Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to file a police report if my license was lost or stolen?
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The Maine DMV does not require drivers to file a police report to replace stolen orlost drivers license. It is at the drivers discretion whether or not they feel that the incident warrants a police report. Though, it is practical to have a record of the incident in case your information is used in case of identity theft.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Maine Driver’s License or ID Card
- How can I obtain a copy of the driver manual?
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A copy of The Motorist Handbook and Study Guide is available online at the Maine BMV website. There, drivers have access to an audio version of the manual as well. An unofficial copy of the manual in Spanish is also offered.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Maine
- How can I renew my drivers license?
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Maine drivers have the option to renew drivers license either online or in person at a BMV branch location, mobile unit, or third party agent. Drivers license renewal applicants must hold a digital drivers license to qualify for online renewal. Also, if any changesâsuch as address informationâ need to be made to drivers license, then applicants must renew in person. To renew onlinehave the following ready:
- Social Security number
- Credit/debit card
- Printer
Beginning at age 40, drivers license renewal applicants must have vision screened at Maine drivers license renewal application.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Maine
- How do I apply for a drivers license?
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New Maine drivers must appear at a BMV office to apply for drivers license. A written drivers test and road test must be completed, as well as a vision screening. A one-year adult provisional license is issued to applicants 21 and older. First time drivers license applicants under 18 are issued an intermediate license.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Maine
- How do I get a hardship license?
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A Maine hardship driver s license, referred to as a work-restricted license, allows those with a suspended drivers license to operate a motor vehicle for work-related reasons only. To get a work-restricted license, drivers must submit a completed Work-Restricted Driver s License Petition. Any suspended drivers license reinstatement fees must be paid to the BMV before application for a work-restricted license.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Maine
- How do I get a replacement license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?
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Military members and other Maine residents located out of state can replace drivers license by sending in the following information to the Maine BMV:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Reason for replacement
Sign your request and send it along with your $5 replacement fee to the following address:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
License Information Unit
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029
Telephone: 207-624-900, ext. 52114
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Maine Driver’s License or ID Card
- How do I obtain a duplicate license?
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Maine drivers can replace drivers license that has been lost, stolen, or destroyed online, in person or by mail.
To apply for a duplicate license online, applicants must have a digital drivers license.
Two proofs of identification are needed to apply in person, with one showing the applicants signature and the other indicating date of birth.
Applicants who prefer to apply by mail should furnish a written request for a drivers license replacement that includes the applicants , name date of birth, current address and reason for replacement. Include the signed request along withthe $5 replacement fee and send to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
License Information Unit
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029
Telephone: 207-624-900, ext. 52114
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Maine Driver’s License or ID Card
- How do I reinstate after a revocation as a Habitual Traffic Offender?
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The Maine habitual offender law requires that offenders pay a fee of $500 to reinstate revoked drivers license. In addition, drivers must complete the entire drivers license examination process in order to regain their driving privileges.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Maine
- How do I reinstate my suspended license?
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To reinstate suspended drivers license, Maine drivers must pay all fines and fees, including reinstatement fees, associated with their conviction.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Maine
- How do I renew my license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?
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Members of the military stationed out of state can renew drivers license online. To qualify for online renewal, applicants must currently hold a Maine digital drivers license. Additionally, online renewals are not accepted if any changes need to be made to the applicant s drivers license. If you are a military member stationed out of state and do not meet the eligibility criteria to apply online, contact the Maine BMV, Drivers License Unit at 207-624-9000, ext. 52114.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Maine
- How do I replace my license if I am a non-U.S. citizen?
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As is the requirement for United States citizens, non-US citizens must show proof of legal presence in the United States along with proof of a Maine physical address, such as a utility bill, pay stub, etc. to replace drivers license.
If applying in person, two different forms of proof of identity must be presented. One should include date of birth while the other must show the applicant s signature.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Maine Driver’s License or ID Card
- How do I replace my license if I lost it out of state?
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Drivers who lost drivers license while out of state may apply for a drivers license replacement by mail. To apply, send a written request that includes: name, date of birth, current address, reason for replacement and signature along with the $5 replacement feeto:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
License Information Unit
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029
Telephone: 207-624-900, ext. 52114
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Maine Driver’s License or ID Card
- How does the DMV check my vision?
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When applying for a drivers license, first-time applicants are required to pass a vision screening. The test measures how clearly you see as well as how far you can see in either direction while your head is pointed forward. In lieu of a DMV vision screening, applicants may bring in proof of a recent eye exam performed by vision specialist.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Maine
- How long will I have a suspended license for not taking a chemical test?
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Drivers who refuse to submit to a chemical test when pulled over for a suspected OUI are subject to a suspended drivers license for a period of 275 days. A suspension of 18 months is handed down for a second conviction. A subsequent conviction could lead to a six-year drivers license suspensionfor refusing to take a chemical test.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Maine
- How soon can I renew my driver’s license?
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Drivers can renew drivers license up to six months prior to drivers license expiration date. A drivers license renewal notice is mailed 4-6 weeks prior to prior to expiration.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Maine
- If I file a police report, will my replacement fee be waived?
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No, the replacement fee is not routinely waived when a police report is filed in the case of a lost or stolen drivers license. Currently, the fee to renew drivers license is $5.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Maine Driver’s License or ID Card
- Is there an age limit to renew your license?
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No, the Maine DMV has not set an age limit to renew drivers license. Though, drivers are subject to regular vision screenings after reaching 40 years of age.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Maine
- What address will my replacement license be mailed to?
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Maine duplicate drivers licensesare mailed to the address indicated on a drivers license replacement request. If no address is provided, the DMV will mail the duplicate license to the mailing address on record. This is a good time for drivers to update address on DMV records.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Maine Driver’s License or ID Card
- What are requirements for seniors to renew a driving license?
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When a driver reaches the age of 40, they must submit to a vision test to renew drivers license. After that, applicants must have their vision screened at every second renewal until they reach the age of 62. Senior drivers 62 and older must have a vision screening each time they renew drivers license.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Maine
- What are some violations that may constitute in a suspended license?
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Some of the violations that could result in a Maine suspended drivers license include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Failure to appear in court
- Accumulation of points on driving record
For more information: Suspended License Information for Maine
- What are the consequences of driving with a suspended license?
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Ifconvicted of driving with a suspended drivers license, a driver will have his or her suspension period extended for an additional 30 days.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Maine
- What are the fees for a duplicate drivers license?
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The fee to replace drivers license is $5 in Maine. Fees are subject to change.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Maine Driver’s License or ID Card
- What are the reinstatement fees I will have to pay for a suspended license?
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Driver s license reinstatement fees can vary depending different factors such as the type and number of violations. Drivers should refer to the reinstatement notice sent by the Maine BMV for more information regarding reinstatement fees.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Maine
- What are the suspensions eligible for a hardship license?
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The Maine DMV offers a work-restricted driver s license for most violations.Drivers convicted of an OUI are not eligible for a work-restricted driver s license during their suspension period.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Maine
- What do I need to do to get my driver’s license if I fail the driving test?
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Drivers license applicants who fail either portion of the drivers exam may retake the test(s) at a later date. The examiner will give you specific instructions on how to apply for a retest.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Maine
- What documents do I need to get my drivers license?
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Only Maine residents are eligible to apply for drivers license. Applicants must provide one proof of residency as well as one legal presence in the United States to get a drivers license.A Social Security Number must also be provided if not already on file with the Maine Secretary of State. The following list contains examples of acceptable documents for a drivers license application:
- Proof of residency:
- Utility bill
- Pay stub
- Insurance policy
- Proof of legal presence in the US:
- Birth Certificate
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Permanent resident Card
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Maine
- Proof of residency:
- What documents do I need to present to renew my drivers license?
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Documents needed to renew drivers license at a Maine DMV location, applicants will need to bring original drivers license as well proof of Maine residency and legal presence in the United States:
- Proof of physical address:
- Utility bill
- Voter registration card
- Car registration
- Proof of legal presence in the US:
- Birth Certificate
- US Passport
- Permanent Resident Card
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Maine
- What documents will I need to present to replace my drivers license?
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Drivers must provide proof of legal presence in the US and proof of residency if not previously furnished to the Maine DMV. Two proofs of identity are also required when applying for drivers licensereplacement in person, such as:
- Proof of identity:
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of marriage
- Passport
- Proof of physical address:
- Utility bill
- Voter registration card
- Car registration
- Proof of legal presence in the US:
- Birth certificate
- US Passport
- Permanent resident card
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Maine Driver’s License or ID Card
- Proof of identity:
- What languages is the written test available in?
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The Maine written driver license test is now available in multiple languages â including Spanish â via the newly introduced electronic driver license testing format. Drivers interested in finding a specific language should contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 207-624-9000.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Maine
- What penalties will I face if I do not renew my expired drivers license?
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Drivers caught operating a motor vehicle under an expired drivers license by a law enforcement officials can have his or her drivers license confiscated and be forced to return home on a temporary permit.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Maine
- What should I do if I have not received my renewed license?
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Renewed drivers licenses usually take less than two weeks to arrive in the mail, thoughdrivers can expect to wait up to three weeks. The temporary license issued at the time of application is valid for 60 days. Driver license renewal applicants who have not received renewed license in the mail within 60 days should contact the Maine BMV Drivers License Unit at 207-624-9000, ext. 52114.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Maine
- What tests will I need to take for my drivers license?
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Applicants for a ME drivers license must take the following tests at a BMV location:
- Written driver test
- Road test
- Vision screening
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Maine
- What type of noncommercial license will I need?
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Class C is the standard driver license for the majority of passenger vehicle operators. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles offers a Class C noncommercial drivers license for driver s license applicants.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Maine
- When can I reinstate my license after it has been suspended?
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Suspended drivers license holders may reinstate suspended drivers license once they receive a written notice from the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles. At that point, reinstatement fees can be paid.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Maine
- When will I need to renew my license?
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Drivers must renew drivers license by the expiration date. Renewals can also be made up to six months prior to expiration.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Maine
- When will I receive a replacement license after applying?
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Most drivers license replacement cards arrive in the mail within two weeks, though allow up to three weeks for delivery. After 60 days, you should contact the ME DMV if you have not received your replacement drivers license.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Maine Driver’s License or ID Card
- Where can I check to see if my license is suspended?
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To check weather a Maine drivers license suspension has applied to your driving record or not, call the Maine BMV or submit a written request via mail:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Driver License Services Division
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029
Telephone: (207) 624-9000
For more information: Suspended License Information for Maine
- Where can I get a new drivers license?
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A Maine drivers license can be obtained at any Bureau of Motor Vehicles office location. Drivers license tests are available by appointment only.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Maine
- Will I be required to take a vision test for a drivers license renewal?
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Once drivers reach a certain age, they are required to have a vision screening to renew drivers license. Drivers license renewal applicants must have a vision screening at every second renewal following an initial screening after the driver s 40th birthday. Upon reaching 62 years of age, applicants must have a vision screening at each renewal.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Maine
- Will I get a drivers license renewal notice in the mail?
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Yes, the Maine BMV issues drivers license renewal notices to drivers via mail approximately four to six weeks prior to the drivers license expiration date.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Maine