How to Renew Your Maine Driver's License

Maine driver's licenses expire every six years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office

Maine's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) handles all license renewals. Your license expires on your birthday six years after you received it — the expiration date is printed on the front. You do not have to wait until the last day; you can renew up to one year before expiration. The method you choose depends on whether your address has changed, whether you want a Real ID-compliant license, and how quickly you need the new one in hand.

Most Maine residents renew online through the BMV website at maine.gov/bmv. This is the fastest option and costs $35 for a standard license. If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. You can also renew by mail or in person at any BMV office, though in-person renewal takes longer because of office wait times.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through maine.gov/bmv is the fastest method and costs $35 for a standard six-year license.
You can renew up to one year before your license expires, and your expiration date appears on the front of your current license.
Online renewal requires your current Maine license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method, but does not work if your address has changed.
If your address changed, you must renew in person at a BMV office and bring your current license plus proof of your new address.
Real ID-compliant licenses cost $10 more and require additional documents; standard licenses remain valid for federal purposes until 2025.

Renewing online through the BMV website

Online renewal is available at maine.gov/bmv and takes about 10 minutes. You will need your current Maine driver's license number, your date of birth, and a credit or debit card. The system verifies your identity using information from your existing license record. Once you complete the transaction, you receive a confirmation number by email.

Online renewal works only if your address has not changed since your last license was issued. If you have moved, you must renew in person or by mail instead. The new license is mailed to the address on file with the BMV, so if that address is wrong, your license will go to the old location.

The $35 fee covers a standard, non-Real ID license valid for six years. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic flights after May 2025), you cannot renew online; you must go in person and pay $45 instead.

Renewing in person at a BMV office

In-person renewal is necessary if your address has changed, if you want a Real ID license, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. You will need to bring your current Maine driver's license and proof of your current address. Acceptable address proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

BMV offices are located in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, Portland, and Presque Isle. Wait times vary by location and time of day; the BMV website shows current wait times for each office. You do not need an appointment for standard renewals, though some offices offer appointment slots during busy periods. Bring your documents and be prepared to wait, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon.

In-person renewal costs $35 for a standard license or $45 for a Real ID license. You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the card arrives, the temporary license is valid for all purposes.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is an option if you cannot visit an office and your address has not changed. You will need to request a renewal form from the BMV by calling 207-624-9000 or visiting maine.gov/bmv. Mail the completed form with your current license and a check or money order for $35 (or $45 for Real ID) to the address provided by the BMV.

Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person methods. Processing typically takes three to four weeks after the BMV receives your form, plus mail delivery time in both directions. If you need your license quickly, online or in-person renewal is faster. Mail renewal also does not work if your address has changed; you must renew in person in that case.

Real ID versus standard licenses

Maine offers two types of driver's licenses: standard and Real ID-compliant. A standard license costs $35 and is valid for six years. A Real ID license costs $45 and is also valid for six years but meets federal identification standards required for certain purposes.

As of May 7, 2025, a Real ID license will be required to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. Until then, a standard license is still accepted for these purposes. If your current license is standard and you want to upgrade to Real ID, you must renew in person and bring proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) and proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers).

If you renew online or by mail, you will receive a standard license. You cannot upgrade to Real ID through those methods.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

If your license is lost or stolen before it expires, you cannot straightforward renew it early. Instead, you must report it to the BMV and request a replacement. A replacement costs $35 and is treated as a new license, not a renewal. You can request a replacement online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as renewal.

Report the loss or theft to the BMV as soon as possible, especially if you suspect identity theft. The BMV can flag your record to prevent someone else from using your information to obtain a fraudulent license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes. Maine allows renewal of expired licenses, though the process is the same as renewing before expiration. If your license has been expired for more than a few years, the BMV may require you to retake the written test or vision test; call 207-624-9000 to confirm before you attempt to renew.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Maine license?

You should obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you still want to renew your Maine license while living elsewhere, you can renew online if your address has not changed in the BMV system, or by mail. However, most states require you to get a license there within a certain period after moving.

How do I check the status of my renewed license after I explore?

If you renewed online, use the confirmation number from your email to check status at maine.gov/bmv. If you renewed by mail or in person, call the BMV at 207-624-9000 with your license number. Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days after the BMV receives your process.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic fines or child support obligations?

The BMV may suspend your license if you have unpaid child support or certain court-ordered fines. Before you renew, check your status by calling 207-624-9000 or visiting maine.gov/bmv. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the underlying issue before renewal is possible.

What happens if I renew online but my address changes before the new license arrives?

Contact the BMV when ready at 207-624-9000 with your new address. The BMV can redirect your license to the new address if it has not already been mailed. If the license is already in the mail, it will arrive at the old address; you can pick it up there or request a replacement mailed to your new address.

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.