Maine driver's license renewal by mail or online
Maine lets you renew your driver's license by mail or online, depending on your age and how long your current license has been valid. Most people can renew online through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website without visiting an office. If you are over 65 or your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to renew in person at a BMV office instead.
Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $35 for a five-year license or $70 for a ten-year license. Mail renewal is also available but takes longer — typically two to three weeks from the time the BMV receives your process. In-person renewal at a BMV office takes about 30 minutes and follows the same fee structure.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online if your license is current and you are under 65, and the process takes about 10 minutes.
- Maine charges $35 for a five-year license or $70 for a ten-year license, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
- If your license expired more than five years ago or you are over 65, you must renew in person at a BMV office.
- The BMV mails your new license to you within 7 to 10 business days after online or mail renewal; in-person renewal is faster but still takes a few days for mailing.
Online renewal through the Maine BMV website
To renew online, go to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website and select the license renewal option. You will need your current Maine driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address and choose your license term — five years or ten years.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you are under 65. If your address has changed, you can update it during the online process. Once you submit your process and payment, the BMV will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal and what to send
To renew by mail, read the process for Driver's License or Permit (Form 1-DL) from the Maine BMV website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash.
Mail your process to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 101 Hospital Street, Augusta, Maine 04330. Include a note with your preferred license term (five or ten years) if it is not clear on the form. The BMV will process your process and mail your new license back to you, which typically takes two to three weeks from the date they receive it. Keep a copy of your process for your records.
In-person renewal at a BMV office
If you must renew in person, visit any Maine BMV office with your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). Bring a check, money order, or debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee.
BMV offices are located in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland. You do not need an appointment for license renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The office will process your process on the spot and mail your new license to you within a few business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the office for a temporary paper license.
When you must renew in person instead of online
You cannot renew online if your current license is expired by more than five years. You also cannot renew online if you are 65 or older — the BMV requires in-person renewal for older drivers. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need to renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
If your license was suspended or revoked, you must visit a BMV office to renew. The same applies if you have an outstanding traffic fine or court order related to your driving record. Contact the BMV before you visit to confirm whether your situation requires in-person renewal.
License validity and expiration dates
A Maine driver's license is valid for five or ten years from the date of issue, depending on which term you choose at renewal. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, which is a good time to start the process if you are planning to travel or need a new license soon.
If your license expires while you are out of state or unable to renew, you can still renew by mail or online as long as your license has not been expired for more than five years. Once it has been expired for more than five years, in-person renewal becomes mandatory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Maine license if I moved out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail as long as your license is current and you are under 65. You will need to update your address during the renewal process. If you have moved permanently and want to change your address to your new state, contact the Maine BMV to discuss your options, as some states have different rules for out-of-state renewals.
What if my name changed since I got my current license?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The BMV will not process a name change by mail or online. Bring your current license and the name-change document to any BMV office.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
The BMV mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after you submit your online process. Mail delivery typically takes another 3 to 5 business days, so plan for about two weeks total. If you need to drive before it arrives, contact the BMV office to ask about a temporary paper license.
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended?
No. You must contact the Maine BMV or the court that issued the suspension to resolve the issue before you can renew. Visit a BMV office in person to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take.
What if I lose my license before my renewal arrives?
Contact the Maine BMV when ready to report it lost. You can request a replacement license in person at any BMV office. Bring your proof of identity and address. There is a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee if you have already paid for renewal.