How to Change Your Address at the DMV in Maine

Moving within Maine or into the state means updating your address with the agency that handles your driver’s license and vehicle records. In Maine, doing this correctly helps you avoid missed notices, registration problems, and potential citations.

This guide walks through how a Maine DMV change of address works, what to expect, and how to handle special situations.

State Verification Block: Who Handles Address Changes in Maine?

In Maine, the “DMV” functions are handled by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), part of the Department of the Secretary of State.

In Maine, this is typically handled in two main categories:

• Driver-related records:
  Driver’s license, learner’s permit, state ID
• Vehicle-related records:
  Registration and title for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles

Depending on your situation in Maine, you may need to update:

• Your driver’s license/ID address
• Your vehicle registration and title address

These are both maintained by the Maine BMV, but they do not always update automatically together. Many drivers in Maine find that they must confirm each record type separately to be sure everything is current.

Because smaller towns in Maine may only have limited BMV services, it’s important to:

• Confirm that the office you plan to visit handles the transaction you need
• Check service options online first, as some address changes can be handled without visiting a branch

You can locate official BMV information and online services by visiting the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website at:
https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/

Why Updating Your Address Matters in Maine

In Maine, your address on file with the BMV is used for:

• Driver’s license validity
• Vehicle registration and title records
• Official mailings, like renewal notices and suspension notices
• Notices of toll violations or traffic-related correspondence, if applicable

If your address is outdated, you might:

• Miss registration renewal or inspection reminders
• Miss license renewal notices
• Have law enforcement records show the wrong residence, which can cause confusion during traffic stops
• Fail to receive important legal or administrative notices

Depending on your county in Maine, local law enforcement and courts often rely directly on BMV records when sending notices. Keeping your information accurate helps avoid misunderstandings and extra steps if you ever need to prove you did not receive mail.

For new residents in Maine, updating your address is also a key step in:

• Establishing residency for driving and vehicle purposes
• Aligning your records with where you actually live and garage your vehicle

What You’ll Need for a Maine DMV Change of Address

Requirements vary slightly by method (online, in person, mail), but in Maine you can generally expect to need:

• Your current Maine driver’s license or state ID information
  • License or ID number
  • Full legal name as it appears on your card
• Your vehicle information (if updating registration/title)
  • License plate number
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (sometimes requested)
  • Year, make, and model of the vehicle
• Your new physical address in Maine
  • Street address (no P.O. Box as the only address for a license in many cases)
  • City or town
  • ZIP code
• Mailing address (if different)
  • Many residents in rural Maine use a P.O. Box for mail, so the BMV may collect both a physical location and a mailing address
• Proof of new address, if required for your method
  Examples of documents that are commonly accepted in many states include:
  • Utility bill or lease agreement in your name
  • Bank statement
  • Pay stub or official mail from a government agency
    (Check current Maine BMV guidelines to see which documents are acceptable.)
• Your Social Security number or partial SSN, if requested for identity verification
• Payment method, if a new card, duplicate license, or corrected registration is being issued and there is a fee

In Maine, this is typically handled with straightforward documentation, but requirements can change. Always check the current BMV instructions before you go or apply.

Why Maine BMV Address Requests Get Rejected

Address change requests in Maine can be rejected if:

• The new address is incomplete or not recognized
  (Missing apartment number, incorrect ZIP code, or non-standard rural route details)
• The name and license information do not match BMV records
• You are trying to use a P.O. Box as the only address, where a physical address is required
• Supporting documents don’t meet current standards (if proof of address is required)
• You submitted through the wrong channel (for example, trying to do a transaction online that requires in-person verification, such as some Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) changes)

To avoid issues, residents in Maine often verify their address format with their local post office or town office before submitting a change to the BMV, especially in areas with rural routes and private roads.

Step-by-Step Options to Change Your Address in Maine

The exact process may differ depending on:

• Whether you are only changing your mailing address,
• Moving within Maine with a Maine license and Maine registration, or
• Moving into Maine and obtaining Maine credentials for the first time.

There are generally three ways to handle a DMV change of address Maine transaction:

1. Online, for eligible drivers and vehicles
2. In person, at a BMV branch or authorized municipal office
3. By mail, if Maine BMV allows it for your specific type of record

In Maine, this is typically handled with separate steps for driver’s license/ID and vehicle registration/title, even though both are under the BMV.

1. Online Address Change in Maine (If Eligible)

Many drivers in Maine find that updating their address online is the fastest option, when available.

To explore online options:

1. Go to the official Maine BMV website
   • Navigate to the online services area.
   • Look for links related to “change of address,” “driver license services,” or “vehicle services.”
2. Select the correct service
   • There may be separate online tools to:
     • Update driver’s license/ID address
     • Update vehicle registration/mailing address
3. Enter your personal information
   Typically, you’ll need:
   • License or ID number
   • Date of birth
   • Last four digits of your Social Security number (in many states)
4. Enter your new address
   • Include physical address and mailing address if they are different.
   • Double-check spelling, apartment or lot numbers, and ZIP code.
5. Review whether a new card or document will be issued
   • Some online address changes only update the record on file, without sending a new physical card.
   • Other services may allow you to order a replacement license or ID with the new address.
6. Pay any required fee, if you request a new card or new registration document.
7. Save your confirmation
   • Print or save an electronic receipt or email confirming the change.

If you cannot find a specific Maine DMV change of address form online, it may mean that Maine handles these updates entirely within the online portal instead of a downloadable PDF.

If you’re uncertain which online option applies to you, search the Maine BMV site for phrases like “change of address” or “address change for driver license” to locate the most current instructions.

2. In-Person Address Change at a Maine BMV Office

In-person service may be required if:

• You are getting your first Maine license after moving from another state
• You have a CDL or certain endorsements
• You need to update both name and address together
• Online services indicate you are not eligible for electronic updates
• Your identity or residence needs in-person verification

In Maine, this is typically handled either at:

• A full-service BMV branch, often in larger cities, or
• A municipal agent office that processes certain vehicle registrations and renewals

To update your address in person:

1. Locate an appropriate BMV or municipal office
   • Check the Maine BMV website for current office locations and which services each location offers.
2. Bring required documents
   • Current driver’s license or ID
   • Vehicle registration(s) if you are updating vehicle records
   • Proof of your new Maine address, if required
   • Any other identification documents currently listed as required on the BMV site
3. Request an address change for your driver’s license/ID
   • Complete any forms the office provides (these may be paper forms rather than a specific downloadable Maine DMV change of address form).
4. Request an address change for your vehicle registration/title
   • Provide your license plate number and vehicle information.
   • Ask staff to confirm that your registration and title will be updated or whether any extra steps are needed.
5. Review whether a replacement card or new registration document will be issued
   • A small fee may apply for a duplicate license or updated registration.
   • You may receive a temporary document on the spot.
6. Confirm both records were updated
   • Before leaving, ask staff to verify:
     • Your driver record address
     • Your vehicle record address

Depending on your county in Maine, some smaller municipal offices can handle only certain registration transactions. If you have both license and registration needs, it’s often best to select a full-service BMV branch.

3. Address Change by Mail in Maine (If Available)

Some types of address updates may be handled by mail, especially where a physical visit is difficult for residents in rural parts of Maine. Whether this is allowed and which records are eligible can change.

If mail-in updates are permitted:

1. Find the official instructions on the Maine BMV website
   • Look for a section covering address changes or a mailing address for “Driver License Services” or “Registration Services.”
2. Obtain the correct form or follow listed instructions
   • There may be a specific mail-in form or a list of details you must include in a letter (full name, license number, VIN, etc.).
3. Include copies of any required documents
   • Proof of new address (if required)
   • Photocopy of your current license or registration (if permitted)
4. Mail your request
   • Use the address listed on the BMV site.
   • Consider sending it with tracking if it’s time-sensitive.
5. Allow processing time and then verify
   • After a reasonable period, you can check your updated address status using BMV online services or by calling the BMV contact number listed on the official site.

If you do not see clear mail-in instructions on the Maine BMV site, assume that online or in-person are the primary options and contact the BMV directly to ask if mail is allowed for your situation.

Do License, Registration, and Title Update Together in Maine?

In Maine, this is typically handled as separate record updates, even though they are in the same system:

• Driver’s license/ID address: Must be updated on your driver record.
• Vehicle registration and title address: Must be updated on your vehicle record.

Updating one does not always automatically update the other, especially if you use:

• A different mailing address for registration than for your license
• A P.O. Box for mailing and a rural route for physical residence

To avoid confusion, Maine drivers often:

• Update driver’s license/ID first
• Then confirm or update their registration and title record
• Document the date and method used for each change

You can confirm current policy on linked updates by checking the Maine BMV’s FAQs or contacting the BMV directly.

After You Submit Your Address Change

Once you’ve completed your address change through the Maine BMV:

What Usually Happens Next

• Your BMV record is updated
  The internal database for your driver’s license or registration will reflect your new address.
• A new card or registration document may be issued
  Depending on the type of change and method:
  • You might get a new license/ID card with the updated address
  • Or you might receive only a confirmation or sticker, or no physical change at all if records-only updates are allowed
• You may receive a confirmation by email or regular mail
  This depends on whether you made the change online, by mail, or in person.

For residents scattered across Maine’s more rural regions, mail delivery can vary. To reduce confusion, keep:

• A copy of your online confirmation, if used
• Any receipts or temporary documents provided by a BMV branch

How to Verify Your Address Was Updated

In Maine, this is typically handled by:

• Checking your information through an online BMV service, if available
• Contacting the BMV and confirming that:
  • Your driver record shows the correct address
  • All active vehicle registrations associated with you show the correct address

It can be helpful to verify your address again before your next renewal, especially if you have multiple vehicles registered in Maine.

Special Situations for Maine Address Changes

Certain categories of drivers and residents in Maine may face additional steps when changing their address.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Holders

For CDL drivers:

• In many states, CDL address changes require in-person verification due to federal and state regulations.
• In Maine, this is typically handled at full-service BMV branches that process CDL transactions.
• You may need additional documentation to show:
  • Proof of Maine residency
  • Continued eligibility for any endorsements (such as hazardous materials, if applicable)

Check the Maine BMV’s CDL section for the most current requirements before you go.

Active-Duty Military and Their Families

If you’re in the military and stationed in or outside of Maine:

• Your legal residence and current physical station may differ.
• Depending on your status and whether you claim Maine residency, the address on your Maine license or registration may be treated differently.
• You may need to clarify:
  • Whether you must keep a Maine address on your license
  • Whether your vehicle must be registered in Maine or another state

Because military-related rules can be specific, consider checking the Maine BMV’s information for military personnel or contacting them directly for clarification.

College and University Students in Maine

Many students in Maine find that they:

• Keep a permanent address with family elsewhere, but
• Spend most of the year at a campus or off-campus address in Maine

Key considerations:

• Whether you should update your license address to your Maine school address or keep your home-state license
• Whether your vehicle should be registered in Maine if it is principally garaged in the state

Universities in Maine sometimes provide guidance on local vehicle registration expectations; combining that with BMV information can help you decide.

New Residents Who Just Moved to Maine

If you recently moved into Maine from another state:

• You will typically need to:
  • Obtain a Maine driver’s license
  • Register and title your vehicle in Maine, if you keep it here
• This is not just an address change. It’s a new issuance and registration process.

In Maine, this is typically handled at full-service BMV branches. Be prepared with:

• Your out-of-state license
• Your out-of-state title/registration
• Proof of Maine residency (such as a lease, utility bill, or other accepted document)

P.O. Boxes and Rural Routes

Many residents in Maine, especially in northern and coastal towns, rely on:

• P.O. Boxes
• Rural route addresses
• Private roads with non-standard naming

Important points:

• Maine BMV may require a physical residential address for your driver’s license record, even if your mailing address is a P.O. Box.
• You may have to list:
  • Physical address for residence
  • Mailing address for contact, if different

If your address is tricky—for example, a camp road with no clear number—checking with your town office or local post office before submitting your change can help ensure the address is recognized by the system.

Changing Your Name and Address at the Same Time

If you’ve recently:

• Married or divorced
• Legally changed your name

and you’re also moving, Maine may require:

• In-person service so staff can verify your legal name change documents (such as a marriage certificate or court order) and your new address.
• Updating both:
  • Name on your license/ID
  • Name and address on your vehicle title and registration

In Maine, this is typically handled with more than one step, so plan for extra time and bring all original documents required by the BMV.

Troubleshooting: If Your Address Change Doesn’t Go Through

Things sometimes go wrong with a Maine DMV change of address request. Here’s what to look for and how to fix common issues.

1. Online Address Change Rejected

If the online system won’t accept your change:

• Check your information
  • Verify your license number, date of birth, and last four of your SSN.
• Simplify or correct your address format
  • Remove punctuation or abbreviations not recognized by the system.
  • Make sure it matches what the U.S. Postal Service recognizes for your area in Maine.
• Confirm eligibility
  • Some license types, such as CDL or certain restricted licenses, may not be eligible for online address changes.
• Try again later or use another method
  • If the system continues to reject the request, plan to update your address in person or contact the BMV for guidance.

2. You Submitted, but the Address Isn’t Updated

If you completed an online or mail-in request but your address still appears old:

1. Allow processing time
   • Some updates are not instantaneous, especially for mail-in requests.
2. Check more than one record
   • Your driver’s license record may be updated, but your registration record might not be.
3. Contact the BMV
   • Provide:
     • Your full name
     • License number
     • Date of your address change request
   • Ask staff to confirm whether:
     • The change was processed but not reflected online
     • Additional documentation is needed

3. Rejected Request Due to Documentation

If the BMV notifies you that your address change cannot be processed:

• Read the notice carefully
  • It may specify what went wrong (missing proof of address, mismatched name, ineligible online request).
• Gather acceptable documentation
  • If proof of address was insufficient, use documents specifically recommended on the Maine BMV site.
• Resubmit using the method requested
  • If they instruct you to appear in person, bring all supporting papers to a BMV branch.
• Keep all rejection or explanation letters
  • These can help resolve future questions about timelines and your efforts to comply.

4. License Updated but Registration Did Not (or Vice Versa)

This situation is common when address changes are done in separate systems or at different times.

If your license address is updated but registration still shows the old address:

• Log back into online services (if available) and look for a specific option to “change vehicle registration address.”
• Verify each vehicle
  • If you own multiple vehicles registered in Maine, double-check that each one has the new address.
• Call or visit a BMV office
  • Ask staff specifically to confirm your vehicle record address, not just your driver record.

If your registration is updated but license is not:

• Use the BMV’s driver services tools or visit an office to request an update to your driver’s license address.
• Ask whether you should request a new license card with the updated information.

5. You Moved Out of Maine

If you’ve moved to another state from Maine:

• You’ll generally:
  • Obtain a new driver’s license from your new state
  • Register and title your vehicle in your new state
• Your former Maine records may stay on file for a period, but you typically don’t need to file a Maine address change for a move out of state once you’ve fully transferred your license and registration.

To minimize confusion:

• Return or properly destroy old Maine plates if your new state or Maine BMV recommends it.
• Confirm with your new state’s DMV that they have taken over your driver and vehicle records from Maine.

Simple Reference Table: Common Maine Address Change Paths

Keeping your address accurate with the Maine BMV helps ensure that your license, registration, and title all reflect where you actually live and receive mail. Start by deciding whether online, in-person, or mail works best for your situation, then gather your license details, vehicle information, and proof of address.

Once you’ve updated your information, verify that both your driver’s record and any vehicle records show the correct address. If anything doesn’t look right, follow up directly with the Maine BMV or use its online services at https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/ to review the most current instructions and options.