How to Renew Your Driver's License in Maine

What you need to do to renew your Maine driver's license

You can renew your Maine driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office. Mail and online renewals are the fastest routes if you're renewing a standard license that hasn't expired more than five years ago. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. You'll need your current license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Maine charges different renewal fees depending on how long your license is valid for — typically $35 for a four-year renewal or $65 for an eight-year renewal. The fee varies slightly if you're renewing a REAL ID-compliant license, which costs more but lets you use your license for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight. You can find the exact current fee on the Maine BMV website before you start.

Key Takeaways

Mail and online renewals work only if your license expired within the last five years; older licenses require an in-person visit to a BMV office.
You'll need your current license, proof where you live, and payment by check or money order for mail renewal, or a debit or credit card for online renewal.
Standard renewals take two to three weeks by mail; online renewals are processed within days.
A REAL ID license costs more but is required for domestic air travel and federal building access starting in 2025.
Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks of approval, and you can use your old license until it arrives.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form MV-1) from the Maine BMV website or pick one up at any BMV office. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and the address where you want the new license mailed. Sign and date the form.

Gather your current license, a proof of residency document (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address), and write a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — currently the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 101 Hospital Street, Augusta, ME 04330. The BMV will process your renewal and mail your new license to you within two to three weeks. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.

Renewing online

Online renewal is the fastest option and works if your license expired within the last five years. Go to the Maine BMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.

Follow the prompts to confirm your address and choose your renewal length (four or eight years). Pay the fee with a debit or credit card. The system will tell you when ready whether your renewal was processed. Your new license will be mailed to you within a few business days, and you can use your old license in the meantime. This route avoids mail delays and gives you confirmation right away.

Renewing in person at a BMV office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago. Find your nearest BMV office on the Maine BMV website — there are locations in most towns. Bring your current license (or an expired license if you no longer have it), proof of residency, and payment by check, money order, or card. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require you to book an appointment online to manage wait times.

The staff will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary paper license is valid for all purposes.

REAL ID versus standard license

Maine offers both standard licenses and REAL ID-compliant licenses. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting in 2025, you'll need a REAL ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building like a courthouse.

A REAL ID renewal costs more than a standard renewal — the exact difference depends on your renewal length, but expect to pay roughly $10 to $15 extra. To get a REAL ID, you'll need to provide additional documents: proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and two proofs of residency. If you're renewing by mail or online, you can request a REAL ID, but you may need to visit an office in person if the system asks for document verification. Ask the BMV which documents they accept before you gather them.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online using the steps above. If it expired more than five years ago, the BMV treats it as a new process rather than a renewal, and you must go to an office in person with your proof of citizenship and residency.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maine, even if you've sent in your renewal. If you're stopped, you could receive a ticket. If your renewal is in progress, bring proof that you've submitted it — a receipt from online renewal or a copy of your mailed form — and explain the situation to the officer, though they are not required to let you off.

Timeline and what to expect

Online renewal is fastest: your new license ships within a few business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the BMV receives your form. In-person renewal gives you a temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail within two to three weeks. During busy seasons (late summer and fall), processing can take slightly longer.

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on your process. If you've moved recently, make sure you update your address before you renew, or request that the new license be sent to a different address. You can use your old license for all purposes until your new one arrives, so there's no gap in your ability to drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved out of state?

No. You must have a current Maine address to renew a Maine license. If you've moved to another state, you'll need to get a license from your new state instead. Contact that state's DMV or equivalent office to start the process.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you'll need to renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Mail and online renewals won't work for name changes.

Do I need a new photo every time I renew?

Yes. Every renewal includes a new photo, whether you renew by mail, online, or in person. For mail and online renewals, the BMV uses your photo from your current license. If you're renewing in person, they'll take a new photo at the office.

What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?

Contact the BMV when ready and request a replacement. You'll need to pay a replacement fee (usually around $20) in addition to your renewal fee. The BMV can issue a temporary license while you wait for the replacement to arrive.

Can I renew early, before my license expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush during busy renewal seasons. The new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.