What to bring when you renew in Maine

To renew your Maine driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Maine residency. The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) also requires you to pass a vision test at the time of renewal, so bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. Your name on the document must match the name on your process. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You do not need to bring proof of Social Security number if your number is already on file with the BMV from a previous license or ID. If you're unsure whether it's on file, call the BMV at 207-624-9000 before you go in.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your current Maine license, proof of Social Security number, and a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address.
  • You must pass a vision test in person at the BMV office, so bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.
  • If your name has changed, bring the certified document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
  • You can renew in person at any BMV office or by mail if you meet certain conditions, such as being under 65 and not needing a new photo.
  • Renewal fees are $35 for a four-year license or $70 for an eight-year license; the BMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Renewing by mail versus in person

Maine allows you to renew by mail if you meet specific conditions. You must be under 65 years old, your current license must not be expired by more than five years, and you must not need a new photo. If you're renewing by mail, send your current license, a completed process for Renewal of License form (available on the Maine BMV website), and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

If you do not meet the mail-renewal conditions, or if you prefer to renew in person, visit any BMV office in Maine. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The BMV offices in larger cities like Portland and Bangor tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon. You can find the full list of office locations and hours on the Maine BMV website.

Renewing in person takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you're called. The vision test is quick — you'll read letters on a screen — and the photo is taken on the spot. Your new license is issued when ready, though you may receive a temporary paper license if the photo processing takes longer than expected.

How long your renewal takes

If you renew in person at a BMV office, you receive your new license the same day. If you renew by mail, allow two to three weeks for the BMV to process your process and mail your new license to you. During busy periods, processing can take longer, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.

Your current license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, even if you've submitted a renewal process. If your new license arrives before your old one expires, you can start using it right away. If your old license expires before the new one arrives, you can show the BMV's receipt or your mailed process as proof of renewal if you're stopped by law enforcement.

Fees and payment methods

A four-year Maine driver's license costs $35 to renew. An eight-year license costs $70. The BMV accepts cash, personal checks, debit cards, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express) at in-person offices. If you're renewing by mail, send a check or money order only — do not send cash.

Some BMV offices have ATMs on-site if you need cash, but not all do. Call ahead to confirm before you visit. If you're paying by card at an office, there is no additional processing fee.

Changes to your name, address, or medical information

If you're renewing and your address has changed, you must provide proof of your new Maine residency. The BMV will update your address on your new license at no extra cost. If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring the certified document proving the change and the BMV will print your new name on your renewed license.

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — such as vision loss, hearing loss, or a seizure disorder — you may need to provide a medical report from your doctor. The BMV will tell you at the time of renewal whether a report is required. Some conditions result in restrictions on your license, such as corrective lenses required or daylight driving only.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail. You must renew in person at a BMV office and pass the written knowledge test and the road test, just as if you were getting a license for the first time. This is treated as a new license process, not a renewal.

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew by mail or in person using the renewal process. There is no penalty for renewing a license that has been expired for a few months, but you should not drive with an expired license. Once your renewal is processed, your new license is valid from the date of issue.

Real ID compliance and passport cards

Maine driver's licenses issued after May 3, 2023 are Real ID compliant, which means they can be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If your current license was issued before that date, your new renewed license will automatically be Real ID compliant — you do not need to do anything extra or pay an additional fee.

If you want a Real ID passport card instead of a driver's license, that is a separate document and requires a different process process. A passport card is not a driver's license and cannot be used to drive. The BMV does not issue passport cards; you obtain them through the U.S. State Department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Maine does not offer online renewal. You must renew either in person at a BMV office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster if you need your license quickly.

What if I lost my current license?

If you've lost your license, you cannot use the renewal process. You must explore for a replacement license at a BMV office. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. A replacement license costs $35 for four years or $70 for eight years.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

No appointment is required at Maine BMV offices. Walk-ins are accepted during all business hours. However, some offices may have longer wait times during peak hours. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan your visit.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No, you must renew your license yourself. You cannot authorize someone else to renew it on your behalf. If you are unable to visit a BMV office in person, renewing by mail is your only option.

What if my vision test fails?

If you fail the vision test at the BMV, your license will not be renewed until you correct the vision problem. You can return to the BMV with glasses or contacts and retake the test. If you cannot pass even with correction, the BMV will restrict your license or deny renewal, and you may need a medical evaluation from an eye doctor.