Maine Driver's License
Requirements
In Maine, driver's licenses are issued by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) — under the Maine Department of the Secretary of State. The standard non-commercial credential is a Class C License. Maine operates a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for drivers under 21: a Learner's Permit at 15 (with concurrent Driver Education enrollment), a Provisional License at 16 with strict passenger and night-driving restrictions until age 21, and a full Class C License at 21. Driver Education is mandatory for all applicants under 18: 30 classroom hours + 10 hours behind-the-wheel. Maine is famous among states for its zero-tolerance approach to provisional-license violations: ANY moving violation during the provisional period results in an automatic 30-day license suspension. Maine issues federally-compliant REAL ID licenses (the gold star) — required to board domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. The BMV operates 13 branch offices statewide and a robust online portal at maine.gov/sos/bmv.
Requirements Overview
Must be a Maine resident. The BMV requires two documents proving Maine residency. New residents from another state must transfer their out-of-state license within 30 days of establishing residency. Maine does NOT issue licenses to undocumented immigrants — proof of lawful presence is required.
Required Documents
Bring original documents only — photocopies are not accepted. Verify the complete current list at the official Maine DMV website.
- Proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or valid permanent resident card)
- Social Security number — SSN card, W-2, 1099, or paystub showing the full SSN
- Proof of name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree) if applicable
- Two proofs of Maine residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or current ME vehicle registration in your name)
- Parental/guardian consent signed in person at a BMV branch — required for applicants under 18
- For applicants under 18: state-approved Driver Education completion certificate (30 classroom + 10 behind-the-wheel)
- Driving Log signed by parent confirming 70 supervised hours (10 at night)
- Vehicle for road test with valid ME registration and proof of insurance
Fees & Costs
Fees change frequently. Always verify the current fee at the official Maine DMV website before your visit.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to get your Maine driver's license. Steps may vary based on your age and residency status — always confirm with the official DMV.
Enroll in Driver Education at 15
Maine requires all applicants under 18 to complete a state-approved Driver Education program before licensing: 30 classroom hours + 10 behind-the-wheel. Some Maine high schools offer Driver Ed; private schools cost $500–$800. Maine's Driver Ed program emphasizes winter driving — appropriate for the state's long, snowy winters.
Study the Maine Motorist Handbook
Download the current Maine Motorist Handbook from maine.gov/sos/bmv. The written knowledge test is 40 questions covering ME traffic laws, road signs, winter driving safety (snow, ice, frost heaves), wildlife collision avoidance, and the state's Move Over law. You need 80% (32 correct) to pass.
Apply for a Learner's Permit at 15
Visit any Maine BMV branch with your parent/guardian, required documents, Driver Education enrollment proof, and $10 fee. Pass the vision test and the written knowledge test. The Learner's Permit allows driving only when supervised by a licensed driver age 20+ in the front passenger seat.
Pro tip: Use the Maine BMV online appointment system at maine.gov/sos/bmv — Augusta and Portland branches typically book 3–5 weeks ahead, but smaller branches like Caribou and Calais have shorter waits.
Log 70 Supervised Hours (10 at Night)
During the Learner's Permit period, log at least 70 hours of supervised driving — including 10 hours at night — using the Maine Driving Log. Maine's 70-hour requirement is one of the highest in the U.S. The supervising driver must be 20+ with a valid license. Both you and your parent sign each entry.
Hold Permit for 6 Months
Maine requires a 6-month Learner's Permit period for under-18 applicants. The clock resets if the permit holder is convicted of any moving violation during the period.
Pass the Skills (Road) Test at 16
Schedule the road test through maine.gov/sos/bmv. Bring your Learner's Permit, completed Driver Education certificate, signed driving log, parent consent, vehicle insurance/registration, and a sober adult sponsor. The 15–25 minute test covers parallel parking, three-point turn, controlled intersections, lane changes, and basic city/freeway driving.
Receive the Provisional License at 16
Pay the $30 Provisional License fee. The Maine Provisional License has strict restrictions for the first 9 months (or until age 18, whichever comes first): no driving 12am–5am unless accompanied by a licensed driver age 20+ or going to/from work or school. No non-family passengers for the first 9 months. Cell phone use of any kind (even hands-free) is prohibited under 18.
Comply with Maine's Zero-Tolerance Rule
Maine famously enforces a zero-tolerance approach for provisional license violations: ANY moving violation during the provisional period results in an automatic 30-day license suspension. The Provisional License period continues with full restrictions until age 21, when the license becomes a full Class C with no restrictions. Online renewal is available for most cycles via maine.gov/sos/bmv.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maine famously applies a zero-tolerance approach to violations during the Provisional License period (under 21): ANY moving violation — even a minor speeding ticket — results in an automatic 30-day license suspension. The rule is one of the strictest in the U.S. and is intended to reinforce safe driving habits during the highest-risk years. A second violation extends the suspension to 90 days; a third violation can result in a full revocation. The rule has been credited with Maine's consistently below-average teen at-fault crash rate.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official Maine DMV to start your application with the correct, up-to-date requirements.
This website is not affiliated with any government agency or DMV office. Information is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official DMV website before taking action.