Where the Caribou DMV is located and what it handles

The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in Caribou is located at 364 Main Street, Caribou, ME 04736. This is a full-service regional office that handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, title work, and most other motor vehicle transactions you would need in Aroostook County and surrounding areas.

Caribou is the northernmost major DMV office in Maine, serving the region above Bangor. If you live in Presque Isle, Houlton, Fort Kent, or the surrounding towns, Caribou is typically your closest option, though some services can also be handled by mail or through the Maine BMV website.

The office does not handle commercial driver's license (CDL) testing — that requires a trip to a larger regional center. However, CDL written tests can be scheduled in Caribou if you have already passed the knowledge exam elsewhere and need to complete the skills portion.

Key Takeaways

  • The Caribou BMV office is at 364 Main Street and handles driver's licenses, registration, titles, and most standard motor vehicle transactions for northern Maine.
  • Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but you should call ahead or check the Maine BMV website because hours can change seasonally.
  • Many transactions require an appointment, and the wait for walk-in service can be several hours during peak times, especially in winter.
  • You can renew your license or registration by mail or online if you meet certain conditions, which often saves a trip to Caribou.
  • The office is closed on state holidays and occasionally for staff training, so verify it is open before making the drive.

Hours, phone number, and how to reach the office

The Caribou BMV office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed weekends and state holidays. Hours can shift seasonally or for staff training, so calling ahead is worth the time.

You can reach the Caribou office at (207) 493-3900. The main Maine BMV customer service line is (207) 624-9000, and staff there can also answer questions about what documents you need or whether you can handle your transaction by mail or online.

The office does not take appointments through a phone system — you call to ask questions or confirm hours, then arrive during business hours. Walk-in service is first-come, first-served, but the wait can stretch to two or three hours during busy periods, particularly in late winter when people renew registrations before spring.

What documents you need for a driver's license

For a new Maine driver's license or a license renewal that requires an in-person visit, bring a proof of identity (passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Maine residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

If you are renewing a license that is not expired or does not require a new photo, you may be able to renew by mail or online without a trip to Caribou. The Maine BMV website shows which renewals may have access to for mail-in or online processing.

If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic flights after May 2025), you need the same documents plus a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport. Real ID processing takes longer than a standard license, so plan for a longer visit or ask whether the Caribou office can mail it to you.

Vehicle registration and title work at Caribou

To register a vehicle in Maine at the Caribou office, bring the vehicle's title (or a bill of sale if you are registering a new purchase), proof of Maine residency, your driver's license, and proof of insurance. Maine requires liability insurance before you can register, and the BMV will verify coverage with your insurer.

If you are titling a vehicle for the first time in Maine, bring the out-of-state title or manufacturer's certificate of origin, a bill of sale, and a completed process for Title (Form 14). The Caribou office can provide the form or you can read it from the Maine BMV website before you arrive.

Registration renewals can often be handled by mail or online if your vehicle information has not changed and your license is valid. The BMV sends renewal notices 30 to 45 days before expiration, and you can renew through the website or by mailing the notice with payment. This saves a trip to Caribou for most people.

License plate options and specialty plates

Maine offers standard white-and-blue plates, vanity plates (custom text, subject to approval), and several specialty plates including military veteran, disabled person, and conservation-themed designs. The Caribou office can process all of these, though vanity plate approval can take a few weeks.

If you want a specialty plate, you pay an additional fee beyond standard registration. The Caribou office staff can show you the available designs and explain the cost difference. Some specialty plates support state programs — for example, proceeds from certain conservation plates go to wildlife habitat.

Replacement plates (if yours are damaged or lost) are issued on the spot at Caribou for a small fee. Bring your registration and driver's license.

Handling a move to or from Caribou

If you are moving to Maine from another state, you have 30 days to register your vehicle and obtain a Maine driver's license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Maine residency (a lease or utility bill), and your vehicle's title or bill of sale. The Caribou office can process both in one visit.

If you are moving within Maine and your address changes, you can update your driver's license and registration at the Caribou office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and your vehicle registration. Many address changes can also be handled online through the Maine BMV website.

If you are moving out of Maine, you do not need to notify the Maine BMV, but you should register your vehicle in your new state within the timeframe that state requires. Your Maine registration and license remain valid until they expire.

When to use mail, online, or phone instead of visiting Caribou

The Maine BMV website allows you to renew a driver's license, renew vehicle registration, update your address, order a duplicate license, and pay certain fees without leaving home. If your transaction qualifies for online processing, this is faster than driving to Caribou, especially in winter.

License and registration renewals by mail are also an option if you do not meet the online requirements. The BMV sends renewal notices with instructions, and you can mail the form and payment back. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days.

If you have a question about whether your specific transaction can be handled remotely, call the Caribou office or the main BMV line. Staff can often tell you on the phone whether you need to visit in person or whether mail or online is an option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment at the Caribou DMV?

Appointments are not required, but the office operates on a first-come, first-served basis for walk-ins. Waits can be long during busy periods. Call ahead to ask about current wait times, and consider visiting early in the day or mid-week if you can.

Can I renew my license or registration by mail from Caribou?

Yes, if you meet the requirements. The Maine BMV website shows which renewals may have access to for mail processing. You can also renew online if your license or registration is not expired and you have not had a major change (like a name change or address move). Call the Caribou office if you are unsure whether your situation qualifies.

What if I need a commercial driver's license?

The Caribou office does not conduct CDL skills tests. You will need to travel to a larger regional testing center, such as Bangor or Augusta. However, you can take the CDL written exam in Caribou if you have already scheduled it. Call the office to ask about CDL testing locations nearest to you.

How long does it take to get a Real ID license in Caribou?

Real ID processing takes longer than a standard license renewal — typically 7 to 10 business days if mailed, or longer if there are questions about your documents. Ask the Caribou office whether they can issue it on the spot or whether it will be mailed to you. Bring all required documents (birth certificate, proof of identity, proof of residency, and Social Security proof) to avoid delays.

Is the Caribou office open on holidays?

No, the office is closed on all state holidays and occasionally for staff training. Check the Maine BMV website or call ahead before making the drive, especially around major holidays or in early January when the office sometimes closes for administrative work.