How to Renew Your Maine Driver's License

Maine driver's licenses renew every six years, and you can renew in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office or by mail if you meet certain conditions

Maine issues driver's licenses valid for six years from the date of issue. When your license approaches expiration, you have two main paths: renew by mail if you are may be able to access, or renew in person at a BMV office. The mail route is faster if you may have access to, but in-person renewal is required if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your address, name, or other information on the license itself.

Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. This notice contains your renewal number and instructions for both mail and in-person renewal. You do not have to wait for the notice to begin the process, but having it makes the transaction smoother.

Key Takeaways

Mail renewal is available only if your license is valid, your address on file is current, and you have no medical or legal holds on your driving record.
In-person renewal at a BMV office is required if your license is suspended or revoked, or if you need to change your name, address, or other information.
The mail renewal fee is lower than in-person renewal, and processing typically takes two to three weeks.
You will need your current license, proof of residency, and payment when renewing in person.
Maine offers online renewal for certain transactions, but full license renewal still requires mail or in-person submission.

Mail renewal: who qualifies and what to send

You can renew by mail if your current license is valid (not suspended or revoked), your address on file with the BMV matches where you actually live, and you have no medical restrictions or legal holds on your record. The mail renewal form is included in your renewal notice, or you can request one from the BMV website or by calling the BMV at 207-624-9000.

To renew by mail, send your current license, the completed renewal form, and payment to the address listed on the form. The renewal fee for mail renewal is lower than in-person renewal. Include a check or money order payable to the State of Maine. Do not send cash. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the BMV receives your materials. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.

If your address has changed since your last renewal, you must renew in person or update your address with the BMV before submitting a mail renewal. Sending a mail renewal with an outdated address on file will delay your new license.

In-person renewal at a BMV office

Renew in person at any Bureau of Motor Vehicles office if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need to change your name or address, if you have medical restrictions to update, or if you straightforward prefer to complete the transaction when ready. In-person renewal is also required if you are renewing a commercial driver's license or if you need to add or remove endorsements.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The in-person renewal fee is higher than mail renewal. You will receive your new license on the spot or within a few days, depending on whether the office prints licenses on-site.

BMV offices are located throughout Maine. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the BMV website. Many offices operate by appointment only, so check before you visit. Walk-in service is available at some locations but wait times vary.

What documents and information you will need

For mail renewal, you need your current license, the renewal form, and payment. For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and payment. If you are changing your name, bring the certified document proving the change.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government document showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and address. A post office change-of-address form is not accepted as proof of residency.

If you have moved recently and your address on file with the BMV is outdated, update it before attempting mail renewal. You can update your address online through the BMV website, by phone, or in person at any BMV office.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Maine renewal fees vary depending on whether you renew by mail or in person, and whether you hold a standard or commercial license. Mail renewal costs less than in-person renewal. The exact fee amounts change periodically, so check the BMV website or call 207-624-9000 for current pricing.

For mail renewal, send a check or money order payable to the State of Maine. Do not send cash. For in-person renewal, most BMV offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices may have different payment options, so call ahead if you have a preference.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license or adding endorsements, fees are higher and may differ from standard renewal. Ask the BMV about fees for your specific situation before you visit or mail in your renewal.

Processing time and when your new license arrives

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the date the BMV receives your materials. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a BMV office. Many offices print licenses on-site, so you can leave with your new license the same day. Some offices mail licenses after processing, which takes a few additional days.

Your current license remains valid until it expires, even after you have submitted a renewal process. You can drive legally while your renewal is being processed. If your license expires before your new one arrives, contact the BMV to confirm your renewal was received and ask about the status.

If you are renewing close to your expiration date and choose mail renewal, allow extra time for processing and delivery. If your license expires while your renewal is in the mail, you may be able to show proof of your renewal process to law enforcement, but it is safer to renew earlier rather than later.

When you must renew in person instead of by mail

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have failed a vision or medical screening, or if you have any legal holds on your driving record. You cannot renew by mail in these situations. Contact the BMV to understand why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take before you can renew.

You must also renew in person if you are changing your name, address, or other information on the license. If you are adding or removing endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement), or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license, in-person renewal is required. If you are unsure whether you may have access to for mail renewal, call the BMV at 207-624-9000 and provide your license number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maine driver's license online?

Maine does not offer full online renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew by mail or in person. Some transactions, such as address changes, can be completed online through the BMV website, but license renewal itself requires either mailing in your materials or visiting a BMV office in person.

What happens if my license expires before my renewal arrives?

Your current license remains valid until it expires. If your renewal is in the mail and your license expires, you may be able to show proof of your renewal process to law enforcement, but you should not drive without a valid license. Contact the BMV if your new license does not arrive within a reasonable time after your expiration date.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a BMV office?

Many BMV offices operate by appointment only, while others accept walk-ins. Check the BMV website or call the office nearest you to find out their policy. Scheduling an appointment can reduce wait time, especially during busy periods.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

Outstanding tickets or fines may result in a hold on your license that prevents renewal. Contact the BMV or the court that issued the ticket to resolve the matter before you attempt to renew. The BMV can tell you whether a hold exists on your record.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew your license. You can request a renewal form from the BMV website, by phone at 207-624-9000, or by visiting a BMV office. Have your license number ready when you call or visit.

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.