How to Renew Your Maine Driver's License

Maine driver's license renewal by mail or online

Maine allows you to renew your driver's license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions. The online renewal process is faster — you can complete it in minutes from home — but you must have a valid credit or debit card and a recent digital photo. Mail renewal takes longer but requires only a check or money order and a completed form.

You are may be able to access for mail or online renewal if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical suspensions, and your address has not changed. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person at a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.

The renewal fee is $35 for a five-year license or $65 for an eight-year license. Both mail and online renewals produce a physical license mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days after processing.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Maine BMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $35 or $65 depending on the license term you choose.
Mail renewal requires Form MDOT 237, a check or money order, and takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the BMV receives your packet.
You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have a medical suspension, or if you need to change your address.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address before you renew if you have moved.
If you need your license before the mail arrives, you can visit a BMV office and request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.

Online renewal through the Maine BMV website

To renew online, go to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information.

You must upload a digital photo that meets Maine's requirements: a color photo taken within the last six months, at least 2 by 2 inches, with your face clearly visible and no sunglasses or hats. If you do not have a suitable photo, you can use a photo from a previous license on file, but the BMV recommends a recent one.

After you submit your photo and confirm your information, you will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The BMV will process your renewal and mail your new license within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number.

Mail renewal with Form MDOT 237

To renew by mail, read Form MDOT 237 from the Maine BMV website or request it by phone at 207-624-9000. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and address. Sign and date the form — an unsigned form will be returned to you.

Include a check or money order for $35 or $65, made payable to "State of Maine." Do not send cash. Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form, which is the BMV's mail processing center in Augusta. Keep a copy of the form for your records.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the BMV receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your form. If you do not receive your license within four weeks of mailing, contact the BMV to confirm they received your renewal.

When you must renew in person at a BMV office

You cannot use mail or online renewal if your license has been expired for more than five years. You also cannot renew remotely if you have a medical suspension on your record or if you need to change your address. In these cases, you must visit a Maine BMV office in person.

In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, bring documentation from your doctor. The BMV office will take a new photo and issue your license on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office's workload.

To find the BMV office nearest you and check hours, visit the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website or call 207-624-9000. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment. Calling ahead can save you a trip.

What happens if your license expires before your new one arrives

If you renew by mail and your current license expires before your new one arrives, you can visit any Maine BMV office and request a temporary paper license. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license in the mail.

You do not need to bring anything except your confirmation email or reference number from your mail renewal. The BMV office will issue the temporary license on the spot at no additional cost. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid.

Changing your address during renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address before you renew. For online renewal, the system will prompt you to confirm or change your address during the process. For mail renewal, write your new address clearly on Form MDOT 237.

If you do not update your address, your new license will be mailed to your old address and you may not receive it. If this happens, contact the BMV when ready with your reference number and current address so they can reissue your license to the correct location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maine license if it expired more than five years ago?

No. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a Maine BMV office. You will need your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The BMV treats this as a new license rather than a renewal.

What if I do not have a digital photo for online renewal?

You can use a photo from a previous Maine license on file instead. However, the BMV recommends uploading a recent color photo taken within the last six months. If you choose to use an old photo, make sure it still looks like you — the BMV may reject it if the photo is too outdated.

How long does it take to get my license after I renew by mail?

The BMV takes 2 to 3 weeks to process your mail renewal after they receive it. Your new license is then mailed to your address, which usually takes another 3 to 5 business days. Total time is typically 3 to 4 weeks from the date you mail your form.

Can I renew my license if I have a medical suspension?

No. If you have a medical suspension on your record, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Maine BMV office in person. Bring documentation from your doctor showing that your medical condition no longer affects your ability to drive safely.

What if my new license arrives with the wrong information on it?

Contact the Maine BMV when ready with your license number and the details that are incorrect. The BMV can issue a corrected license. If the error is minor (such as a misspelled middle name), you may be able to correct it at your next renewal. If the error is significant, request a replacement license right away.

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.