When can I renew my driver's license?
You can renew your driver's license as early as six months before your current license expires. You can also renew on the day your driver's license expires.
Do you need an appointment to renew your license/state ID including REAL ID?
No, appointments are not required to renew your license or state ID, including REAL ID. All 13 BMV branch offices accept walk-ins. You can check branch locations and hours [here]. If you prefer, you can also make an appointment [here]. Appointment availability varies by branch, and some locations may fill sooner than others, so we recommend booking early for the best choice of times.
What documentation should I bring to renew my driver's license?
You will need to provide proof of identification, proof of residency, and proof of legal presence.
Why do I need to disclose my Social Security number?
Disclosure of your Social Security number is mandatory 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.
I have developed a medical condition or my present condition has changed since my last renewal, how do I report this?
The condition must be reported to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Please have your physician complete the following document: Driver Medical Evaluation (PDF).
Visit a Motor Vehicle office with your completed form to renew your license.
When do I need to have my eyes tested?
Applicants between the ages of 40-45, 52-57, and 62 and older must have an eye test. (29-A, §1303) You can have the vision screening done at no fee when you appear at any branch office or mobile unit location. Or if you choose, you can have your vision screening done at your expense by visiting your eye care specialist.
If I use my own eye care specialist, and mail the form to the Medical unit, can I renew my license using the online service?
Unfortunately, the two systems are not connected and do not recognized when the vision screening requirement is completed. You can bring the form to any of the 13 branches located throughout the state.
Can I renew my driver's license if my right to operate a motor vehicle is under suspension?
If your license is suspended in Maine, or in any other state, your license will not be renewed until your right to have a license is restored.
Can I use my debit card as a form of payment?
If your debit card contains the Visa, MasterCard, or American Express logo, you may use it to renew your driver's license.
Additional information for members of the military:
The renewal fee will be waived if your license includes the 'K' (if issued prior to July 7, 2015) or "2" (if issued after July 7, 2015) endorsement.
You may renew online without the endorsement, but payment of the fee will be required. To have the “2” endorsement added to your record, contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for additional information.
How long will it take to receive my license in the mail?
Your license may take up to four weeks to arrive in the mail. However, most licenses are mailed in less than three weeks.
Your temporary license is effective for 60 days. If you have not received your license within 60 days, call 207-624-9000, ext. 52114.
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's licenses or identification cards that are returned by the postal service when they cannot be delivered to the intended recipient. Returned driver's 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.