How to Renew Your Maine Driver's License

Where to Renew and What You'll Need

You can renew your Maine driver's license in person at any Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office, by mail, or online through the Maine BMV website — but not all three routes are open to you depending on how much time is left on your current license and whether you've had any violations or medical suspensions.

The fastest route is online renewal if you're may be able to access: you log into your account on maine.gov/bmv, pay the renewal fee, and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office. Online renewal is open to drivers whose licenses expire more than 30 days in the future and who have no active medical suspensions or recent violations that require an in-person check.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by sending your current license, a completed process for License Renewal (Form DL-44), and the renewal fee to the BMV address listed on the form. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a BMV office takes the same day if you arrive early, though wait times vary by location and time of year.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through maine.gov/bmv is the fastest option if your license expires more than 30 days away and you have no medical suspensions or recent violations.
Mail renewal requires your current license, Form DL-44, and the renewal fee, and takes 2 to 3 weeks to process.
In-person renewal at a BMV office is same-day if you bring your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.
Your Maine driver's license is valid for 4 years, and you can renew it up to 6 months before it expires.
If your license has been expired for more than 2 years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a BMV office in person.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

The renewal fee for a standard four-year Maine driver's license is $35. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $20. You can pay by cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card at a BMV office. For mail renewal, send a check or money order only — do not send cash. For online renewal, you can pay by debit card or credit card.

If you renew online or by mail and your license arrives damaged or does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the BMV directly to request a replacement or reissue. There is no additional fee for a replacement due to damage or loss in the mail, but you will need to provide proof of the issue.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your license expired fewer than 2 years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process as a standard renewal. If your license expired more than 2 years ago, you cannot use mail or online renewal — you must visit a BMV office in person and bring your expired license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Maine, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not prevent a citation. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.

Proof of Residency and Address Changes

For in-person renewal, you must bring one document that shows your current Maine address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID with your address is also acceptable.

If you have moved since your last license was issued and are renewing by mail or online, you do not need to submit proof of residency at the time of renewal — the BMV will mail your new license to the address on file. However, if your address has changed, you should update it before you renew. You can change your address online through your BMV account, by mail using Form DL-44, or in person at a BMV office.

Medical Suspensions and Violations That Require In-Person Renewal

If your license has been suspended for medical reasons — such as a seizure disorder, vision loss, or a condition reported by a healthcare provider — you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a BMV office in person. The BMV may require you to submit a medical form completed by your doctor before your license can be renewed.

Similarly, if you have had a recent violation, suspension, or revocation on your driving record, you may be required to renew in person. This includes suspensions for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulation of points. The BMV will notify you by mail if you are not may be able to access for online or mail renewal and must appear in person.

BMV Office Locations and Hours

Maine has BMV offices in Augusta (headquarters), Bangor, Lewiston, Portland, Presque Isle, and Rockland. Each office handles renewals, but wait times and hours vary. The Augusta office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Most other offices close at 4:00 p.m. Some offices have reduced hours on certain days — check maine.gov/bmv for the specific location nearest you before you visit.

You do not need an appointment for license renewal at most BMV offices, but arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits. If you are unable to visit during standard business hours, call the office ahead to ask about evening or Saturday hours, which some locations offer seasonally.

What to Bring to a BMV Office

Bring your current driver's license, one document showing your current Maine address, and the renewal fee ($35, or $20 if you are 65 or older). If you are renewing after a medical suspension, bring the completed medical form from your doctor. If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Do not bring originals of documents like your Social Security card or birth certificate unless you are renewing after a suspension or violation and the BMV has specifically requested them. The BMV will make copies of your proof of residency and return it to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?

No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a BMV office. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. If your CDL has a medical certification, you may also need to bring a completed medical form from your doctor.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?

You can renew and request a replacement for a lost license in one transaction. Visit a BMV office in person with proof of residency and the renewal fee. The replacement fee is $20 in addition to the renewal fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

How long does it take to get my renewed license if I renew in person?

If you renew in person at a BMV office, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving until your new card arrives.

Can I renew my license if I owe unpaid traffic fines?

No. If you have unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered fees, your license will be suspended and you cannot renew it until the debt is paid. Contact the court that issued the fine to arrange payment or a payment plan, then contact the BMV to confirm your suspension has been lifted before you attempt to renew.

What if my renewal process was rejected by mail?

The BMV will return your process and current license by mail with a letter explaining why it was rejected — usually because a required document was missing or your address could not be verified. Follow the instructions in the letter to correct the issue, then resubmit or visit a BMV office in person to complete the renewal.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.