Where to renew your Maine license and what you'll need

You can renew your Maine driver's license either in person at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office or by mail, depending on your situation. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes at a BMV location; the mail route takes two to three weeks but requires no office visit. Not everyone can use mail renewal — you must have a valid license that hasn't been suspended or revoked, and you can't renew by mail more than twice in a row.

Before you go to a BMV office or prepare a mail packet, gather your current Maine license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing an REAL ID license, you'll also need to bring an original or certified birth certificate and proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return works.

The BMV offices are located in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland. You can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. If you prefer to schedule ahead, you can book a time slot on the Maine BMV website. The renewal fee is $65 for a standard five-year license or $130 for a ten-year license.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any of Maine's four BMV offices or by mail if your license is valid and you haven't renewed by mail twice in a row.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to any in-person renewal.
  • REAL ID renewals require an original or certified birth certificate in addition to the standard documents.
  • In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes; mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same as in-person.

Renewing in person at a BMV office

Walk into any BMV office with your documents and a completed process for Operator License or Identification Card (Form 14). You can fill this out at home before you arrive or at the office. The staff will take your photo, verify your information, and process your payment. Your new license will be mailed to you within five to seven business days.

If you're renewing a REAL ID license in person, the process is the same but takes slightly longer because the staff must verify your birth certificate and Social Security documentation. Bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted. If you're changing from a standard license to a REAL ID license, or vice versa, tell the staff when you arrive so they can adjust your process.

The four BMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours. The Augusta office is the largest and typically has the shortest waits on weekday mornings. If you're renewing near your license expiration date, plan to go early in the week to avoid the rush.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, complete Form 14 and mail it along with your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 101 Hospital Street, Augusta, ME 04330. Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the BMV can return your documents.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the BMV receives your packet. Your new license will arrive in a separate envelope. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years. You also cannot use mail renewal more than twice in a row — after two mail renewals, you must renew in person at a BMV office.

If you're renewing a REAL ID license by mail, you cannot do so — REAL ID renewals must happen in person because the staff must see your original birth certificate and verify your Social Security information. If your current license is a standard license and you want to switch to REAL ID, you must go to a BMV office.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it using the same process as a current license — in person or by mail. The fee is the same. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew; you must explore for a new license, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a road test. Contact a BMV office to schedule the road test appointment.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the BMV to find out the reason and what you need to do to restore your driving privileges. Suspensions and revocations have different requirements — some require payment of a reinstatement fee, others require completion of a course or a hearing.

REAL ID versus standard license renewal

Maine offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. A standard license does not meet these standards. Both are valid for driving in Maine.

If your current license is a standard license and you want to renew it as a standard license, bring only your current license, proof of residency, and Social Security number. If you want to upgrade to a REAL ID during renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency, an original or certified birth certificate, and proof of your Social Security number. The fee is the same for both types.

If your current license is a REAL ID and you want to renew it as a REAL ID, bring your current license, proof of residency, an original or certified birth certificate, and proof of your Social Security number. You must renew a REAL ID in person — mail renewal is not an option. If you want to downgrade to a standard license, you can do so in person or by mail using the standard renewal process.

What to do if you lose your license before renewal

If your license is lost or stolen before you renew it, you can still renew by mail using the same process, but you'll need to include a statement explaining that your license is lost or stolen. Write a brief note on a separate sheet of paper and include it with your renewal packet. The BMV will process your renewal and issue a new license.

If you prefer to renew in person after losing your license, bring your proof of residency and Social Security number along with any other identification you have — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. The staff will verify your identity and process your renewal. You do not need to file a separate report of a lost or stolen license before renewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Maine does not offer online license renewal. You can renew only in person at a BMV office or by mail. You can check the status of a mail renewal on the Maine BMV website if you have your confirmation number.

How long is my license valid after I renew it?

A standard Maine driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue. A ten-year license is valid for ten years. Your new license will show the expiration date on the front. You can renew up to six months before your current license expires.

What if I need my license before the mail renewal arrives?

If you renew by mail and need to drive before your new license arrives, you can bring your confirmation receipt to a BMV office and request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

No appointment is required — you can walk into any BMV office during business hours. However, you can book a time slot on the Maine BMV website to reduce your wait time. Appointments are available but not required.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring your new proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) to your renewal appointment or include it with your mail renewal packet. The BMV will update your address on your new license at no extra charge.