Driver's License Renewal/Replacement Maine

Generally, your Driver’s License, Registration, and Maine license plates should be renewed once every six years. However, for now, some drivers are now able to renew their permits for a period of 4 years.
In short, your expiration date will always coincide with your birthday.
About 45 days before the due date is near the BMV will send you a reminder notification with the expiration date and renewal details. The renewal notice will be mailed to the address on file with the BMV. Please notify the BMV of any changes in your address.
However, it’s always recommended to renew it not later than 6 months before the due date.
Now, let’s look at the renewal options.

In-Person

In Maine, you may pay a visit to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and submit an application for renewing your permit. You have to complete the following steps:
  • Get to the nearest BMV office.
  • Submit your Social Security Number.
  • Take proof of identity with you.
  • Pass a vision screening test. Make sure to pass it every time you update your info. It is free of charge in BMV.
  • Provide documents showing you have no current suspension for your permit.
  • Make the necessary payments.
The renewal fee is $30 for six years and $21 for four years. After you have successfully submitted the info and got approved, you’ll receive your new records within three weeks via mail.

Online

The quickest and most comfortable way of renewing still remains online services. To complete the process, however, you must first have a digital license. If so, make sure you meet the following criteria and you can submit the required info:
  • First of all, you have to have a valid Social Security Card.
  • You have to pass a vision test. (It’s free at any office of BMV)
  • The state doesn’t accept CDL applications.
  • Provide proof of residency.
Make sure not to miss the following info:
  • Check your address specified in the records.
  • Make sure your full name is precise.
  • Check the medical status and ask for any modifications if required.
  • Make the payment via Credit Card.
Your permit will be shipped to you and will take three weeks to arrive.
Actually, you are not eligible for online renewal if
  • You have a license issued by a different state.
  • You are a commercial driver with a commercial driver's license.
  • In case you want to renew your current Maine REAL ID driver's privilege or ID card, or you want to get a new Maine REAL ID driver's license or ID card.
  • Since your last renewal, you've changed your name.
  • Since your last renewal, you have developed a medical condition or an existing medical condition has altered.
  • Corrective lens restriction is not valid for then.
  • Non-U.S Citizens are to complete the processes in person.
  • If you want a vision examination you are to visit the nearest office.

Via Mail

Actually, Maine doesn’t accept mail requests.

Military Workers

The active military workers receive the added benefit of not having to pay a fee to renew their driver's privilege. Your privilege must have the 'K' endorsement in order for this to be accepted. You will be forced to pay the renewal fee if you do not have this endorsement. Please contact the Maine BMV if you want to add the endorsement.

Expired Licenses

In general, you may receive a ticket for driving with an expired license if your license is now expired. If it has expired for more than 5 years, the only way to renew it is to visit a branch in person. This is due to the fact that both the written and driving exams will need to be retaken.

What about the learner’s permit?

The learner’s permit is valid for 2 years and cannot be renewed. Generally, you get it together with your testing cards.
If you are under the age of 21, you must wait at least 6 months after receiving your permission before taking the road test. There is no minimum time limit for possessing a permit if you are 21 or older.

Did you know that the majority of driver's license suspensions can be handled over the phone?

If your privilege has been suspended or revoked, and you'd like to renew or replace your non-commercial driver's privilege online contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 624-9000.
In case you have got an error message or want to get info about the suspension you may again contact the office by the telephone number specified above.