License Renewal in Maine
Renew Your Maine Driver's License
When your Maine driver's license is set to expire, you'll need to submit a renewal application to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). You can renew either online or in person.
For information about other types of driver's licenses, visit our following pages:
Maine REAL ID Driver's License
The ME BMV has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses in addition to non-compliant driver’s licenses. As of October 1, 2021, the REAL ID will serve as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—your standard license will no longer be accepted alone, and you'll need to bring additional identification with you.
You can choose to receive either a REAL ID or non-compliant ID upon renewal—details are outlined below. For more details, visit the BMV's REAL ID overview.
When to Renew Your ME Driver's License
Before your ME driver's license expires you will receive a renewal notice from the Maine BMV.
You must renew either every 4 years (if you're over 65 years old) or 6 years (if you're 65 years old or younger).
If you're unsure of your license status, you can always obtain a copy of your driving record.
Expired Driver's License
It's against the law to drive with an expired driver's license.
If you need to renew an expired license, the ME BMV may require you to re-take the written test again. If it hasn't been long since it expired, you MAY be exempt from retaking the test. Contact your local BMV office to verify.
Save a Life: Become an Organ Donor
Did you know a single organ donor could save up to 8 lives? Become an organ donor today!
Renew Your Maine Driver's License
Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany
If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.
You can complete your Maine DMV license renewal online or in person at your local Maine BMV office. You can also register to vote and register as an organ donor at the same time.
If you are upgrading from a standard license to a REAL ID driver's license, you MUST do your initial renewal in person so that you can provide additional one-time documents.
NOTE: If you're an active member of the military and have a K endorsement or a 2 endorsement, you may need to pass an eye exam if you're over 40 years old. However, there will not be any fees for your renewal (except if you renew online). View our Drivers in the Military page for more information.
Online
You may be eligible to renew your driver's license using the Rapid Renewal website if you:
- Have a digital, non-commercial Class C driver's license.
- Are NOT upgrading from a non-compliant license to a REAL ID license.
- Have NOT changed your name since your last renewal.
You must meet specific requirements to renew your Maine driver's license online.
If eligible, visit the BMV Online Rapid Renewal System and be prepared to provide the following:
- Your Social Security number (SSN).
- A VISA or MasterCard number to pay the renewal fee.
- See “Fees to Renew Your ME Driver's License" below.
- A printer to print your renewal confirmation.
You should receive your new Maine driver's license in the mail within 3 weeks. If you haven't received it, you can check your license renewal status by contacting the DMV.
NOTE: If you receive any error messages during the process, you'll need to visit your local BMV branch office in person to complete your renewal.
In Person
You can renew your driver's license in person at any driver's license office. If you're upgrading to a REAL ID driver's license, you must conduct your renewal in person so that you can provide additional identity documents for the BMV to keep on file. You'll only need to bring these items once.
To renew your driver's license in person, you'll need to visit your nearest Maine BMV office and:
- Show proof of your:
- Identification.
- ME residency.
- If you're upgrading to a REAL ID, you'll need 2 documents.
- Legal U.S. presence.
- Provide your Social Security number (SSN), if it's not on file.
- If you do not qualify for a SSN, bring a valid immigration document, like your I-94.
- Pass a vision test, if applicable.
- Pay the required driver's license renewal fee.
- See “Fees to Renew Your ME Driver's License" below.
The Maine BMV will issue you a temporary driver's license that is valid for 60 days. You should receive your actual driver's license within 3 weeks (sometimes requests can be fulfilled in 2 weeks).
Fees to Renew Your ME Driver's License
Class C Maine Real ID license renewal fees in Maine are as follows:
- $55 for 6 years, if you're younger than 65 years old.
- $40 for 4 years, if you're 65 years old or older.
Class C Maine standard license renewal fees in Maine are as follows:
- $30 for 6 years, if you're younger than 65 years old.
- $20 for 4 years, if you're 65 years old or older.
Accepted Payment Methods
The Maine DMV accepts the following payment methods:
- Cash.
- Check.
- Money order.
- VISA or MasterCard.
NOTE: For online renewals, payment must be made by VISA or MasterCard credit/debit card.
Be sure to contact your local Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office for specific details on how to pay your renewal fees.
Military Residents Out of State
For members of the U.S. military stationed or deployed outside of Maine, you may renew your driver's license online while you're out of state. If you have either a K endorsement or a 2 endorsement on your license, the renewal fee will be waived.
If you would like to have an endorsement added to your current driver's license, contact the Maine BMV.