Where to go and what you need

You can replace a Maine driver license at any of the six Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) locations across the state, or by mail. The in-person route is faster — you'll walk out with a temporary license the same day — but the mail route works if you can't reach an office. Either way, you need your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and payment.

The BMV locations are in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, Portland, Presque Isle, and Rockland. You do not need an appointment; you walk in during business hours and take a number. Wait times vary by location and time of day, but Portland and Bangor tend to be busier than smaller offices. If you're mailing in your request, the whole process takes about two weeks from the day they receive your envelope.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your license in person at any BMV office and receive a temporary license the same day, or mail in your request and wait about two weeks.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, and payment — the fee is $35 for a standard replacement.
  • If you're mailing in, send your request to the Augusta BMV office with copies of your documents, not originals.
  • A temporary license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive while your permanent card is being printed.
  • If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with local police and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

In-person replacement at a BMV office

Walk into any BMV office during regular hours with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and $35. Bring the original documents or certified copies — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement all work as long as they show your current Maine address and are dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have a current address document, a bank statement or insurance bill can work, but call ahead to confirm the specific office accepts it.

At the counter, tell the staff member your license was lost or damaged. They'll ask you to verify your address and sign a form confirming the loss. You'll also have your photo taken for the new license. The office will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot — this is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while your permanent card is being printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Mailing in your replacement request

Send a letter to the Augusta BMV office (the main office) with copies of your proof of residency, your Social Security number written on a separate piece of paper, and a check or money order for $35 made out to "State of Maine." Do not send originals — send copies only. Include a brief note stating that your license was lost or damaged and requesting a replacement.

Mail your envelope to: Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 101 Hospital Street, Augusta, ME 04330. The office will process your request when it arrives, print your new license, and mail it to your address on file. The whole timeline is usually 10 to 14 days from the day they receive your envelope, though it can take longer during busy periods. You won't receive a temporary license by mail, so this route only works if you don't need to drive before your permanent card arrives.

What happens if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, file a police report with your local police department. You don't need to wait for the report to be filed before you request a replacement — you can do both at the same time. Bring the police report number (or a copy of the report itself) to the BMV office, or mention it in your mailed request. The BMV will note the theft in their system.

You should also consider placing a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — because a stolen license can be used to open accounts in your name. You can place a free fraud alert by calling any one of the three bureaus, and they will notify the other two. A fraud alert stays on your credit file for one year and tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts.

Fees and payment methods

A replacement license costs $35 in Maine. If you're going in person, the BMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you're mailing in, send a check or money order — do not send cash through the mail. Make the check or money order payable to "State of Maine."

If you're replacing a license that was damaged but not lost, the fee is the same. There are no additional charges for the temporary license you receive in person, and there are no rush fees if you need your license faster.

Your temporary license and what it covers

When you replace your license in person at a BMV office, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your permanent card — you can drive, you can use it as identification, and law enforcement will recognize it. The temporary is printed on the spot and includes your photo, signature, and license number.

Keep your temporary license in your wallet or on you at all times while you're waiting for your permanent card. Once your permanent license arrives in the mail, the temporary is no longer valid and you should discard it. If your permanent license doesn't arrive within 14 days of receiving your temporary, contact the Augusta BMV office to check on the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I don't have a Social Security number?

No, the BMV requires a Social Security number to issue or replace a driver license in Maine. If you don't have one, you'll need to obtain one from the Social Security Administration before you can replace your license. This is a separate process and can take several weeks.

What if I don't have proof of residency dated within the last 60 days?

Call the BMV office you plan to visit and ask what alternative documents they accept. Some offices will accept an older utility bill plus a recent letter from your employer or bank showing your address. Having two documents that together show your current address sometimes works when one recent document isn't available.

How long does it take to get my permanent license in the mail?

If you replace in person, your permanent license usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you mail in your request, the whole process takes 10 to 14 days from the day the Augusta office receives your envelope. During busy periods, it can take longer, but the BMV will not contact you if there's a delay.

Can I use my temporary license to fly or cross the border?

No. A temporary paper license is valid for driving in Maine only. For air travel or crossing into Canada, you need your permanent license or a passport. If you need to fly before your permanent license arrives, you'll need to use your passport or obtain a Real ID-compliant license, which requires a separate process.

What if my permanent license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?

Contact the Augusta BMV office right away with your temporary license and the damaged permanent license. They can issue you a replacement at no additional charge if the error was made by the BMV. If the information is wrong because you provided incorrect details, there may be a fee for a corrected license.