Maine License Renewal at a Glance
How to Renew Your Driver's License in Maine
You renew your license through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Your ME license is good for 6 years. Drivers 65 and older get a 4-year license. For a general overview of renewal rules across all states, see our driver's license renewal guide. Here are your options and steps.
Ways to Renew
- Online — the fastest way to renew. Visit the BMV renewal portal.
- In person — go to a BMV office. First-time REAL ID, vision tests, and new photos all need an in-person visit.
- By mail — follow the steps on your renewal notice.
Steps to Renew
- Check eligibility — Go to the Maine BMV website. Make sure your license is not expired over 90 days for online renewal.
- Start the online renewal — Open the BMV online portal. Enter your license number and date of birth.
- Verify your information — Check your name, address, and other details. You cannot change your name or address online.
- Pay the fee — Pay the $30 renewal fee by credit or debit card.
- Receive your new license — Print your temp license. Your new card arrives by mail in 10 to 15 days.
Maine Driver's License Renewal Fees
| Standard renewal fee | $30 |
| Duplicate/replacement license | $5 |
| Motorcycle endorsement | $10 |
| Name change | $5 |
| Non-driver ID card | $5 |
| Valid for | 6 years |
The $30 fee covers a standard or REAL ID license. No late fee, but driving expired can result in a fine.
What to Bring
Bring these docs when you renew:
- Current or expired Maine driver's license
- Social Security number
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport for REAL ID)
- Two proofs of ME residency (for REAL ID)
- Renewal fee payment
Who Can Renew Online
You can renew online if you meet these rules:
- Your license is not expired more than 90 days
- You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Your license is not suspended or revoked
- Your name and address have not changed
- You are not upgrading to REAL ID for the first time
- You renewed in person last time
You must go in person every other renewal for a new photo. Online is allowed in between.
Go to BMV online renewal portalWhat Happens If Your Maine License Expires
ME has no grace period. Your license is invalid the day after it expires.
- Before expiry — Up to 6 months before expiration
- After expiry — Up to 90 days after expiry for online renewal. Longer in person.
- Long-lapsed penalty — Expired over 2 years? You must retake the written and road tests. Driving on an expired license is a traffic violation.
If you also need to update your vehicle registration, see our car registration renewal guide.
Important: You cannot drive with an expired license in Maine. The window only affects how you renew. It does not let you drive past your expiry date.
Vision Test & Health Rules
- Vision test — Yes, at every in-person renewal. Drivers 40 and older take a vision test each time. Online renewals skip it if eligible.
- In-person visits — You must go in person every other renewal for a new photo. Online is allowed in between.
- Wait time — Online renewals process in 1 to 3 days. Your new card arrives by mail in 10 to 15 days.
Common Maine License Renewal Mistakes
Watch out for these mistakes:
Not knowing about the vision test at age 40
ME requires a vision test starting at 40. That is younger than most states. You must go in person if you need one.
Trying to renew online with a changed name or address
Online renewal does not allow name or address changes. Update those in person at a BMV branch first.
Missing the 90-day online renewal window
Online renewal is only available up to 90 days after expiry. After that, you must go in person.
Not bringing REAL ID documents
First-time REAL ID needs a birth certificate or passport, SSN card, and two proofs of ME address. Many people forget the residency docs.
REAL ID Info for Maine
ME offers REAL ID at no extra cost. Go to a BMV branch. Bring your birth certificate or passport, SSN card, and two proofs of ME address.
You need a REAL ID (gold star) to board U.S. flights. You also need one to enter federal buildings. This started May 7, 2025. Get one at your next in-person visit. See our full REAL ID deadline guide for costs and next steps.
Senior & Age Rules
Drivers 65 and older get a 4-year license instead of 6 years. A vision test is required at each renewal.
What Makes Maine Different
ME requires a vision test for drivers 40 and older at every renewal. That is younger than most states.
Drivers 65 and older renew every 4 years instead of 6.
ME allows renewal by mail for certain eligible drivers. Check with BMV for details.