What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate a suspended Maine driver's license, you must first contact the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles to find out why your license was suspended and what steps are required to restore it. The reason for suspension determines what you do next — some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee, others require proof of insurance, and some require you to complete a course or resolve a court case. Once you have completed all requirements, you submit proof to the BMV, and your license becomes active again.
Maine suspends licenses for several different reasons, and each has its own reinstatement path. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain auto insurance, drug-related convictions, and accumulation of too many points from traffic violations. Knowing your specific reason is the first step, because you cannot reinstate until you have addressed it.
Key Takeaways
- Call the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 207-624-9000 to learn the exact reason your license was suspended and what you must do to restore it.
- Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee to the BMV, which ranges depending on the reason for suspension.
- You may also need to provide proof of insurance, pay outstanding fines, or show proof that you have completed a required course before the BMV will reinstate your license.
- Once you have met all requirements, submit your proof to the BMV in person, by mail, or online through their website, and your license will be reinstated within a few business days.
Call the BMV to find out why your license was suspended
The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles is located in Augusta, and you can reach them by phone at 207-624-9000 during business hours. When you call, have your driver's license number ready. The BMV staff will tell you the specific reason for your suspension and provide a list of all steps you must complete before reinstatement is possible.
If you prefer not to call, you can visit the BMV office in person at 101 Hospital Street in Augusta, or you can check your suspension status online through the Maine BMV website. However, calling is usually faster because the staff can walk you through the exact requirements for your situation and answer questions about important date or fees.
Pay the reinstatement fee and any outstanding fines
Maine charges a reinstatement fee to restore a suspended license. The fee amount depends on why your license was suspended — for example, a suspension due to unpaid traffic fines has a different fee than a suspension due to failure to maintain insurance. The BMV will tell you the exact amount when you call.
If your suspension was caused by unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay those amounts in full before the BMV will reinstate your license. If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court that issued the fine to ask about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay in installments, which may make reinstatement possible sooner.
Provide proof of insurance if required
If your license was suspended because you failed to maintain auto insurance, you must show proof that you now have active coverage before reinstatement. This proof can be an insurance card, a declaration page from your insurance company, or an email confirmation from your insurer showing that your policy is in effect.
Contact your insurance company and ask them to send proof of your current coverage directly to the Maine BMV, or bring it yourself when you submit your reinstatement request. Make sure the policy is active on the date you submit it — a policy that starts in the future will not satisfy the requirement.
Complete required courses or programs
If your suspension was related to a drug or alcohol conviction, Maine may require you to complete a substance abuse evaluation or an impaired driver education program before your license can be reinstated. The BMV will tell you which program is required and provide you with a list of approved providers in your area.
Once you complete the program, the provider will send a certificate of completion to the BMV. You do not need to submit it yourself — the program handles that step. However, you should confirm with the BMV that they have received it before you proceed with your reinstatement request.
Submit your reinstatement request to the BMV
After you have completed all requirements, you can request reinstatement in three ways: in person at the BMV office in Augusta, by mail, or through the Maine BMV website. If you choose to mail your request, send it to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 101 Hospital Street, Augusta, ME 04330, along with proof that you have met all requirements.
The BMV typically processes reinstatement requests within three to five business days. Your license will be reinstated as of the date the BMV receives your completed request and all required documentation. You do not need to take a new written or road test unless your suspension was for a serious violation and the BMV specifically requires it.
What to do if you cannot meet all requirements right away
If you are unable to pay fines or fees when ready, contact the court or the BMV to ask about payment plans or hardship waivers. Some courts will work with you to set up a schedule that allows you to pay over time. The BMV may also have options if you are facing financial hardship.
While your license remains suspended, you are not permitted to drive. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Maine and carries its own penalties, including fines and possible jail time. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask the court or BMV whether a restricted license or work permit is available in your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a suspended license in Maine?
Once you have met all requirements and submitted your reinstatement request, the BMV typically processes it within three to five business days. If you are mailing your request, add time for mail delivery. Your license becomes active on the date the BMV receives and approves your request.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the BMV officially reinstates it. Driving during this period is illegal and can result in additional criminal charges. Wait for written confirmation from the BMV before you drive.
What if I lost my driver's license and my license is also suspended?
Contact the BMV to reinstate your license first. Once it is reinstated, you can request a replacement license at the same time or during a separate visit. The BMV can issue both a reinstatement and a replacement in one transaction.
Do I have to retake the written or road test to reinstate my license?
Not usually. Most suspensions do not require a new test. However, if your suspension was for a serious violation such as a DUI conviction, the BMV may require you to pass a written test or road test before reinstatement. The BMV will tell you if this applies to your case.
What if I disagree with the reason my license was suspended?
Contact the BMV to request a hearing to challenge the suspension. You must request the hearing within a certain timeframe, so call as soon as possible. The BMV will explain the process and the important date for filing your request.