How Maine Reinstates a Suspended or Revoked License
Maine's Bureau of Motor Vehicles handles license reinstatement through a formal process that depends on why your license was suspended or revoked in the first place. You cannot straightforward renew; you must go through reinstatement, which involves paying a fee, meeting specific conditions (like completing a safety course or paying fines), and submitting proof to the BMV. The timeline varies — some suspensions lift automatically after a set period, while others require you to take action before the BMV will restore your driving privileges.
The first step is finding out the exact reason for your suspension or revocation and what conditions you must meet. You can call the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 207-624-9000 or visit their office in Augusta to get this information. They will tell you the reinstatement fee (typically $50 to $100, depending on the reason), any courses you must complete, and the date your suspension ends if it is time-based.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles directly to learn the reason for your suspension and the exact steps required for reinstatement.
- Reinstatement fees range from $50 to $100, and you must pay this fee even if your suspension period has ended.
- Some suspensions require you to complete a defensive driving course or substance abuse program before the BMV will reinstate your license.
- You can submit reinstatement paperwork by mail, in person at the BMV office in Augusta, or through their online portal if you meet certain conditions.
Reasons for Suspension and What Each Requires
Maine suspends licenses for different reasons, and each has its own reinstatement path. The most common are suspension for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, suspension for failure to pay child support, suspension for drug-related convictions, suspension for accumulating too many points from traffic violations, and suspension for refusing or failing a breath test (OUI-related). A few suspensions are automatic once the time period ends; most require you to take action.
If your suspension is for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay what you owe to the court that issued the ticket. The court will notify the BMV once payment is received. If your suspension is for child support arrears, you must contact the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to arrange payment or a payment plan; they will notify the BMV when the matter is resolved. If your suspension is OUI-related (operating under the influence), you will need to complete a substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment before reinstatement is possible.
Point-based suspensions occur when you accumulate 12 or more points within a 12-month period. Once your suspension period ends (usually 30 days for a first suspension), you can request reinstatement by paying the fee and submitting a form to the BMV. Drug-related suspensions typically require completion of a substance abuse program and may require an evaluation before the BMV will reinstate your license.
Steps to Reinstate Your License
Step 1: Verify your suspension details. Call the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 207-624-9000 or visit their website to confirm the reason, the reinstatement fee, and any conditions you must meet. Write down the suspension date, the reason code, and the name of the person who helped you — this makes follow-up easier if you have questions later.
Step 2: Complete any required courses or programs. If your suspension requires a defensive driving course, substance abuse program, or evaluation, complete it before you submit your reinstatement request. Keep the completion certificate or letter from the program provider; you will need to send it with your reinstatement paperwork. Some programs (like OUI evaluations) must be done through approved providers — the BMV can give you a list.
Step 3: Pay any outstanding fines, court costs, or child support. Contact the court or agency involved and pay what you owe. Ask for written confirmation of payment and keep it for your records. The agency will notify the BMV, but having proof in your file speeds the process.
Step 4: Submit your reinstatement request and fee. You can do this by mail, in person, or online. To submit by mail, send a check or money order for the reinstatement fee, your driver's license (if you still have it), and any required documents (completion certificates, proof of payment, court orders) to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 101 Hospital Street, Augusta, ME 04330. Include a cover letter stating your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. To submit in person, visit the BMV office in Augusta during business hours with the same documents and payment. Online submission is available through the Maine BMV website if your suspension is for certain reasons — check their site to see if yours qualifies.
Step 5: Wait for processing and notification. The BMV typically processes reinstatement requests within 5 to 10 business days if all documents are in order. You will receive written notification by mail confirming that your license has been reinstated. Once you receive this notice, you can drive legally again.
What Happens If Your Suspension Is Time-Based
Some suspensions end automatically after a set period — for example, a first point-based suspension usually lasts 30 days, and a suspension for refusing a breath test lasts 12 months. However, the suspension does not lift on its own; you must request reinstatement and pay the fee. The BMV will not contact you when the time period ends. If you wait too long after the suspension period ends, you risk driving on a suspended license without realizing it, which is a separate criminal offense.
Check the date your suspension ends by calling the BMV or checking your suspension notice. Once that date has passed, submit your reinstatement request when ready. Do not assume your license is valid again just because the time has elapsed.
Reinstatement by Mail, In Person, or Online
Mailing your reinstatement request takes the longest but works if you cannot visit Augusta. Include your driver's license, a check or money order for the reinstatement fee, all required documents (certificates, proof of payment), and a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and license number. Mail it to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 101 Hospital Street, Augusta, ME 04330. Allow 10 to 15 business days for processing plus mail time.
Visiting the BMV office in person is faster. The office is located at 101 Hospital Street, Augusta, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bring your driver's license, payment (check, money order, or debit/credit card), and all required documents. You can usually complete the process in one visit, though you will still receive written confirmation by mail.
Online reinstatement through the Maine BMV website is the fastest option if your suspension reason qualifies. Not all suspension types can be handled online — check the BMV website or call to confirm yours can be. If it can, you will pay the fee by credit or debit card and upload your documents electronically. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days.
Fees and What to Bring
The reinstatement fee is $50 for most suspensions, though it can be higher for certain violations. Bring or send a check or money order made out to "Treasurer, State of Maine" — the BMV does not accept cash by mail. If you are paying in person or online, you can use a debit or credit card. Some courts or agencies may also require you to pay fines or costs directly to them before the BMV will reinstate your license; these are separate from the BMV reinstatement fee.
Bring or send your current driver's license (or a copy if you no longer have it), proof of completion for any required courses or programs, proof of payment for any fines or child support, and a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and license number. If you are missing any of these, contact the BMV before submitting — incomplete requests are returned, which delays reinstatement by another 5 to 10 days.
What to Do If Your Request Is Denied or Delayed
If the BMV denies your reinstatement request, they will send you a written explanation. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, unpaid fines that the court has not yet reported to the BMV, or failure to complete a required program. Read the denial letter carefully and contact the BMV to ask what is missing. You can then resubmit once you have corrected the issue.
If your request is delayed beyond 10 business days, call the BMV at 207-624-9000 to check the status. Have your driver's license number and the date you submitted your request ready. If there is an error in their system or a missing document, they can often resolve it over the phone and expedite processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot drive legally until the BMV sends you written confirmation that your license has been reinstated. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Maine, even if your reinstatement request is pending. Wait for the written notice before you drive.
Do I have to take a written test or road test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement does not require a written or road test. You only need to meet the conditions specific to your suspension (paying fines, completing a course, etc.) and pay the reinstatement fee. Your license will be restored to its previous status once the BMV approves your request.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles to ask about payment plans or fee waivers. Some suspensions may may have access to for reduced fees if you can demonstrate financial hardship, though this is not may provide. You can also ask if the BMV can work with you to set up a payment plan for the fee.
How long does reinstatement take if I submit everything correctly?
If you submit by mail with all required documents, expect 10 to 15 business days plus mail time. In-person submission at the BMV office typically takes 5 to 10 business days. Online submission, if your suspension qualifies, usually takes 3 to 5 business days. These timelines assume no missing documents or outstanding issues.
What if my suspension was for an OUI conviction?
OUI suspensions require completion of a substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment before reinstatement. You must use an approved evaluator — the BMV can provide a list. Once you complete the evaluation and any required treatment, submit the completion documentation along with your reinstatement fee and request. This process typically takes longer than other suspensions because the evaluation and treatment must be completed first.