Any Maine driver with a stolen, damaged or lost drivers license should seek immediate replacement of this vital document through the state’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Replacing drivers license documents quickly is important because doing so can protect you from identity theft and other types of fraudulent use of your license. A stolen driving credential could result in citations on your driving record if another motorist uses your card when ticketed.

You may replace drivers license credentials in Maine in person, online or by mail. Each method will require you to submit certain details about your driving privileges. Keep reading to learn details on how to replace drivers license documents in ME including the state’s license replacement requirements.

When is a replacement drivers license required in Maine?

Briefly stated, you are required to obtain a duplicate drivers license in Maine whenever your original license is lost, stolen or incurs a significant amount of damage. If any of the text on your document is illegible or the photo is no longer clear, then these are signs that you should replace your license.

You may also need a drivers license replacement if details on your card change, such as your legal name or address. You must correct your name as well as submit an address change on driver license record when you legally change your name or move to a new permanent address.

It is illegal in Maine to operate a vehicle without having a valid copy of drivers license credentials, so not replacing a lost or damaged license puts you at risk for receiving a traffic ticket for illegal driving. There are also practical reasons to replace lost drivers license credentials quickly, such as avoiding the inconvenience of not having your primary form of photo identification on hand.

If you apply for a DMV duplicate license immediately following any kind of loss or damage, then you can avoid many of these problems and get back to driving legally.

How to Replace Your Drivers License Online in Maine

Maine offers a licensing system that allows you to obtain a drivers license copy online from within the state or from virtually any other location. The main stipulation for using online replacement drivers license process is that it is only available to Maine drivers who have already provided proof of legal presence to the state’s BMV.

Chances are good that you have met this requirement if you are requesting a copy of drivers license credentials that were already properly issued in Maine. Other requirements for using the online method include the following:

• Your driving privileges must not be suspended or revoked
• You cannot replace a commercial driver’s license online
• You cannot hold a driver’s license from another state
• You must have already provided proof of residency to the BMV
• Your name and medical condition must be the same as they were with your last drivers license renewal or replacement
• You must not be due or overdue for a vision exam

To access the duplicate drivers license process online, you will need your Social Security number, a valid Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card and a computer connected to a working printer.

Note: While purchasing your replacement drivers license online, you may also change your current mailing address, height, weight or hair color on record with the ME BMV. Your lost drivers license replacement may take up to three weeks to arrive by mail, but most applications are fulfilled within two weeks.

How to Replace Your Drivers License by Mail in Maine

If you prefer to get copy of drivers license documentation by mail, then you may do so by providing a written request to the ME BMV. Your written statement should be signed and include your name, date of birth and current mailing address. You must include a sentence certifying that your original copy of drivers license is no longer in your possession and explain what happened to it.

Be sure to include payment to cover the replacement fee and send your request to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles License Information Unit in Augusta. The BMV will verify your photo and signature on file and mail your replacement drivers license within two to three weeks.

How to Replace Your Maine Drivers License in Person

If you are wondering, “Where can I get a copy of my drivers license in person?” then you may visit one of the local BMV branch offices or mobile unit locations. You must bring two forms of identification from the BMV’s list of approved documents to replace your lost drivers license, and options include your birth certificate, marriage certificate, military ID card or passport.

One document must provide proof of your date of birth while the other must show your signature, for signature verification. Before the BMV will replace lost drivers license credentials, you must complete and sign the form to request a duplicate card, stating that your original copy issued by Maine is no longer in your possession.

Out-of-State Drivers License Replacement in Maine

If you are living out-of-state when the need for a duplicate drivers license arises, then you may use either the online or by-mail options to replace your license. If you will soon return to Maine and do not need to drive in the meantime, then you may opt to wait and replace lost drivers license documents in person if you wish.

Maine Drivers License Replacement Fees

Regardless of the method you choose to replace drivers license credentials in ME, the state charges a small fee. To replace a permit, ID or drivers license it costs $5.

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