6 years can fly by…
The next thing you know, it’s time to renew your Maine driver’s license.
When that time has come, don’t wait until the last minute.
You should start working toward your Maine driver’s license renewal right away. You’re even given the chance to renew it 6 months before it expires.
And this is why we’re here.
We’re going to show you how to renew your driver’s license in Maine. We’ll walk you through the 2 renewal processes that you can avail of.
So welcome to your complete guide to Maine driver’s license renewal!
How to Renew Your Driver’s License in Maine
As mentioned, there are two ways to renew your driver’s license in Maine:
- Online
- In-Person
An in-person renewal is more widely available, but completing the process online is more convenient. Our guide details the steps to both to cover all bases.
With this, you’ll have all the necessary information no matter which method you use.
How to Renew A Maine Driver’s License Online
If you’re after convenience, consider renewing your driver’s license online. You won’t need to worry about going to a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch or falling in line.
However, remember that not everyone is eligible for an online renewal. Before taking this route, see if any of these apply to you:
- You don’t have active driving privileges (or the BMV suspended or revoked your license, and you haven’t had it reinstated)
- You have an out-of-state license.
- You’re carrying a commercial driver’s license.
- You’re applying for a REAL ID driver’s license.
- You changed your name, address, or any personal information since the BMV issued or last renewed your license.
- Your health status has changed since your last renewal (either you developed a medical condition or got cured from one)
- You are not a U.S. Citizen.
- You need to undergo a vision screening.
You can’t renew your license online if you checked off any of the boxes. (Don’t worry, though — an in-person renewal is still possible.)
If you didn’t check off any of the boxes, you can complete an online renewal by following these steps:
- Fill out the fields with your information. These include:
- Your complete name (as it appears on your driver’s license)
- Your Social Security Number
- Your date of birth
- Your driver’s license number
- Follow the prompts on the site.
- Pay the appropriate fee of $30 using a debit or credit card.
NOTE: You may spend more than the standard $30 renewal fee. The total amount the site shows includes funds to keep the site updated.
- Receive your new credentials in the mail in two to three weeks.
How convenient was that?
Now, there are times when you encounter an error message while processing your renewal online. If that happens, you’ll have to visit a BMV office and renew your driver’s license there.
How to Renew A Maine Driver’s License In-Person
If you’re not eligible for online renewal, you’re left with one other option — completing it in person.
Don’t worry — it’s still very simple.
Here are the steps for an in-person renewal in Maine:
- Prepare the following:
- At least one document that shows you live in Maine. Click here to see what IDs you can use.
NOTE: You don’t have to comply with this requirement if any of the following is true: you are a non-resident but can prove that you are on active duty in the military, you are the spouse or child of a non-resident who can prove their on active duty in the military, you are non-resident but are studying in Maine
- One document confirming your U.S. citizenship or legal presence in the U.S.
- One document showing your Social Security Number
- Your Class C non-commercial license
NOTE: All BMV branches in Maine entertain walk-ins, but if you want to cut down on your wait time, you can make an appointment by calling your chosen branch.
- On your visit, submit the required documents.
- Pass an eye exam. This is only applicable for every other renewal if you’re 40 years old, and every renewal if you’re at least 62 years old.
- Pay the renewal fee with cash, credit/debit card, money order, or a check (made payable to the Secretary of State).
- For drivers below 65: $30 (6-year license)
- For drivers 65 and older: $20 (4-year license)
- Get your temporary license, which remains valid for 60 days. Your new credential will arrive by mail within three weeks.
See?
Still pretty easy, right?
FAQs
Got some questions about Maine driver’s license renewal? Then let’s answer some of the most frequently asked ones.
Can I renew my Maine driver’s license by mail?
No, the State of Maine does not offer driver’s license mail renewal. You can only renew it either online or in person.
When does my driver’s license expire in Maine?
Your Maine driver’s license expires at midnight on your birthday, every 6 years. If you are already 65 and older, the license expiration date is still on your birthday, but after every 4 years now.
Is there a grace period for an expired driver’s license in Maine?
Unfortunately, there is no grace period for expired driver’s licenses in Maine. You may have to pay a fine of up to $500 if a law enforcement officer catches you driving without a valid license. It may also result in a license suspension.
To ensure this doesn’t happen, always note when you need to renew your license. The BMV might even send you a renewal notice.
Also, remember that you can begin the renewal process 6 months before it expires. It’s best to take advantage of this to avoid penalties in the future.
What do I need to bring to the DMV to renew my license in Maine?
The documents you need to bring when you renew your driver’s license in person are as follows:
- Proof of Maine residency
- Proof of citizenship or legal presence
- A document showing your Social Security Number
- Your non-commercial Class C license
Can I renew my license at AAA in Maine?
Yes. Besides local BMV branches, you can also renew your license at AAA locations. You can choose between nine in New England.
Remember that AAA locations operate from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays. On Saturdays, they’re only open from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
What does it cost to renew a Maine driver’s license?
Typically, a license renewal costs $30. However, drivers who are 65 and older only pay $20.
If you renew online, you may spend a bit more. It charges an additional fee to develop and maintain the website.
The Wrap Up
And there you have it — the steps to renewing your driver’s license in Maine. Whether you complete it online or in person, our guide provides all the necessary information.
Remember, keeping your license active is crucial, especially if you don’t want to face the penalties of driving with an expired license.
So what are you waiting for?
If it’s about to expire, you should renew it today!