State seal - Maine Secretary of State

Driver Licenses and IDs

General License Processes

How long with BMV hold a license or ID card that is returned from the post office?

The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles often receives driver licenses or identification cards that are returned by the postal service when they cannot be delivered to the intended recipient.

Returned driver licenses and identification cards will be stored by the BMV for up to two (2) years from issue date on the card. Expired credentials will not be stored for any duration. During this time, the credential holder may contact the BMV to determine whether their credential is stored by BMV and may request its return after identity verification.

To determine if BMV has your returned credential, contact us at 207-624-9000 x52114, or submit a “Contact Us” form available at the top of this webpage.   

Any returned credential that remains unclaimed after two (2) years will be securely destroyed to protect personal information. Customers may order a replacement card if the card has not yet expired.   

Maine drivers are required by law (29‑A M.R.S.A. §1407) to notify BMV of address and name change information within 30 days of the change. Failure to keep an address current may result in important BMV correspondence, including licenses/ID card credentials, being returned as undeliverable. 

 

I changed my address with USPS, will my license or ID be forwarded with my other mail?

No.  The BMV uses Return Service Requested on the envelopes used to mail licenses and IDs.  The USPS will return the envelopes to the BMV.  It can take up to six weeks to receive the mail back from USPS.  

If I changed my address on my car registration will it be changed on my license?

No.  At this time, the BMV is not able to transfer personal information from Registration to Licensing.