Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all motorcycle license applicants are required to take a motorcycle driver education course. Additionally, motorcycle license applicants under the age of 18 must complete a basic driver education course.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Maine

Helmets must be worn by motorcycle riders of the following kind:

• Riders under the age of 18
• Learner s permit holders
• All motorcycle license holders for the first year after licensing
• All motorcycle passengers

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Maine

No, a CDL renewal cannot behandled online. Commercial drivers must apply in person at a BMV location.

For more information: Maine Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

No, the learner s permit exam is not offered online at this time. Applicants must schedule a time to take the test at a ME BMV locations.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Maine

Yes, the Maine CDL license can be used anywhere in the United States. Conversely, if you hold a CDL license from another state, you can transfer it to Maine. The road test portion of the exam can be waived for CDL applicants with a valid out of state CDL license.

For more information: Maine Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Yes, a motorcycle license or motorcycle permit is required to ride a moped. However, a drivers license or permit holder of any license class can operate a scooter on Maine roads.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Maine

Only applicants under the age of 18 are required to take a drivers ed classes in order to get a learners permit. Learner s permit applicants 18 and older and are exempt from this requirement.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Maine

Maine residents, who are either active duty or honorably charged military service members, may obtain a veteran designation on his or her drivers license or ID card. To apply, present a DD Form 214 or military ID, in the case of active duty military. To have the designation added to a current ID card, the applicant must supply the $5 fee for an ID card replacement.

For more information: How to Apply for a Maine Identification Card

To apply for a Maine commercial drivers license, applicants must appear at a BMV location and present the following documents:

• Two proofs of identification
• Proof of residency
• Proof of legal presence in the United States

CDL applicants are eligible to take the applicable skills and knowledge tests after they have completed the Commercial Driver License Application and paid the fees.

For more information: Maine Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

First time drivers age 15 and over must apply for a Maine drivers permit to legally operate a motor vehicle. Applicants age 15-17 must first complete a drivers ed course to be eligible to apply. The application process is usually completed through the driver s education course provider and the student driver would receive his or her permit in the mail. If this is not the case, then the applicant may mail in the following documents:

• Completed Non-Commercial Class C Application
• Drivers ed course completion certificate
• Original birth certificate (will be returned back to applicant)
• Learner s permit fee in the form of a check or money order in the amount of $10

First time drivers 18 and older are not required to take drivers ed but must pass the vision andwritten drivers test. Exams are administered by appointment only. To schedule the written and vison tests, send two forms of identification including an original birth certificate for applicants 22 and youngerto the ME Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Maine

Maine residents 16 and older may apply for a motorcycle license. Applicants 16-17 years old must complete a basic rider education course to get a motorcycle permit. In addition, all motorcycle license applicants must complete a motorcycle driver training course. A motorcycle permit can be issued once proof of training is provided to the ME DMV. At that point, applicants may schedule a road test. The road test requirement is waived for applicants who already hold a Maine drivers license.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Maine

To save time, you can replace your ID card online through the Maine BMV Online Replacement and Renewal website. To apply online, you must meet certain criteria and you will need:

• A Social Security Number.
• A credit or debit card.
• Access to a printer.

For more information: How to Apply for a Maine Identification Card

Mainelearners permits are valid for up to two years. Drivers who need to renew learners permit must apply in person at a DMV location. Applicants will be required to retake the learners permit written test. And may also be required to have their vision screened.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Maine

Identification card renewal applicants may utilize the online renewal service provided by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicle to renew an ID card. To apply online, you must meet the following criteria:

• Have previously provided proof of legal presence in the US
• Do not require changes to be made to your ID card
• Be 23 years or older when last applied for an ID card

Maine identification card applicants who do not qualify to renew an ID card online must appear in person at a BMV office or mobile unit location.

For more information: How to Apply for a Maine Identification Card

CDL license holders are required to keep an updated medical report on file with the DMV. A copy of your Medical Examiner s Certificate can be submitted by email at cdlcompliance.BMV@maine.gov, by fax at 207-624-9339, in person at a BMV branch office or by mail at:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles

CDL Compliance Unit

29 State House Station

Augusta, ME 04333-0029

For more information: Maine Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Drivers have the option to renew motorcycle license online through the Maine BMV renewal webpage. Motorcycle license holders who need to make any changes to the license cannot use this online service. Otherwise, applicants can apply for a motorcycle license renewal at the central BMV location in Augusta.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Maine

Military personnel who have a motorcycle endorsement from another state may transfer their credentials over to Maine. Those looking to apply for an initial motorcycle license will still have to complete the required training or show proof of equivalent training completed elsewhere to obtain an ME motorcycle license.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Maine

Drivers under 21 years old must have held a drivers permit for a least six months before they can apply for a drivers license. The practice driving must equate to 70 hours of driving with 10 of those being nighttime driving. Driving hours must be verified with the Secretary of State by the parent/legal guardian or spouse of the driver.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Maine

Your identification cardwill be mailed within 2-3 weeks of your application. If you have not received your ID card after 60 days, contact the DMV at 207-624-9000 ext. 52114.

For more information: How to Apply for a Maine Identification Card

Maine CDL license holders under the age of 65 are given a five-year commercial drivers license. Drivers 65 and older are eligible for a cdl renewal every four years.

For more information: Maine Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Residents who are located out of state and have had their ID card lost, stolen or damaged, may apply to replace ID card via the Maine DMV online renewal and replacement website. To apply online, you will need to provide the following:

• Social Security Number
• Credit or debit card
• Printer

For more information: How to Apply for a Maine Identification Card

The minimum age required to get a commercial drivers license is 16 years old. Applicants under 18 must have the application signed by a parent or legal guardian.

For more information: Maine Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Maine motorcycle license applicants must be at least 16 years old. Also, applicants under 18 must complete the basic driver education course before they can apply for a motorcycle license.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Maine

The following are available CDL endorsements for a Class A, Class B, and Class C commercial license:

• H Hazardous Materials
• N Tank Vehicles
• T Double/Triple Trailers
• P Passenger
• S School Bus

For more information: Maine Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Whether you are applying for an initial, renewal, or ID card replacement, the fee is the same. The cost of a Maine ID card is $5. Fees are subject to change.

For more information: How to Apply for a Maine Identification Card

Learners permit applicants under 21 years old must adhere to the following restrictions during the first six months of holding a drivers permit:

• Must be accompanied by a driver 20 or older who has been licensed for at least two years
• Must complete at least 70 hours of driving, 10 of those being at night
• Cannot use a cell phone while driving

Learner s permit holders 21 and older are only required to adhere to the cell phone restriction.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Maine

You must be medically fit to obtain a Maine CDL license. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets the medical standards for CDL drivers across the nation. CDL license holdersmustsubmit a self-certification form. Drivers who certify non-excepted interstate or non-excepted intrastate driving are required to keep a copy of his or her DOT Medical Examiners Certificate on file with the Maine BMV.

For more information: Maine Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Learner s permit and provisional drivers license holders under the age of 21 are subject to a drivers license suspension of 30 days if convicted of a moving violation. Subsequent violations carry more severe penalties.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in Maine

A motorcycle license may be used to operate a three-wheel motorcycle. All motorcycle license applicants and riders should familiarize themselves with the safety and traffic laws contained in the Maine Motorcycle Operator Manual. This guide also contains supplementary information specific to the operation of three-wheel motorcycles.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Maine

Learners permit applicants 15-17 years old must submit the following documentation to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles:

• Completed Non-Commercial Class C Application
• Certificate of completion from an approved drivers ed course
• Birth certificate

Applicants 18 and over shall submit two forms of identification including birth certificate or a passport if the applicant is age 18-22. Another common form of identification accepted by the BMV is a Social Security Card.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Maine

When getting a motorcycle license, Maine residents must present the following documentation:

• Certificate of completion of a rider education course
• Two proofs of identity:
  • Birth Certificate
  • Driver Education Card
  • Passport
  • Social Security card
• One proof of legal presence in the US:
  • Birth Certificate
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Permanent Resident Card
• One proof of Main residency:
  • W-2
  • Pay stub
  • Utility Bill

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Maine

After the written knowledge test to get a motorcycle permit, applicants must pass the motorcycle skills road test to get a motorcycle license. The road test requirement is waived if your already possess a ME driver s license. A vision screening required to get a motorcycle license, as well.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Maine

Maine CDL license holders convicted of a DUI for a blood alcohol content (BAC) below .04 percent will lose their driving privileges for 24 hours. For a BAC of .04 percent or higher, the driver will get a suspended cdl for at least three years.

For more information: Maine Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

An ID card is an official state non-driver identification card issued by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.It is used in the same way that a driver s license would be used—excluding the driving privileges. Use yourME ID card to show proof of identification, date of birth and/or address at many businesses, institutions, and organizations.

For more information: How to Apply for a Maine Identification Card

The passing score for the written drivers test is 80 percent. Questions are based on the information contained in The State of Maine Motorist Handbook and Study Guide.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Maine

To obtain a drivers permit, applicants must pass the following tests:

• Driver knowledge exam
• Vision screening

Tests are offered at all ME DMV locations though must be scheduled in advance.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Maine

All commercial drivers license applicants have to take a general knowledge written test and a skills test to apply for a CDL. Beyond that, each applicant must take the test that corresponds to the endorsement he or sheis applying for. The tests offered are:

• Passenger transport test
• Air brakes test
• Combination vehicles test
• Hazardous Materials test
• Tanker test
• Doubles triples test
• School bus test

For more information: Maine Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

In order to inquire about when your ME ID card expires, contact the DMV at 207-624-9000 ext. 52114.

For more information: How to Apply for a Maine Identification Card

A Maine ID card may be obtained at any Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch office or mobile unit location. Identification card renewal applicants have the option of going online to order a renewed ID card.

For more information: How to Apply for a Maine Identification Card

A parent or legal guardian must sign the drivers permit application for applicants under 18 years old. If the underage applicant is married, his or her spouse may sign for the applicant given that the spouse is at least 18 years old.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Maine