Where to renew and what you'll need
In Maine, you renew your driver's license at your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office. You can renew in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The fastest route is usually online through the Maine BMV website if you're renewing a standard license that hasn't expired more than a few years ago.
Before you go or submit anything, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Maine address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
If you're renewing in person, you'll also need to bring one form of photo ID if your license has expired, though an expired Maine license counts as acceptable ID for renewal purposes. The BMV office will take a new photo unless you request a waiver, which is only available if you renewed in person within the last four years.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Maine BMV website is the fastest option if your license hasn't been expired for more than a few years and you meet the requirements.
- In-person renewal at a BMV office takes about 15 to 30 minutes and allows you to walk out with your license the same day if you pay the fee.
- Mail renewal is available but takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you choose this route.
- Your license renewal fee depends on how long you want it valid: three years, six years, or eight years, with longer terms costing more.
- You must bring proof of your Social Security number and current Maine address, plus your current license and one form of ID if your license has expired.
Renewing online through the Maine BMV website
Online renewal is the most convenient option if you're may be able to access. You can renew online if your license is not expired, or if it expired fewer than five years ago. You'll need to create an account on the Maine BMV website, enter your license number and date of birth, answer security questions, and upload photos of your documents (your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address).
The BMV will review your documents and send you a confirmation email within a few business days. Once approved, you'll receive instructions to pay the renewal fee online. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after payment. This route costs the same as in-person renewal but saves you a trip to the office.
If your online process is denied or incomplete, the BMV will email you explaining what's missing. You can then either resubmit documents or visit a BMV office in person to complete the renewal.
Renewing in person at a BMV office
Walk into any BMV office with your documents and you can renew the same day. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of your Maine address, and one form of photo ID if your license has expired. The staff will verify your information, take a new photo (unless you waive it), and process your payment.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Busier offices in Portland and Bangor may have longer lines, especially on weekday mornings. Smaller regional offices often move faster. You'll pay the renewal fee at the counter and walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you.
If you want to keep your current photo on your license, you can request a photo waiver at the time of renewal. This is only available if you renewed in person within the last four years and your appearance hasn't changed significantly.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. read the Driver License Renewal process (Form MDOT 237) from the Maine BMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it with copies of your documents and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.
Processing by mail typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the BMV receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provide. If anything is missing or unclear, the BMV will mail you a notice asking for corrections, which adds another 1 to 2 weeks to the timeline.
Mail renewal is useful if you're out of state, have mobility issues, or straightforward prefer not to visit an office. However, you won't have a valid license during the processing period, so plan ahead if you need to drive.
Understanding renewal fees and license validity periods
Maine offers three renewal periods: three years, six years, or eight years. The longer your license is valid, the higher the fee. A three-year renewal costs less than a six-year renewal, which costs less than an eight-year renewal. The exact fee amounts change periodically, so check the Maine BMV website for current pricing before you renew.
Your choice of validity period is yours to make. Some people prefer shorter renewals to avoid a large upfront cost, while others choose longer periods to avoid the hassle of renewing again soon. There's no penalty for choosing a shorter period, and you can always renew again when it expires.
If you're renewing before your current license expires, your new license will be valid for the period you choose starting from the expiration date of your old license. If you renew after your license has expired, your new license will be valid starting from the date you renew.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than five years
If your Maine license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a BMV office in person and may need to retake the written knowledge test and vision test, depending on how long it's been expired.
Call the BMV office before you go to ask whether you'll need to test. Some offices waive testing for licenses expired between five and ten years if you have a clean driving record. Licenses expired longer than ten years almost always require a full retest. Bring all the same documents you would for a standard renewal, plus any test fees if required.
Finding your nearest BMV office and checking hours
Maine has BMV offices in most towns and cities. The main office is in Augusta, but you can renew at any regional office. Find the office nearest you and its hours on the Maine BMV website by entering your town name or zip code.
Hours vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with some offering limited Saturday hours. A few offices close for lunch. Check the website or call ahead to confirm hours before you drive there, especially if you're visiting a smaller regional office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maine license if I've moved out of state?
You can renew by mail from out of state, but you'll need to update your address to a Maine address or use a Maine address where you can receive mail. If you've moved permanently and no longer have a Maine address, you'll need to get a license from your new state instead.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other renewal documents. The BMV will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
The BMV takes a new photo at renewal unless you request a waiver. You can waive the photo if you renewed in person within the last four years and your appearance hasn't changed significantly. If you renew online or by mail, you won't have a new photo taken.
How long is my temporary paper license valid while I wait for my permanent license?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renewed in person or online, or 4 to 6 weeks if you renewed by mail. If it doesn't arrive within that timeframe, contact the BMV office.
What if I need my license before the renewal is complete?
If you renew in person, you get a temporary paper license when ready that's valid for 30 days. If you renew online or by mail, you won't have a valid license until your new one arrives. Plan your renewal at least a week or two before your current license expires to avoid driving without a valid license.