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While some driver’s license services are available online, you may need to go to a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in person for some driver’s license services. You can look up the Maine MBC office here.
Getting a license for the first time
First time getting your driver’s license? Here’s everything you need to know.
Age 15
Maine has a graduated license program for those younger than 18. The process begins with a learner’s permit, which allows you to practice driving before taking the road test. You’ll first need to complete an application and mail it with your $35 fee to:
Examination Section
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029.
Once the application is processed, BMV will schedule a time for you to take your written and vision test. You’ll also need to bring proof that you’ve completed driver’s education, your birth certificate and documents proving residency status and identity.
A learner’s permit allows you to drive while an adult, who has been driving at least two years, is in the front seat with you. After six months and logging 70 hours of driving (10 at night), you may apply to take the road test. If you pass you’ll receive an intermediate license which prohibits you from carrying anyone other than immediate family in the car with you, from using a mobile phone while driving, and from driving between midnight and 5 a.m. The license is considered provisional for two years, but the restrictions may be removed after 270 days if you avoid traffic tickets and violating the rules. If you receive moving violations during that time, they could result in license suspension or a longer time passing until you can receive a regular driver’s license.
Age 18 to 20
Applicants between 18 and 20 also receive a learner’s permit first and must log 70 hours of driving time and hold the permit for at least six months before applying for a driver’s license. They are not required to complete driver education. Those older than age 18 but younger than 21 receive a provisional license that lasts for two years. While young adults of this age can drive with any passengers they choose, they still face suspension if they have moving violation convictions during the time they hold the provisional license.
Age 21
- The details: If you’re at least 21 years old and ready to get behind the wheel, the process at the BMV is smooth and simple.
- What to bring: Pack up your ID document, proof of address, proof of legal presence, a completed application, and $35.
- What you’ll need to do: You mail the application to the address on the bottom and will receive an appointment to take a knowledge test and vision test to obtain a learner’s permit.
- What comes next: Whenever you are ready, you can schedule a road test and, if you pass, you’ll receive a probationary driver’s license. After one year of successful driving, you’ll be able to apply for a standard driver’s license.
Renewing your license
Usually, you can renew your license online . You’ll have to visit a BMV office in person if you’ve changed your name since your last license, have developed a medical condition, or wish to remove a corrective lens restriction.
Converting Valid Out-of-State License
If you move to Maine from out-of-state, you must obtain a Maine license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you have a valid out-of-state license, you can exchange it for a Maine license by proving legal status and residency, taking a vision test, and showing your Social Security card. You’ll also pay the appropriate fee, which is $30 for a regular license and $55 for a Real ID.
Do you need a Real ID?
Do you have to get a Real ID? Nope. Will you want one? Probably.
Starting October 1, 2021, your standard driver’s license will no longer be accepted as proof of identification at airports. You’ll need a passport or a Real ID instead.
Replace a lost or stolen license
If you’ve lost your driver’s license, you may be able to replace it online. Otherwise, you can visit a BMV office or mobile center and bring two forms of identification, one of which includes your birthdate and the other that includes your signature. You’ll also fill out a request form. The form also can be mailed with the $5 fee to:
29 State House Station
Augusta, Maine, 04333-0029
