What you need to do to renew in Maine

Maine renews driver licenses by mail, online, or in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. Most people can renew by mail or online without visiting an office, which takes longer but costs less than going in person. You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes, name changes, or medical conditions reported to the state since your last renewal.

Your license is valid for eight years. Maine will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.

The state charges different fees depending on which method you choose. Mail renewal costs less than online renewal, and both cost less than renewing in person at an office.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew by mail, online, or in person, and most people do not need to visit an office.
  • Online renewal works only if your address, name, and medical status have not changed since your last license was issued.
  • Mail renewal takes four to six weeks; online renewal is faster but costs more.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency, and payment; the renewal notice Maine sends you lists exactly what to include.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is the cheapest option and works for most people. When your renewal notice arrives from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, it includes a checklist of what to send back. You will need your current license, proof of your current Maine address, and a check or money order for the fee.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved since your last renewal, include a document showing your new address. Mail everything to the address on your renewal notice.

Processing takes four to six weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail. If you need your license sooner, you can renew in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office instead.

Renewing online

Online renewal is faster than mail but only works if you meet certain conditions. Your license cannot be expired, your address must not have changed, your name must not have changed, and you cannot have any medical conditions or restrictions that the state needs to update. If any of these explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.

To renew online, go to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles website and enter your license number and date of birth. You will pay by credit card or debit card. The system will tell you when ready whether you are able to renew online or whether you need to use another method.

If you are approved, your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. You will receive a temporary digital license by email that you can use while you wait for the physical card.

Renewing in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office

Renewing in person is the fastest way to get a new license the same day, but it requires a trip to an office and costs more than mail or online renewal. Bring your current license, proof of your current Maine address, and payment. You may also need to bring additional documents if your address or name has changed.

Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices are located in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, Portland, and Presque Isle. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, but wait times vary. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time.

The office will take a new photo and issue your license on the spot. You will pay a higher fee than mail or online renewal because you are getting when ready service.

What documents to bring

For any renewal method, you will need your current Maine driver license and proof of your current address. Proof of address means a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and Maine address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work.

If your address has changed since your last renewal, bring a document showing your new address. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have a medical condition or disability that affects your driving, bring documentation from your doctor.

The renewal notice Maine sends you lists exactly what documents the state needs for your situation. If you are renewing online, the system will tell you whether you can proceed or whether you need to use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Fees and payment methods

Mail renewal costs the least. Online renewal costs more than mail but less than in-person renewal. In-person renewal at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office costs the most because you receive your license when ready.

For mail renewal, you must pay by check or money order. For online renewal, you can pay by credit card or debit card. For in-person renewal, the office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. You will not pay again until your next renewal date, which will be printed on your new license.

What happens if your license is already expired

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment.

An expired license is still valid proof of identity, so you can use it to show who you are when you arrive at the office. The office will issue you a new license the same day.

If you have been driving with an expired license, you may face a fine if you are stopped by law enforcement. Renewing as soon as possible after expiration protects you from that risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maine license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date or to make sure they have a valid license for an upcoming trip.

What if I moved out of Maine?

If you no longer live in Maine, you cannot renew your Maine license. You will need to get a license from your new state instead. Contact the motor vehicle department in your new state to learn how to transfer your driving record.

Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?

For mail renewal, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles uses your photo from your current license. For online renewal, your photo is also reused. Only in-person renewal requires a new photo to be taken at the office.

How long does each renewal method take?

Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. Online renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office gives you your license the same day you visit.

What if I lost my current license?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office and request a replacement license. Bring proof of your identity and address. The office will issue a new license the same day.