What you need to get a Maine driver's license
To get a driver's license in Maine, you will need to visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office in person. You cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. The BMV requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maine residency — all original documents or certified copies, not photocopies.
Proof of identity means a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or certified birth certificate. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Maine address.
You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the BMV office. If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course first and bring proof of completion. The BMV office will take your photograph and fingerprints during your visit.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in person with original identity documents, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Maine residency.
- The written knowledge test covers Maine traffic laws and road signs, and you must pass a vision screening at the BMV office.
- Maine driver's licenses are valid for six years for adults and four years for drivers under 21.
- You can renew your license by mail or online if you have no medical conditions, no suspensions, and your address has not changed.
The written test and what it covers
The knowledge test at the BMV office has 30 questions about Maine traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the BMV office, and you can take it the same day you bring your documents.
The BMV provides a free study guide called the Maine Driver's Manual, available on the BMV website and in print at any BMV office. The manual covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. Most questions on the test come directly from this manual.
If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no fee to retake the test, but you will need to return to the BMV office in person.
The road test and behind-the-wheel driving
After you pass the written test, you will receive a learner's permit. With a learner's permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat. You must hold the learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test.
The road test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. A BMV examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you drive on local roads. You must use your own vehicle for the test, and it must pass a safety inspection first (working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn).
If you fail the road test, you can schedule another appointment. There is a fee each time you take the test. You must wait at least one week before retaking it.
Costs and how long the process takes
The fee for a new driver's license in Maine is $35 for a six-year license (for drivers 21 and older). The knowledge test is included in this fee. The road test costs an additional $25 each time you take it. If you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, the fee is $20.
From the day you visit the BMV office with your documents to the day you receive your license in the mail usually takes two to three weeks. The BMV will give you a temporary paper license at your appointment that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail.
Wait times at BMV offices vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities like Portland and Bangor tend to be busier during lunch hours and after 3 p.m. on weekdays. You can check current wait times on the BMV website before you go.
Renewing your Maine driver's license
Your Maine driver's license is valid for six years if you are 21 or older, or four years if you are under 21. You can renew your license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions that affect your driving, and your address has not changed.
To renew by mail, the BMV will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. You fill out the form, include a new photo (which you can take yourself at home), and mail it back with the renewal fee of $35. The BMV will mail your new license to you within two to three weeks.
To renew online, visit the BMV website and use your license number and date of birth to log in. You will upload a digital photo and pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Online renewal is faster than mail renewal because the BMV processes it when ready.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
A Maine driver's license can be suspended for unpaid traffic tickets, driving under the influence, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or failure to pay child support. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent and requires you to reapply for a license after a waiting period.
If your license is suspended, you will receive a notice in the mail explaining the reason and how long the suspension lasts. You cannot drive during a suspension. To have your license reinstated, you must resolve the issue (pay the ticket, complete a substance abuse program, or pay child support) and then visit a BMV office to request reinstatement. There is a reinstatement fee of $50.
If your license is revoked, you must wait the required period (which varies depending on the reason) before you can reapply. You will need to retake the knowledge test and road test, and you will need to pay all fees again.
Changing your address or name on your license
If you move to a new address in Maine, you must update your license within 30 days. You can do this by mail or online. To update by mail, fill out the form from the BMV website, include a new proof of residency document, and mail it with a $20 fee. To update online, log into your account on the BMV website and upload a new proof of residency.
If you change your name because of marriage, divorce, or court order, you must visit a BMV office in person. Bring your original license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and a proof of residency. There is a $20 fee for a name change. The BMV will issue you a new license with your new name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Maine driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Maine law requires proof of a Social Security number to get a driver's license. If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, though the BMV does not accept ITINs in place of a Social Security number. Contact your local BMV office to discuss your specific situation.
What happens if I fail the road test twice?
You can retake the road test as many times as you need. There is a $25 fee each time. You must wait at least one week between attempts. If you are having difficulty passing, consider taking additional driving lessons with a professional instructor before your next attempt.
Do I need to renew my license if I move out of Maine?
No. Your Maine license remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. However, if you become a resident of another state, you should get a license from that state. You do not need to surrender your Maine license, but you should not carry both licenses at the same time while driving.
Can I get a Real ID compliant license in Maine?
Yes. A Real ID compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards for air travel and federal building access. When you get a new license or renew, bring the same documents you would normally bring, and the BMV will issue a Real ID license at no extra cost.
What should I do if my license is lost or stolen?
Visit a BMV office in person and report it. Bring your identity documents and proof of residency, just as you would for a new license. The BMV will issue a replacement license for a $20 fee. You will receive a temporary paper license at your appointment and the plastic card by mail within two to three weeks.