How to Renew Your Driver's License in Maine

Maine driver's license renewal happens through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, either online, by mail, or in person at a BMV office

Maine offers three paths to renew: online through the BMV website if you meet certain conditions, by mail if you're renewing early, or in person at any BMV office. The online option is fastest and costs $35 for a five-year license. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you can't renew online—because your license is expired, suspended, or you need a Real ID—you must go in person or use the mail option. In-person renewal at a BMV office takes about 30 minutes and you can walk out with a temporary license the same day. Mail renewal takes longer but works if you're renewing before your current license expires and don't need Real ID.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through maine.gov/bmv costs $35 and takes 10 minutes, with your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal at a BMV office requires your current license, proof of residency, and Social Security verification, and you receive a temporary license when ready.
Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired and you don't need Real ID, and takes 4 to 6 weeks total.
Real ID licenses cost $40 and require an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or state ID plus proof of Maine residency.
BMV offices are located in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland, with limited hours that vary by location.

Online renewal: fastest option if your license is current

The Maine BMV website lets you renew online if your license is not expired, not suspended, and you don't need a Real ID. You'll enter your license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and answer security questions about your driving history. Payment is by credit or debit card only—no cash or check. The fee is $35.

After you submit, you receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. If that address is wrong, you must change it in person or by phone before renewing online. The new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

In-person renewal at a BMV office

Walk-in renewal is available at four BMV locations: Augusta (287 Water Street), Bangor (1033 State Street), Lewiston (179 Lisbon Street), and Portland (67 Forest Avenue). Hours vary by office—Augusta and Portland are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while Bangor and Lewiston have shorter hours. Call ahead or check maine.gov/bmv for current hours, as they change seasonally.

Bring your current license, proof of Maine residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. The fee is $35 for a standard five-year license. You'll receive a temporary paper license good for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. Processing takes 20 to 30 minutes. Your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

If you need Real ID—required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 7, 2025—bring an original or certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, or state ID instead of just your Social Security card. Real ID costs $40 and requires the same proof of residency. The process is identical otherwise.

Mail renewal for early renewals

You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you don't need Real ID. Request a renewal form by calling the BMV at 207-624-9000 or read it from maine.gov/bmv. Fill it out, include a check or money order for $35, and mail it to the BMV at 101 Hospital Street, Augusta, ME 04330.

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the BMV receives your form. There's no way to track your process or confirm receipt, so keep a copy of what you send. If your license expires before the new one arrives, you'll need to renew in person instead. This option works best if you're renewing 2 to 3 months before expiration.

Real ID requirements and timeline

Maine Real ID licenses are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. You can renew to Real ID in person at any BMV office or by mail if you're renewing early. The cost is $40 instead of $35.

You must provide an original or certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or state ID. A photocopy won't work. You also need proof of Maine residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within 60 days) and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. Processing takes the same 20 to 30 minutes in person, and your Real ID arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

What to do if your license is expired or suspended

An expired license cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must go in person to a BMV office. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: current license, proof of residency, and Social Security verification. If your license has been expired for more than a few years, the BMV may require you to pass a vision test or written exam—call 207-624-9000 to ask before you go.

A suspended license cannot be renewed until the suspension is lifted. Contact the BMV to find out why it's suspended and what you need to do to clear it. This might involve paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. Once the suspension is removed, you can renew in person.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you're renewing in person, you can change your address at the same time. Bring proof of your new Maine address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). If you're renewing online, you must update your address before you start the renewal—call the BMV or visit an office to change it first.

To change your name, you must go in person and bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. The BMV will not process a name change by mail or online. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal plus the name-change document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to one year before expiration. In-person renewal can happen at any time. Early renewal is useful if you're about to travel or need Real ID before the May 2025 important date.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You cannot renew a lost or stolen license. You must replace it first by going in person to a BMV office with proof of residency and Social Security verification. A replacement costs $35. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it like any other license.

How long does my temporary license last?

The temporary paper license issued in person is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within 14 days, call the BMV at 207-624-9000.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

No. All four BMV offices accept walk-ins. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Bangor and Lewiston typically have shorter waits than Augusta and Portland, especially on weekday mornings.

What payment methods does the BMV accept?

Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. The BMV does not accept PayPal, digital wallets, or cryptocurrency.

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.