What a suspended license means and how it happens in Maine
A suspended license in Maine means the state has temporarily taken away your right to drive. You cannot legally operate a vehicle while your license is suspended, and driving during a suspension is a criminal offense that carries fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
Maine suspends licenses for specific reasons: unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, DUI or refusal to take a breath test, failure to maintain car insurance, or not paying child support. The suspension is not permanent — it ends on a date set by the state, or when you complete certain requirements.
The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is the agency that suspends and restores licenses. When your license is suspended, you will receive a notice in the mail explaining the reason and the date your suspension ends or what you must do to end it sooner.
Key Takeaways
- Maine suspends licenses for unpaid fines, court failures, too many traffic points, DUI, lack of insurance, or unpaid child support — each reason has different restoration steps.
- You cannot legally drive during a suspension, and driving anyway is a criminal offense with additional penalties.
- The Maine BMV mails you a suspension notice that states the reason, the end date, and what you must do to restore your license.
- Most suspensions end automatically on the date listed in your notice, but some require you to pay fines, complete a course, or resolve the underlying issue first.
- You can contact the BMV by phone, mail, or in person to confirm your suspension status and learn exactly what steps you need to take.
Finding out why your license is suspended
The suspension notice you received in the mail states the reason. If you did not receive a notice or cannot find it, contact the Maine BMV directly. You can call them at 207-624-9000, visit their office in Augusta, or check your status online through the BMV website.
When you contact the BMV, have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. Tell them you want to know the reason for your suspension and the date it ends. Ask whether you need to take any action before that date — some suspensions lift automatically, but others require you to pay money, complete a course, or provide proof of something (like insurance).
Write down the reason, the suspension end date, and any action required. This information is what you will need to move forward.
Suspensions that end automatically on a set date
Some suspensions straightforward expire. If your suspension was for accumulating too many traffic violation points, or for a minor administrative reason, the BMV will restore your license automatically on the date in your notice. You do not need to do anything — your license becomes valid again on that date.
However, you should confirm this with the BMV before the end date arrives. Call and ask: "Does my suspension end automatically on [date], or do I need to take action?" If the answer is yes, it ends automatically, mark the date on your calendar and plan to get a replacement license if yours was physically suspended or revoked.
Suspensions tied to unpaid fines or court costs
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines, court costs, or restitution, you must pay what you owe before the BMV will restore it. The suspension notice should list the amount owed and the court or agency to contact.
Contact that court or agency and ask how to pay. Many courts accept payment by phone, online, or by mail. Once you have paid in full, ask for written confirmation of payment. Take that confirmation to the BMV in person, or mail it to them with a request to restore your license. The BMV will process the restoration within a few business days.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court and ask about a payment plan. Some courts will agree to monthly payments and will notify the BMV once you have begun paying as agreed.
Suspensions for failure to appear in court
If you missed a court date, your license was suspended and a warrant may have been issued for your arrest. You must go back to court to resolve this before your license can be restored.
Contact the court listed in your suspension notice and tell them you missed your date. Ask what you need to do — usually you will need to appear in person, explain why you missed the date, and resolve the underlying case (the traffic ticket or other charge). The judge may reschedule your case or may require you to pay a fine for missing court.
Once the court case is resolved, the court will notify the BMV. Your license restoration may take a week or two after that.
Suspensions for DUI or refusal to take a breath test
A DUI suspension in Maine is handled differently than other suspensions. If you were arrested for driving under the influence or refused a breath test, your license was suspended when ready — this is called an administrative suspension and is separate from any criminal case.
The administrative suspension lasts a set number of months depending on whether it was your first offense and whether you refused the test. After that period ends, you can request a restoration hearing with the BMV. At the hearing, you will present your case for why your license should be restored.
If your DUI case goes to court and you are convicted, there will be an additional criminal suspension on top of the administrative one. You must complete a DUI education program before the BMV will restore your license. Contact the BMV to find out which programs are approved in Maine.
Suspensions for lack of insurance or unpaid child support
If your license was suspended because your car insurance lapsed, you must obtain a new insurance policy and provide proof to the BMV. Contact an insurance agent, get a policy, and ask them to send proof of coverage directly to the BMV, or bring the proof yourself.
If your suspension is for unpaid child support, contact the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Support Enforcement. They will tell you the amount owed and how to pay. Once you have paid or set up a payment plan, they will notify the BMV and your license will be restored.
How to restore your license once requirements are met
Once you have completed whatever the BMV required — paid fines, finished a course, resolved a court case, or provided proof of insurance — you can request restoration. If your suspension end date has passed and no action was required, your license is already restored, but you may need to get a replacement card if yours was physically suspended.
To restore your license, visit the BMV office in Augusta or a branch office, or mail a written request to the BMV with proof that you have met all requirements. Include your driver's license number, the reason for the suspension, and copies of any documents showing you have resolved the issue (payment receipts, court documents, insurance proof, course completion certificate).
The BMV will process your restoration within a few business days. You will receive a new license card in the mail within two to three weeks. Until it arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit to use while you wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?
No. Driving during a suspension is illegal in Maine, even if you are only going to work or to the store. You can be arrested, fined, and your suspension will be extended. Some suspensions may be may be able to access for a work permit, but you must request one from the BMV before you drive — do not assume you can drive for any reason.
How long does it take to restore a suspended license?
If your suspension ends automatically and you do nothing, your license is restored on the date in your notice. If you must take action, restoration usually takes a few business days after the BMV receives proof that you have met the requirements. Your new license card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
What if I moved and did not get my suspension notice?
Contact the BMV and update your address when ready. Ask them to resend your suspension notice and explain the reason and end date. Even if you did not receive the notice, the suspension is still in effect, so do not drive. Once you have the information, follow the steps above for your specific reason.
Can I get a hardship license while mine is suspended?
Maine offers a work permit for certain suspensions, but not all. The permit allows you to drive only to work, school, or court. Contact the BMV and ask whether your suspension type is may be able to access for a work permit. If it is, you will need to fill out a form and may need to pay a fee.
What happens if I drive with a suspended license?
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Maine. You can be arrested, fined up to $500 or more, and your license suspension will be extended by at least one year. If you cause an accident while driving suspended, the penalties are much more severe.