Check your Maine license status through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles website or by phone
The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) lets you look up your driver's license status without visiting an office. You can check online through the BMV's license status tool, call their customer service line, or visit a BMV branch in person. The online method is fastest — you'll need your driver's license number and date of birth, and you'll get an answer in seconds.
A suspended license means the state has temporarily removed your driving privilege. The suspension stays in effect until you complete whatever action triggered it — paying a fine, completing a safety course, or resolving a medical issue — and the BMV officially reinstates your license. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Maine, so confirming your status before you get behind the wheel matters.
Key Takeaways
- The Maine BMV's online license status tool at maine.gov/bmv is the fastest way to check; you need your license number and date of birth.
- You can also call the BMV customer service line at 207-624-9000 during business hours to speak with someone who can look up your status.
- A suspension is temporary and requires you to complete a specific action — paying fines, attending a course, or providing medical clearance — before reinstatement.
- If your license is suspended, the BMV notice you received explains why and what steps you must take to restore it.
Using the Maine BMV online license status tool
Go to maine.gov/bmv and look for the "License Status" or "Check License Status" link on the homepage. You'll enter your driver's license number (the eight-digit number on the front of your card) and your date of birth. The system will display your current status within seconds — either valid, suspended, revoked, or expired.
If the tool shows your license is suspended, it will often display the reason and the date the suspension began. However, it may not always show the specific action required to lift the suspension. If you need that detail, call the BMV or check the suspension notice the state mailed to you when the suspension took effect.
Calling the Maine BMV for status information
The BMV customer service line is 207-624-9000. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready when you call. Staff can confirm your status, explain why your license is suspended, and tell you exactly what you need to do to restore it.
Call during business hours — typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Wait times vary depending on call volume. If you reach a voicemail, leave your name and a callback number; the BMV typically returns calls within one business day.
Common reasons for Maine license suspension
Maine suspends licenses for several reasons. Unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered fines are the most common. Failure to pay child support, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many traffic violations within a set period can also trigger suspension. Medical conditions that affect safe driving — reported by a doctor or discovered during a license renewal — may result in suspension pending medical clearance.
Some suspensions are automatic. If you're convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), your license is suspended for a set period depending on whether it's your first, second, or subsequent offense. Administrative suspensions can also occur if you refuse a breath test during a traffic stop.
What to do if your license is suspended
Your first step is to understand why. Check the notice the BMV mailed to you — it should explain the reason and the action required. If you've lost that notice, call 207-624-9000 and ask the staff to explain what triggered the suspension and what you must do.
Once you know the reason, take the required action. If it's unpaid fines, contact the court or the BMV to arrange payment. If it's a medical issue, obtain the required medical clearance from your doctor and submit it to the BMV. If it's a DUI suspension, you may need to complete an alcohol education program or install an ignition interlock device. After you've completed the required step, contact the BMV to request reinstatement. Some suspensions lift automatically once the condition is met; others require you to formally request reinstatement.
Visiting a Maine BMV office in person
If you prefer to check your status face-to-face, you can visit any BMV branch. Maine has offices in Augusta (headquarters), Bangor, Lewiston, Portland, and Presque Isle. Bring your driver's license or state ID. Staff can look up your status, explain the suspension, and sometimes help you understand next steps.
Office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Check maine.gov/bmv for the specific address and hours of the office nearest you before you go.
Understanding the difference between suspension and revocation
A suspension is temporary. Once you complete the required action, your license is reinstated and you can drive again. A revocation is permanent — the state has cancelled your license entirely. You cannot drive legally until you explore for a new license, which may require meeting specific conditions (such as waiting a set number of years or passing a new written and road test).
The BMV status tool will tell you which one applies to you. If you see "revoked" instead of "suspended," the process to restore your driving privilege is more involved and may require reapplying for a license from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Maine. If you're stopped, you face fines, possible jail time, and an extension of the suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons while your license is suspended, contact the BMV about whether a hardship license or work permit is available.
How long does a suspension usually last?
It depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines last until you pay. DUI suspensions range from several months to several years depending on your history. Medical suspensions last until you provide clearance. The BMV notice you received should state the expected duration or the condition that will end it.
What if the online tool says my license is valid but I received a suspension notice?
The online system updates periodically but may lag behind recent court orders or BMV actions. Call 207-624-9000 to confirm. If there's a discrepancy, staff can investigate and clarify your actual status.
Do I need to pay a fee to reinstate my license after suspension?
Maine charges a reinstatement fee for most suspensions. The amount varies depending on the reason for suspension. The BMV will tell you the fee amount when you call or visit. Some suspensions lift automatically without a fee once the underlying condition is met.
What if I lost my suspension notice and don't know why my license was suspended?
Call the BMV at 207-624-9000 with your license number and date of birth. They can tell you the reason and what action is required. You can also request that they mail you a new copy of the suspension notice.