What you need to get a Maine driver's license
To get a Maine driver's license, you will need to visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Maine does not issue licenses by mail or online — you must appear at a BMV location to have your photo taken and pass the written and road tests.
Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a tribal ID. Proof of residency means a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your Maine address. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process in person.
The written test covers Maine traffic laws and road signs. The road test happens in your own vehicle or a BMV test vehicle, and you must demonstrate basic driving skills like parking, turning, and stopping. You can take the written test as many times as you need, but you must pass it before scheduling the road test.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a BMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get a Maine driver's license.
- The written test covers Maine traffic laws and road signs, and you can retake it if you do not pass on your first attempt.
- You must pass the written test before you can schedule the road test, which you take in a vehicle at a BMV location.
- Maine driver's licenses expire every five years, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, you must contact the BMV directly to learn what steps are required before you can drive again.
Where to find a BMV office and make an appointment
Maine has BMV offices in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, Portland, and Presque Isle. You can find the full list of locations, hours, and phone numbers on the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website. Many offices now use an online appointment system, and scheduling ahead can reduce your wait time.
If you cannot reach an office by phone or online, you can visit in person during regular business hours. Walk-in appointments are accepted, but you may wait longer during peak times like lunch hours or late afternoon. The Augusta office is the largest and typically has the most availability.
Renewing your Maine driver's license
Your Maine driver's license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person. Mail and online renewal are faster and do not require you to retake the written or road tests.
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 at home and print), and mail it back with the fee. Online renewal is available if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not changed your address since your last renewal.
If you need to renew in person — for example, because you changed your address or your license was suspended — you will need to visit a BMV office with proof of residency and your current license. You will not need to retake the written test, but you may need to have a new photo taken.
Costs and what to bring
A five-year Maine driver's license costs $35 if you renew by mail or online, or $40 if you renew in person. A new license for a first-time driver costs $40. These fees can change, so check the BMV website before you visit.
Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency. If you are renewing, bring your current license. If you are a new driver, bring a completed process form (available on the BMV website or at any office). Bring a check or money order for the fee — not all offices accept credit cards.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
A Maine driver's license can be suspended for unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. A revocation is more serious and usually happens after multiple suspensions or for serious violations like driving under the influence.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive. You must contact the BMV or the agency that suspended your license to find out what you need to do to restore it. This might mean paying fines, completing a safety course, or waiting out a suspension period. The BMV will tell you the specific steps when you call.
Getting a learner's permit before your license
If you are under 18 or a new driver of any age, you may need to get a learner's permit first. A learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You get a permit by passing the written test at a BMV office — you do not need to take the road test yet.
You must hold a learner's permit for at least 120 days before you can take the road test for your full license. During that time, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you. Once you pass the road test, your permit becomes your full license.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it by visiting a BMV office in person or by mail. You will need to bring proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. The replacement fee is the same as a renewal fee.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police or the BMV so that someone else cannot use it. The BMV can flag your license in their system. Bring a police report if you have one, though it is not required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Maine driver's license?
If you pass both the written and road tests on your first attempt, you can receive your license the same day at the BMV office. If you need to retake either test, you will need to schedule another appointment, which might be a few days or weeks away depending on office availability.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will still expire five years from the date of your old license, not five years from the renewal date.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test. The BMV will tell you what you did wrong and when you can schedule your next attempt. Most people can schedule a retest within a few days to a week. You do not need to retake the written test unless it has expired.
Do I need to take a vision test?
Yes. As part of getting or renewing your license, the BMV will test your vision. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to see an eye doctor and bring a report to the BMV.
What if I moved to Maine from another state?
You must get a Maine license within 30 days of moving to the state. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Maine license at any BMV office. Bring your current license, proof of Maine residency, and your Social Security number. You will need to pass the written test but usually not the road test.