If you've lost your Maine noncommercial digital license or had it stolen, you'll be happy we're in the Internet age. In many cases, you can replace your license online.

If you don't yet have a digital license or don't have a credit card, you have to go to your nearest Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office.

Rapid Replacement

Rapid Renewal is available online for any Maine driver who holds a noncommercial digital license. Although it's called "Rapid Renewal," this is the service you will use to replace a lost license (you could just as well call it "Rapid Replacement"). You need to have the following available to make the online replacement service work:

• A Social Security number

• A valid credit card (Visa or MasterCard)

• A printer hooked up to the computer your are using to go online

Ordering a duplicate license through Rapid Renewal is a relatively simple process. Your credit card will be charged $5 for the service. The system will allow you to print out a temporary replacement license that you may use while a new digital license is mailed to you.

The temporary license is good for 60 days. The digital replacement should arrive in your mailbox within two to three weeks.

If you are out of state, you can order a replacement license through Rapid Renewal. Make sure you list the mailing address where you are staying and the license will be shipped to your current address while retaining the Maine address on your license.

A note of caution: Out-of-state police may not honor the temporary paper license that the Maine BMV allows drivers to use until they get their replacement.

Restrictions

There are some basic restrictions on using Rapid Renewal to replace your license. You cannot use the service if any of the following are true:

• Your driving privilege is suspended.

• You hold a commercial driver's license.

• You hold a driver's license from another state.

• You are under 23 or the digital photograph on file was taken before you turned 23.

• You changed your name since your last renewal.

Alternatives

If for some reason you can't or don't want to use Rapid Renewal, you may of course replace your license the old-fashioned way: Go to your nearest BMV branch office.

You'll need to bring two forms of ID (a Social Security card and ceritfied birth certificate are preferred) and pay $5. As long as your license is up-to-date and not up for renewal, you will not be required to take an eye exam during the replacement process.

Holders of a commercial driver's license are required to go to a BMV office to replace it.

Duplicate License by Mail

You can also request a duplicate license by mail. Send a letter to the BMV, listing your name, date of birth, and current address. Include a $5 check for processing.

You can expect to receive it in the mail in three weeks.

Send your request to:

• Bureau of Motor Vehicles

• License Information Unit

• 29 State House Station

• Augusta, ME 04333-0029

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