Frequently Asked Questions
Note: Files denoted by the  (Adobe PDF file) icon require the Adobe Reader. If you need an alternate format, please contact the BMV office by email at: license.bmv@maine.gov.
In an effort to improve customer service and reduce wait times in
regional branch offices minor changes have been made to the expiration
dates on some Maine licenses. A portion of license holders due to renew
have been selected as eligible recipients to obtain a license valid for
8 years instead of 6. By staggering the duration of drivers licenses,
BMV will be able to level out the demand for license renewal services.
No changes have been made to the price per year fee of $5.
Who is eligible to use the rapid renewal on-line licensing system?
IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you receive an error message during this online process pertaining to the address on your credential or a message regarding proof of Citizenship or Legal Presence, you will need to proceed to a motor vehicle branch office or mobile unit site to complete your transaction.
For additional information regarding residency requirements and proof of citizenship/legal presence, please visit the following site: http://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/licenses/renewal.htm
For a state ID card:
- Anyone purchasing a replacement identification card if no changes are made to the address and your current address is not a post office box, mail drop, rural route or general delivery.
For a driver's license:
- Anyone purchasing a replacement license with no changes made to the address and your current address is not a post office box, mail drop, rural route or general delivery.
- Anyone renewing their license and not required to have a vision screening and processed their last digital renewal at a motor vehicle office with no changes made to the address and your current address is not a post office box, mail drop, rural route or general delivery.
- A vision screening is required at the first license renewal after attaining age 40 and at every 2nd license renewal after that. A vision screening is required at every license renewal after attaining age 62.
Note: Members of the military with a 'K' endorsement on their license is required to have an eye exam
at certain ages over 40.
How do I change my address only?
- Maine law requires you to notify the Secretary of State within 30 days of any change in your name or address. As of April 18, 2008, you are required to show proof of your Maine residential address to BMV branch office personnel before an address change request can be processed. For more information about this requirement, please visit our website at (http://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/licenses/residency.htm) or call 624-9000, ext. 52114.
Why do I need to disclose my social security number to use the online
service?
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This statement is made in accordance with the Federal Privacy Act of 1974, Section 7(b). Disclosure of your social security number is mandatory and is required by 29-A MRSA § 1301(5) and (6) to apply for or renew a driver's license or non-driver identification card. Your social security number will be used solely for identification purposes and will be kept confidential.
How long will it take to receive my credential in the mail?
- Your credential may take up to three weeks to arrive in the mail, however, most requests are fulfilled in less than two weeks. Your temporary credential is effective for 60 days.
You may not use this service to order a driver's license if any of the following conditions apply:
- Your privilege to operate is suspended.
- You hold a commercial driver's license.
- You hold a driver's license from another jurisdiction.
- Your current license credential has an out of state address, post office box, mail drop, rural route or general delivery. (Your license may contain this information as a mailing address but you must show proof of your physical address prior to receipt of a new credential)
- You wish to change your weight or hair color
- You wish to make a change of address.
- You changed your name since your last renewal; please visit a motor vehicle office to process a name change.
I have developed a medical condition or my present condition has changed since my last renewal, can I use this service?
I need an eye exam, can I use this service?
- No, vision screenings are required at the first license renewal after attaining age 40 and at every 2nd renewal after that. A vision screening is required at every license renewal after attaining age 62. This screening may be done at a motor vehicle office or by your eye doctor. Please visit a motor vehicle office to renew your license. The following document will provide you with more information:
Eye Form and Information (PDF files require the Adobe Reader)
- Note: Please be advised if you receive the following error message it may mean that additional information is needed and you will need to proceed to a Motor Vehicle branch office to complete the transaction. The following link will provide information for what you will need to bring with you in order to complete the process.
Additional information for members of the military:
- The renewal fee will be waived if your license includes the 'K' endorsement. You may still renew on-line without the endorsement but payment of the fee will be required. To have the 'K' endorsement added to your record, please contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for additional information.
Questions about this Service? Contact BMV at: (207) 624-9000 x 52114
or Email: license.bmv@maine.gov
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