Renew your driver's license in Maine

Online or in person

Maybe, if eligible · Only if you can't renew onlineThe BMV says you may be able to renew online. If you need an eye test (ages 40-45, 52-57 and 62 and older) and use your own eye care specialist, the online service does not see that form; bring it to a branch. A new or changed medical condition means renewing at a BMV office. Appointments are not required to renew, including REAL ID; all 13 BMV branch offices accept walk-ins. A vision screening is free at a branch.

Cost

$30, 6-year licenseNoncommercial driver's license. Commercial licenses and the $10 extra for expedited issuance are in the statute linked in the sources.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Valid documentary evidence of legal presence in the United States
     The statute says a license may not be issued without it. For a U.S. citizen it may include a U.S. passport expired for less than 2 years.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • U.S. passport expired for less than 2 years (The only example the statute names)
   • A valid Social Security number · all that apply
     Recorded on the application. Not required of a person legally ineligible to receive one.
   • Documentary evidence of Maine residence or domicile
     Must show your name and Maine residence address. A post office box or other mail drop is not sufficient.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Tax return, W-2 form or paycheck stub
     • Utility bill or a letter from a utility company showing application for service
     • Contract to which you are a party
     • Document issued by a governmental entity
   • Vision certificate
     Only if you choose not to take the vision test. Must be based on an examination completed within one year of the application.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Certificate signed by a doctor, optometrist, registered nurse or other person approved by the Secretary of State (States visual acuity in each eye and field of vision)

2. Watch for your renewal notice

   Before a license expires, the Secretary of State sends the license holder a renewal notice.

3. Check whether a vision test is due

   You must pass the vision test at your first renewal after age 40, at every 2nd renewal after that until age 62, and at every renewal after age 62. A signed vision certificate can be submitted instead.

4. Choose a standard or REAL ID license

   The state offers a REAL ID compliant license on request and also a license that does not meet REAL ID standards but is valid for all state identification requirements.

5. Ask the Bureau how to submit your renewal

   The Bureau of Motor Vehicles renewal pages could not be read for this guide, so the way to renew (online, mail or in person) is not confirmed here.