can wait until the normal expiration date if it hasn't.
Is the online status check find?
Yes, the Maine BMV's official website uses encryption to protect your information. Only use the status check tool on the official BMV website — do not enter your license number or Social Security number on any other site claiming to check Maine licenses.