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Become a Registered Maine Guide

Registered Maine Guides play an important role in helping people safely experience Maine's outdoors. To ensure high standards, applicants must complete specific requirements and pass both written and oral exams. This page explains each step of the process, so you know what to expect.

New Guide Applicants

Becoming a Maine Guide can take six months or more, so plan ahead if you want to guide during a specific season.

Before You Apply

You must complete the following steps before submitting your application:

First Aid Certification
You must hold a current certification from the American Red Cross or an equivalent course approved by the Department.
Background Check (Required by Law)
A background check must be completed before applying, as required under Maine Statute Title 12, Section 12853.

To begin:

Schedule fingerprinting through IdentoGo or call 1-855-667-7422
Select "Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Guide License"
Choose a location convenient for you

Non-residents must print and bring blank fingerprint card (PDF) to the appointment.

Application Process

After your fingerprints are submitted:

Wait 30 days before submitting your application to allow time for processing
You will only be contacted if there is an issue with your background check

To apply:

Submit the following by mail or email to the Licensing Division:

Completed application
Copy of your first aid certification (front and back)
$125 fee per classification

You may request a preferred exam location (Gray, Augusta, Bangor, or Ashland), though placement is not guaranteed.

Examination Process

You must pass both a written exam and an oral exam for each classification.

Written Exam

90 minutes to complete
Passing score: 70%
If you fail, you must wait 14 days to retake the exam

Oral Exam

The oral exam is approximately 90 minutes per classification and includes three parts:

Navigation (Map, Compass, GPS)
You will demonstrate:
- Your current location using coordinates
- Distance and bearing to a waypoint
- Route plotting and distance calculations
Scenario-Based Incident
You will explain how you would handle a real-world situation involving client safety.
Knowledge Questions
Topics may include:
- Trip planning and client management
- Equipment and outdoor skills
- Laws and regulations
- Weather, safety, and decision-making

If You Do Not Pass or Miss an Exam

You must wait at least 30 days to retake any failed oral exam section
A $125 fee per classification is required for retesting
If you miss your exam without 24-hour notice:
- Your fee is forfeited
- You will be rescheduled for the next available date

After You Pass

Once you pass all required exams:

Pay $135 for a 5-year license
You may choose:
- Digital and paper copies (no additional cost), or
- A permanent plastic card with your photo and guide permissions for an additional $5

Renewal Applicants

You must complete the following steps before submitting your renewal application:

First Aid Certification: Current first aid is not required to renew a guide license.

Exceptions:

Whitewater guides must provide current CPR and First Aid certification
If your license has been expired for 3 years, you must reapply as a new guide and retake exams.

Background Check: A background check is required before renewal, as required under Maine Statute Title 12, Section 12853.