Maine driver's license requirements depend on your age and whether you're a new resident

To get a Maine driver's license, you need to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The specific documents you'll bring depend on whether you're under 16, between 16 and 18, or 18 and older. Maine's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) also requires different steps if you've never held a license in any state versus if you're transferring one from elsewhere.

The process starts at your local BMV office. You cannot complete a Maine license process online or by mail — you must appear in person. Maine has 27 BMV branch offices across the state, and you can visit any of them regardless of where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Maine residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number to any BMV office.
  • Drivers under 16 need a parent or guardian present and must hold a learner's permit for at least 6 months before taking the road test for a full license.
  • Drivers aged 16 to 18 can get a license after passing a written test and road test, but face restrictions on nighttime driving and passenger limits during the first year.
  • If you're moving to Maine from another state, bring your current out-of-state license along with proof of residency to convert it to a Maine license.
  • The written test covers Maine traffic laws and road signs; the road test is conducted by a BMV examiner and takes about 20 minutes.

Identity and residency documents you must bring

Maine requires one primary form of identity and one proof of residency. For identity, the BMV accepts a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, state ID, military ID, or passport card. Your document must show your full legal name and date of birth. If your name has changed since the document was issued, bring a certified copy of the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that shows the change.

For residency, you need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your Maine address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, or property tax bill. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The document must show your name and current Maine address — a bill addressed to "Resident" will not be accepted.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card or a document that displays it, such as a tax return or W-2 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a Maine license, but you'll need to complete additional paperwork at the BMV office.

Requirements for drivers under 16

Maine allows you to get a learner's permit at age 15. To do so, you must pass a written test on Maine traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can study using the Maine Driver's Manual, which is free on the BMV website.

A parent or legal guardian must be present when you explore for the learner's permit. They will need to sign your process and provide their own identification. Once you have the permit, you must hold it for at least 6 months and complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving — 10 of those hours must be at night — before you can take the road test for a full license.

When you turn 16 and have met the permit requirements, you can schedule a road test. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must pass the road test to receive your full license. If you fail, you can retake it after waiting at least one week.

Requirements for drivers aged 16 to 18

If you're 16 or 17 and have never held a license in Maine or any other state, you follow the same path as younger drivers: learner's permit first, then road test. However, if you're 18 and have never held a license, you can skip the learner's permit stage and go straight to the written test and road test.

Drivers aged 16 to 18 who receive their first Maine license face junior operator restrictions for one year. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you're driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot carry more than one passenger under age 21 unless a parent or guardian is in the vehicle. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after one year, whichever comes first.

If you're 16 or 17 and already hold a valid license from another state, you can convert it to a Maine license without taking another road test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of identity to any BMV office. The junior operator restrictions still explore for one year from the date you convert the license.

Requirements for drivers 18 and older

If you're 18 or older and have never held a driver's license in any state, you must pass both a written test and a road test. The written test is the same 30-question exam younger drivers take. The road test is also the same 20-minute evaluation of basic driving skills. You do not need to hold a learner's permit first.

If you're 18 or older and already hold a valid license from another state, you can convert it to a Maine license without retesting. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Maine residency, and proof of identity to any BMV office. Your new Maine license will be issued on the spot or mailed to you within a few business days, depending on the office.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you may still be able to convert it, but the BMV may require you to pass the written test. Call your local BMV office before you visit to confirm what documents to bring.

The written test and road test process

The written test covers Maine traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to complete 30 questions. Each question has four possible answers. You need to score at least 80 percent — 24 correct answers — to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day at no extra charge.

The road test is conducted by a BMV examiner and lasts about 20 minutes. You drive your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the BMV office. The examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner will direct you where to drive. You must follow all traffic laws and obey all traffic signals during the test. If you fail, you can retake it after waiting at least one week.

You must bring your learner's permit (if you have one), proof of insurance for the vehicle you'll drive during the test, and a valid form of ID. The vehicle must be in safe working condition with functioning brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors.

Fees and license validity

A Maine learner's permit costs $27 and is valid for one year. A junior operator license (for drivers under 18) costs $27 and is valid for four years. A standard driver's license for someone 18 or older costs $27 for a four-year license or $47 for an eight-year license. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change — confirm the current fee at your local BMV office or on the Maine BMV website.

If you're converting an out-of-state license to a Maine license, the fee is the same as a new license. You do not pay extra for the conversion. If your license is lost or stolen, a replacement costs $27.

Maine licenses expire on your birthday. When your license is about to expire, the BMV will mail you a renewal notice. You can renew by mail, online, or in person, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Maine license if I don't have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a Maine license. You'll need to complete an affidavit at the BMV office stating that you do not have a Social Security number. Bring all other required documents: proof of identity and proof of residency.

What if my birth certificate or passport is from another country?

Foreign birth certificates and passports are accepted as proof of identity. If your document is not in English, bring a certified English translation along with the original. The BMV will keep a copy of both documents on file.

How long does it take to get a Maine license after I pass the road test?

If you pass the road test, the BMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few business days. Some offices issue licenses when ready; others mail them. Ask at your local BMV office which applies to you.

Can I renew my Maine license online or by mail?

You can renew by mail or online if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not had any major changes to your information. If you need to renew in person, you can do so at any BMV office. The renewal process depends on how long it has been since your last renewal — ask the BMV when you receive your renewal notice.

What happens if I fail the road test twice?

You can retake the road test as many times as you need. There is no limit on the number of attempts. You must wait at least one week between each attempt. Each retake costs the same fee as the original test.