Maine requires you to contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, pay any outstanding fines or fees, and sometimes complete additional requirements before your license can be reinstated
A suspended license in Maine means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) — part of the Maine Secretary of State's office — handles all reinstatement requests. The process depends on why your license was suspended. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you pay those fines. If you were suspended for medical reasons, you may need a doctor's clearance. If you were suspended for too many points, you may need to complete a driver improvement course. The BMV will tell you exactly what you owe and what you must do.
You cannot reinstate your license online in Maine. You must contact the BMV in person, by mail, or by phone. The fastest route is usually a phone call to find out what's required, then either visiting an office or mailing in your payment and documents. Processing typically takes one to two weeks by mail, or same-day if you visit in person with everything the BMV needs.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles by phone at 207-624-9000 to learn why your license was suspended and what you must do to reinstate it.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, fees, or both before the BMV will lift the suspension.
- Some suspensions require proof of insurance, a medical clearance, or completion of a driver improvement course in addition to payment.
- You can reinstate your license in person at a BMV office, by mail, or sometimes by phone, depending on the reason for suspension.
Why your license was suspended in Maine
Maine suspends licenses for several reasons, and the reinstatement process depends on which one applies to you. The most common reason is unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered restitution. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine by the due date, or if a court ordered you to pay restitution and you did not, the BMV suspends your license automatically. The suspension stays in place until you pay what you owe.
The second common reason is accumulating too many points on your driving record. Maine uses a point system: minor violations add points, and when you reach a certain threshold, your license is suspended. A suspension for points usually lasts 30 days, but you may be required to complete a driver improvement course before you can drive again. The BMV will specify this when you call.
Other reasons include failure to maintain insurance, medical conditions reported to the BMV, failure to appear in court for a traffic matter, or suspension ordered by a court as part of a criminal sentence. Each has different reinstatement steps. Call the BMV and have your license number ready so they can tell you the exact reason.
How to contact the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles is located in Augusta. You can reach them by phone at 207-624-9000, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. When you call, have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. Tell them your suspension was lifted or ask why your license is suspended. They will tell you what you owe and what documents or actions you need.
If you prefer to visit in person, the BMV office is at 101 Hospital Street, Augusta, Maine 04330. Bring your driver's license, proof of payment for any fines (if you have already paid), and any other documents the BMV told you to bring. You can also mail documents and payment to the same address, but include a letter stating your name, license number, and what you are sending. Mail processing takes longer than in-person visits.
Paying fines and fees to reinstate your license
If your suspension is due to unpaid fines, you must pay the full amount owed before the BMV will reinstate your license. The BMV will tell you the exact amount when you call. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card. If you pay by mail, make the check or money order payable to "Treasurer, State of Maine" and include a letter with your name, license number, and what the payment is for.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the BMV to ask about a payment plan. Maine does allow payment arrangements in some cases, but you must request this before the BMV will consider it. Do not ignore the suspension hoping it will go away — the longer you wait, the more complicated reinstatement becomes, and you risk additional penalties or criminal charges if you drive on a suspended license.
In addition to fines, the BMV charges a reinstatement fee. This fee varies depending on the reason for suspension but is typically between $25 and $50. Ask the BMV for the exact amount when you call so you know the total you need to pay.
Additional requirements beyond payment
Depending on why your license was suspended, you may need to do more than pay fines. If you were suspended for too many points, you must complete a Maine-approved driver improvement course. This course is usually offered online or in person and takes a few hours. Once you complete it, you receive a certificate that you must send to the BMV along with your payment. The BMV will not reinstate your license without proof of course completion.
If your suspension was due to a medical condition, you must provide a letter from your doctor stating that you are medically fit to drive. The BMV will give you a form to take to your doctor. Your doctor fills it out and sends it directly to the BMV, or you can mail it yourself. The BMV will not reinstate your license without this medical clearance.
If your suspension was due to failure to maintain insurance, you must provide proof of current auto insurance before reinstatement. This can be an insurance card, a declaration page from your policy, or a letter from your insurance company. The proof must show that you currently have coverage and that the policy is active.
Reinstatement timelines and next steps
If you visit a BMV office in person with all required documents and payment, your license can be reinstated the same day. The BMV will process your request while you wait and issue you a new license or a temporary driving permit. This is the fastest option if you have everything ready.
If you mail your payment and documents, processing typically takes one to two weeks. The BMV will send you a letter confirming that your license has been reinstated. During this time, you cannot legally drive, even if you have paid and sent in all documents. Do not drive until you receive confirmation from the BMV or until you have visited an office and received your reinstated license in hand.
Once your license is reinstated, you can drive legally again. If you were issued a temporary permit at the BMV office, that permit is valid when ready. If you are waiting for mail confirmation, do not drive until the letter arrives. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Maine and can result in fines, criminal charges, and further license suspension.
What to do if you cannot find out why your license was suspended
If you call the BMV and they cannot when ready tell you why your license was suspended, ask them to mail you a written notice. By law, Maine must provide you with a written explanation of the suspension and the reason for it. This notice will also tell you what you must do to reinstate your license. If you do not receive a notice within a few days of your call, call back and ask for it to be sent again.
If you believe your license was suspended in error, you have the right to request a hearing before the BMV. Ask the BMV how to request a hearing when you call. You will need to explain why you believe the suspension was wrong, and the BMV will review your case. This process takes longer than a standard reinstatement, but it is your option if you think a mistake was made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work while my license is suspended if I have a hardship?
No. Maine does not issue hardship or work permits for suspended licenses. You cannot legally drive for any reason while your license is suspended, even if you have a job that requires driving. Your only option is to reinstate your license by completing whatever the BMV requires.
What happens if I drive on a suspended license in Maine?
Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Maine. You can be arrested, fined, and face jail time. Your license suspension will be extended, and you may face additional charges. If you are caught, contact a lawyer when ready.
How long does reinstatement take if I pay everything the BMV asks for?
If you visit a BMV office in person with all required documents and payment, reinstatement is same-day. If you mail everything, it typically takes one to two weeks. Do not drive until you have received confirmation or visited the office in person.
Do I have to retake my driving test to reinstate my license?
No. You do not retake the written or road test unless the BMV specifically requires it as part of your reinstatement. Most suspensions only require payment, proof of insurance, or a driver improvement course — not a new test.
What if I moved out of Maine after my license was suspended?
You can still reinstate your Maine license by mail or phone. Contact the BMV, pay what you owe, and send in any required documents. Once reinstated, your Maine license remains valid. If you now live in another state and want to transfer your license, you will need to do that through your new state's DMV after your Maine license is reinstated.