How to Renew a Motorcycle License in Maine
Residents of Maine who wish to drive a motorcycle must obtain the proper motorcycle license renewal to do so. Motorists must have a motorcycle permit or license to drive a motorcycle within the state. The permit must be valid in order for a driver to be able to operate a motorcycle in Maine. Motorcycle drivers who are not residents of Maine may ride his or her bike on Maine roadways. Although, the state of Maine requires that all riders have a motorcycle license from whichever state or country he or she is from.
Getting a motorcycle license in Maine is basically no different than applying for a driver’s license in the state. All motorcycle license renewals must be made through the Main Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Motorists have the options of renewing a motorcycle license online or in person. Maine requires that drivers interested in operating a motorbike obtain an ME motorcycle license to ensure that he or she is qualified to safely drive the motorized bike. Additionally, renewing this license helps to ensure the safety of other driver sharing the roadway.
When to Renew a Motorcycle License in Maine
Motorists in Maine need to renew his or her license every four or six years. The renewal period depends on a person’s age. Individuals who are under the age of 65 must renew the license every six years. A person who is 65 years of age or older will need to renew the license every four years, prior to the expiration date.
Eligible motorists can renew the bike license on the expiration date. Drivers can also renew the license up to six months in advance of the expiration date listed on the Maine license. If a person adds a motorcycle endorsement to his or her current driver’s license, the expiration date of the endorsement occurs at the same time as the expiration date of the driver’s license. If the motorcycle endorsement is acquired at the same time as a new driver’s license, then the two licenses will be valid for the same amount of time. One will not expire before the other.
The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles typically mails out the renewed license within two weeks, but it can take up to three weeks to receive the license by mail. Drivers who have not received a renewed license within 60 days should call the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 624-9000, ext. 52114.
Eligibility for Motorcycle License Renewal in Maine
The state of Maine implements certain motorcycle renewal requirements for drivers who are applying for a renewal. Drivers are required to provide certain documents that validate his or her identity when applying the license renewal. The state of Maine also requires that drivers have a valid license that has not been suspended or revoked in order to renew the motorcycle license.
Drivers over the age of 40 will undergo a vision exam upon the first renewal. Motorists who are 40 years and older will need to undergo an eye test at every second renewal until the driver turns 62 years old. Once a driver becomes 62 years old, he or she will need to undergo an eye exam each time he or she renews a license.
Required Documents
The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires that renewal applicants bring in certain documents to renew his or her driver’s license. These documents help to verify the person’s identity and are used to acquire a motorcycle license renewal in the state of Maine. These are the documents required to renew a motorcycle license in Maine:
- Proof of identification and proof of legal presence such as birth certificate, valid passport, Social Security card, and other documents.
- Proof of residency including Maine vehicle registration paperwork, recent tax return, recent paycheck stub, and other applicable supporting documents.
Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Motorcycle License in Maine
The state of Maine permits drivers from renewing a driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement if the current license is suspended or revoked anywhere in the United States. Motorists must first restore the license and then reapply for a renewal license.
How to Renew a Maine Motorcycle License Online
Motorists in Maine might have questions about how to renew his or her motorcycle license. The first question that a driver may want to know is, “Can I renew my motorcycle license online?” The state of Maine does allow drivers to renew a motorcycle license online. Here is how to navigate the renewal process.
Drivers need to go to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles Driver’s License and ID Card website to begin the renewal process. Maine’s Rapid Renewal service let’s current Maine driver’s license holders renew the license online.
Maine requires that drivers must have an active motorcycle license in order to meet the motorcycle renewal requirements for the online process. Users will need his or her Social Security Number, a credit card to pay the applicable fees, and a printer to store a copy of the renewal receipt.
Drivers are not able to renew a license online if one of the following applies:
- The driver needs to retake the vision test.
- A driver’s name has changed since the last renewal.
- A driver’s existing medical condition has changed since the last renewal.
- The driver has not provided applicable documents validating his or her residency and citizenship status.
- Drivers who live in other jurisdictions are not eligible to apply for a motorcycle license renewal in Maine.
- The driver has a commercial driver’s license.
If an error occurs during the online renewal process, drivers must visit a motor vehicle branch or a mobile unit in person to complete the renewal application.
How to Renew a Maine Motorcycle License by Mail
At this time, the state of Maine does not renew motorcycle endorsements by mail. Driver’s license renewal processes are subject to change without notice.
How to Renew a Maine Motorcycle License in Person
Drivers can apply for a motorcycle license renewal by visiting a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles Office. The office locations are listed on the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website. The license can also be renewed by visiting any of the bureau’s mobile units located throughout the state.
This is how to renew a motorcycle license in Maine. Driver’s will need to bring a document that shows Maine proof of residency, as well as documents that show the driver is a U.S. citizen or in the country legally. Driver’s will also need to use one of the following payment methods to cover the cost of the license renewal:
- Cash
- Check made out to the Maine Secretary of State
- Credit card including Visa, MasterCard, and Discover
- Money order
Driver’s who are age 40 and older will be required to take a vision test. This can be done on-site at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Office.
Maine Motorcycle License Renewal Costs
There are costs associated with renewing a driver’s license in Maine. Drivers applying for a Class C renewal license that are under the age of 65 can expect to pay a $30 renewal fee for a six-year license.
Drivers who are ages 65 and older can expect to pay $21 for a four-year license. For a driver coming from out of state, it will cost $35 to convert to an ME motorcycle license.
Maine Motorcycle License Renewal Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- License and Examination Fee's from Maine.gov
- Frequently Asked Questions About Driver License Renewals from Maine.gov