Welcome to Vacationland! In this article, you’ll learn how to obtain your Maine driver’s license, commercial driver’s license motorcycle license, and a few things in between. Let’s jump in!
Types of Maine Driver’s Licenses
There are different types of driver’s licenses in the state of Maine. There are driver’s licenses for teenage drivers (drivers under 17 years old), standard driver’s licenses (for individuals over 18 years old), commercial driver’s licenses, and motorcycle licenses.
Teenage Driver’s Licenses
In most situations, teenage drivers will need to complete the Maine Graduated License (GDL) program. Different levels of teen driver’s licenses are age and sometimes experience-restricted, such as:
- Learner’s Permit – 15 years old
- Intermediate Driver’s License – 16 years old
We’ll discuss teenage driver’s licenses in more detail later in the article.
Standard Driver’s License
The standard driver’s license in Maine is a Class C driver’s license. With a Class C driver’s license, you are allowed to operate a single vehicle that doesn’t meet the vehicle criteria for commercial Class A and B vehicles. These vehicles are usually traditional cars, trucks, and SUVs for personal use.
Commercial Driver’s Licenses
The state of Maine has two different types of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), Class A and Class B.
- Class A – This commercial driver’s license allows the operation of a combination of commercial vehicles that have a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of at least 26,001 lbs. The gross weight of the vehicle that is being towed should not exceed 10,000 lbs.
- Class B – This commercial driver’s license allows the operation of a single commercial motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of at least 26,001 lbs. The GVWR of the vehicle being towed must not exceed 10,000 lbs.
Maine Driver’s License Requirements
To qualify for a Maine driver’s license, you must be:
- At least 16 years old (if you’re younger than 18 years old, you must meet additional requirements)
- A lawful resident of Maine
If you are younger than 21 years old, you can apply for a driver’s license once you have attained an instruction permit for at least 6 months, and completed 70 hours of driving practice, which includes 10 hours of night driving.
Applying for Your Maine Driver’s License
To apply for a Maine driver’s license, you must apply in person at your local Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (ME BMV) branch. The documents you are required to present will depend on the type of license you choose to obtain, such as a REAL ID-compliant or standard non-compliant driver’s license. We’ll discuss REAL IDs later in this content.
To receive a standard Maine driver’s license, you must:
- Provide proof of your Maine residency by providing:
- Utility bill
- Paycheck stub
- W-2 form
If you are obtaining a standard Maine driver’s license, you will only need to provide 1 document for proof of residency. If you are applying for a REAL ID, you must provide 2 proof of residency documents.
- Provide proof of your identity, birth date, and legal U.S. presence, which can include:
- Driver’s Permit
- Social Security card
- Birth certificate
- Provide proof of your Social Security Number (SSN):
- Social security card
- W-2 or 1099 form
- Paystub with your SSN printed
If you are not eligible for a social security number, you are required to provide valid immigration documentation.
- Complete and Pass the Following BMV exams:
- Vision
- Knowledge
- Driving
You will also need to pay the required fees. Your Maine driver’s license will be provisional for 2 years if you’re younger than 21 years old and 1 year if you’re at least 21 years old.
Maine Driver’s License Fees
There are different fees associated with obtaining a driver’s license in the state of Maine. These driver’s license fees are as follows:
- Real ID Maine Driver’s License:
- Under 65 years old: $55 (for 6 years)
- At least 65 years old: $40 (for 4 years)
- Standard Maine Driver’s License:
- Under 65 years old: $30 (for 6 years)
- At least 65 years old: $20 (for 4 years)
- Out-of-State Transfer
- Application fee: $35
- Driver’s license fee: $30
- Written exam: $35
Maine Driver’s License Tests
In Maine, you must pass a written knowledge test and driving exam to receive your Maine driver’s license.
Written Knowledge Test
The written knowledge test is based on the information in the Maine Driver’s Handbook found here. You must answer questions regarding Maine’s traffic laws, safe driving practices, highway signs, and other topics.
Driving Exam
After you pass the written test and vision exam, you will be eligible to complete the driving exam. During the driver’s test, you must demonstrate your ability to safely operate a vehicle on public roads. You need to maneuver a vehicle correctly while obeying all traffic laws. You can contact your local Maine BMV for more information regarding the driver’s license tests.
Acceptable Identification Documents in Maine
In Maine, there are different types of acceptable identification documents you can use when you’re applying for an ME driver’s license, such as your:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Armed forces ID cards
- Permanent resident card
- Foreign passport with a valid I-94 (the expiration date of the I-94 expiration date must be more than 2 months from the date you visit the office)
Examples of true full-name verification documents include:
- Certificate of registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
- Adoption documents that contain your legal name as a result of the adoption
- Marriage certificate
- Name change documents that contain your legal name both before and after
- A dissolution of marriage document that contains your legal name as a result of the court order
Examples of acceptable residency documents include:
- Resident utility bills (this can include cell phone bills)
- Insurance documents
- Maine vehicle or vessel title or registration
- A record of a financial institution
A parent, child, or legal guardian can use a birth certificate as a verification document. A spouse or domestic partner can use a marriage license or a domestic partner registration certificate to trace their relationship to the individual to whom the acceptable residency documentation was addressed.
Obtaining a Maine Driver’s License Under the Age of 18
A learner’s permit in the state of Maine is part of the state’s Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program, which is designed for teen drivers who are younger than 18 years old.
The GDL program helps minimize accidents by preparing you to become a safe and responsible driver. The first step you’ll take to obtain your Maine driver’s license is applying for your learner’s permit through the ME BMV.
Are You New to Maine?
As a new resident of Maine, you have 30 days to exchange your out-of-state learner’s permit with a Maine learner’s permit or a license once you establish residency in Maine. GDL eligibility requirements vary by state, so it’s best to contact your local ME BMV to determine whether you need to apply for a Maine learner’s permit or driver’s license.
Driver’s Education (Driver’s ED) is required if you are under 18 years old. Make sure you check if your out-of-state Driver’s Ed course is accepted in Maine. You may be required to surrender your out-of-state learner’s permit to apply for a Maine learner’s permit.
Maine Learner’s Permit Requirements
To be eligible for a Maine driver’s permit, you are required to:
- Be at least 15 years old
- Complete a Driver’s ED course (if you are under 18 years old)
- Pass a written knowledge test and vision screening (if you take Driver’s Ed, the written test and vision screening are administered as part of the class)
Applying for a Maine Learner’s Permit
You must complete and pass the written exam to receive your Maine learner’s permit. You can schedule your written exam by mail or in person.
Applying By Mail
You can mail the required paperwork by mail to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles. All original documents will be returned to you. You can also send copies of the documents, but you must take the original documents when you arrive to take your written test. Mail the required documents to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Driver License Services Division
Examination Section
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Applying in Person
To apply for a Maine learner’s permit in person, you need to submit:
- A completed Non-Commercial Class C Application (Form MVE-64) that needs to be signed by your parent or guardian
- Payment of $35 for the learner’s permit fee
- Proof of your:
- Identity (1 document with your date of birth and 1 document with your signature)
- Maine residency (documents will vary depending on if you’re applying for a REAL ID or a standard permit. A REAL ID- compliant license requires 2 documents. A non-compliant license only requires 1 document.)
- Your birth certificate (the original or a copy of the document with a raised seal or stamp must be sent or submitted. This document will be returned to you.)
- Your Driver’s Ed Certificate of Completion
Once the ME BMV processes your application, they will schedule your written test within approximately 3 weeks. You will receive a notice by mail. You will also complete a vision test at the same time you take the written permit test. Once you complete and pass these tests, you are officially a permitted driver in Maine. Congratulations!
Maine Learner’s Permit Driving Restrictions
After you’ve received your Maine learner’s permit, you are only allowed to operate a motor vehicle while being supervised by a driver who is at least 20 years old and has been licensed to drive for at least 2 years. In addition to these rules, you CAN NOT use a mobile phone while driving with a learner’s permit regardless of your age.
Behind-the-Wheel Driving Requirements in Maine
If you are younger than 21 years old, you must log your driving practice hours BEFORE you can apply for your Maine intermediate driver’s license. You need to drive for at least 70 hours, which includes 10 hours of driving at night.
Applying for Your Maine Driver’s License
To be eligible to apply for a driver’s license in Maine, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have attained your learner’s permit for at least 6 months (if you’re under 21 years old)
- Have completed no less than 70 hours of behind-the-wheel practice
If you are younger than 18 years old, you will receive an intermediate driver’s license and you must adhere to specific driving restrictions.
Non-Commercial Driver’s Licenses in Maine
Non-commercial driver’s licenses in Maine are the Class C and Motorcycle endorsement. The Class C driver’s license is the standard driver’s license in the state of Maine and allows the operation of any single vehicle that does not meet the definition of vehicles that are covered by Classes A and B. You need to take a few different steps to obtain a motorcycle endorsement, and we’ll cover that later on in the article.
Married, Divorced, or Name Change?
If you have changed your name because of marriage, divorce, or another reason, you must submit name change documents, such as a marriage license, to be issued a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card in your true full name.
If the name you provided on your application is different from the name that appears on your identification document, you must submit documentation that establishes your true full name. Examples of such documents can include:
- A certificate, declaration, or registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
- A marriage certificate
- A dissolution of marriage/domestic partnership document that contains the legal name as a result of the court action
- A name change document that contains the legal name of both before and after the name change
- Adoption documents that contain the legal names as a result of the adoption
Does the REAL ID Act Impact Residents of Maine?
The standard Maine credential is valid for all in-state purposes. However, as of May 3, 2023, individuals who plan on traveling are required to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, a REAL ID-compliant state ID, a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or another federally-issued identification document to fly domestically, or access federal facilities and nuclear power plants.
The REAL ID is a version of the standard Maine driver’s license or state ID that is compliant with federal standards for identity documents. All REAL ID-complaint credentials have a version of a gold star located on the face of the card. In the state of Maine, the state of Maine is outlined in gold with a white star in the center.
Is Obtaining a REAL ID Mandatory in Maine?
The REAL ID-compliant credential is optional for Maine residents. However, starting May 3, 2023, individuals who only have a standard Maine driver’s license or state ID will NOT be able to use this credential as identification for federal purposes, such as boarding a commercial aircraft.
There are multiple BMV offices located throughout the state of Maine and most are open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM for walk-in services. It will take approximately 10-14 calendar days for your ID card or driver’s license to be mailed to you, so it’s best to ensure you submit your application months before your expected travel date.
You are not required to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to perform any of the following:
- Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services
- Enter a federal facility that does not require an ID (ex. a post office)
- Operate a motor vehicle
- Vote
- Apply for or receive federal benefits (Social Security Administration (SSA), Veteran’s Affairs, etc.)
How Do You Prepare to Apply for a REAL ID Card?
To prepare to receive your Maine REAL ID card, you need to provide 2 documents that prove your Maine residency, proof of your identity, which you can use a certified birth certificate or passport, and submit proof of your social security number (SSN). You can check here for a list of documents you will need to obtain a REAL ID in Maine. The BMV also has more information regarding obtaining a REAL ID in the state of Maine, which you find here.
Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License in Maine
If you’ve been tinkering with the thought of becoming a truck driver for hire, whether it’s a short-term or long-term idea, you must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). There are strict federal and state requirements for operating a commercial vehicle that requires you to take specific steps to be eligible for a Maine commercial driver’s license.
Who Can Get a CDL in Maine?
To obtain a commercial driver’s license in Maine, you need to:
- Already have a valid, non-CDL Maine license
- Be at least 16 years old (per the federal regulations, drivers who are under the age of 21 will NOT be able to:
- Operate a bus
- Carry hazardous materials
- Drive commercial vehicles outside of Maine (interstate driving)
- Have proof of US citizenship or lawful permanent residency. Acceptable documents can include:
- A certified copy of a birth certificate
- US passport
- A permanent resident card
Commercial Learner’s Permits in Maine
Before you can obtain your full CDL in the state of Maine, you must receive your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). Although enrolling in a commercial driving education course is not required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) or the Maine BMV, it’s a helpful way for you to ensure you succeed on your journey to obtaining your CLP.
When you’re ready to obtain your CLP, you’ll need:
- A completed Commercial Driver’s License Application (Form MVE-64T)
- Proof of identification (2 documents):
- 1 document must include your birthday
- 1 document must include your signature
Applicants who are under the age of 23 must provide a copy of their birth certificate to satisfy the document that proves their birthdate.
- Payment for the required fees:
- Testing fee: $70
- Endorsement fee: $20 each (if applicable)
These CLP fees must be paid by check or money order and made payable to the Secretary of State. Once you’ve gathered the required paperwork, you need to mail everything to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
CDL Section
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Once your application is received, the ME BMV will respond to you with the date, location, and time of your written test.
CDL Written Tests in Maine
After you’ve heard from the Maine BMV and made it to the correct ME office location, it’s time for you to earn your commercial learner’s permit.
During your appointment, you must:
- Pass all written exams for the classification of CDL you want
- Take and pass all written tests for any endorsements (if applicable)
- Pass the vision test (you must have a minimum of 20/40 vision in your best eye)
- Present 2 documents of identification
- Provide the proper medical paperwork
Once you’ve passed your tests and provided the proper information to the ME BMV, you will receive your CLP. Congratulations! You will also receive a skills test request card to help you complete the final step in this process.
CLP Restrictions in Maine
Operating a commercial vehicle is a great way to practice for your commercial driver’s license road exam. However, while you’re practicing, you must follow a strict set of rules.
The National FMCSA regulations require all commercial learner’s permit holders to stick to public roads ONLY and drive only while they are accompanied by an individual who obtains a full CDL and operates the same class of commercial vehicle.
You must practice with your CLP for a specific time before you will be allowed to schedule your skills test to earn your full CDL. The federal waiting period is 14 days, but this may be different in your situation. You can contact your local ME BMV office to ask questions regarding the CLP waiting period in the state of Maine.
Maine Commercial Driver’s Licenses
Congratulations! You’ve made it this far. Next, you need to take the CDL skills exam. Once the required time has passed and you’re comfortable with operating commercial vehicles with your CLP, you can schedule your skills test with the ME BMV (if your appointment hasn’t already been made). You need to mail your skills test request card you received after completing your written tests to the BMV at the following address:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
CDL Section
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
The Maine BMV will respond with the date, location, and time of your skills test.
The CDL Skills Test in Maine
Before you make your way to the proper branch to complete your skills exam, you need to make sure you are completing the skills test in the same class of vehicle you’re applying to operate with your CDL. You will also need a full CDL holder to accompany you to the testing site.
Make sure you take the following to the BMV with you:
- A completed and signed appointment notice
- Your Maine commercial learner’s permit (CLP)
- The CDL of the driver who is accompanying you (the individual must have a CDL for the same class of commercial vehicle the test is being taken)
- The valid registration card for the vehicle you’re taking the test in (photocopies are only allowed IF the vehicle is a rental, and the test vehicle must have a valid inspection sticker.)
After making sure you have the documents and commercial vehicle you need, you can complete the CDL skills exam, which consists of several parts, such as:
- Pre-trip vehicle inspection
- Basic vehicle control test
- On-road driving exam
If you are unable to make it to your scheduled CDL skills exam, make sure you notify the ME BMV. Failure to inform the Maine BMV within 48 hours of your appointment will result in a $30 fine.
Once you pass the CDL skills exam and pay all the applicable fees, you will officially be a CDL holder. Congratulations!
Maine CDL Fees
The Maine BMV currently charges the following fees for CDLs and related services:
- Written exam: $70
- Commercial driver’s license:
- REAL ID license under 65 years old: $59 (valid for 5 years)
- A standard license under 65 years old: $34 (valid for 5 years)
- REAL ID license for individuals who are at least 65 years old: $47 (valid for 4 years)
- A standard license for individuals who are at least 65 years old: $27 (valid for 4 years)
- Endorsements: $20 each
CDL Medical Requirements in Maine
Every Maine CDL applicant is required to submit specific medical paperwork to prove they are physically fit to perform the job. All applicants are required to submit a CDL Medical Self-Certification Form (Form MVD-64C), where you will inform the state of the type of driving you expect to do with your commercial driver’s license.
Depending on the information you provide on the self-certification form, you may also be required to submit a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876). To complete the Medical Examiner’s Certificate, you need to see a doctor that is approved by the FMCSA.
Once you complete the necessary paperwork, you can submit it in person, by email, fax, or by traditional mail.
- Email: [email protected]
- Fax: (207) 624-9339
- Mail:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
CDL Compliance Unit
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
You can click here to view the FMCSA FAQ page to learn more about CDL medical compliance and related topics.
Federal Self-Certification Requirements
You must self-certify the type of vehicle you are operating with the ME BMV by self-certifying one of the following driving categories:
- Non-Excepted interstate
- Excepted interstate
- Non-excepted intrastate
- Excepted intrastate
Military CDL Testing Waivers in Maine
If you are currently enlisted in the U.S. military or have recently left the service, you may be eligible to have your CDL skills test waived due to a program the FMCSA and ME BMV created.
To qualify for this program, you must be currently employed by the Armed Forces or have been discharged within 1 year of applying for the waiver. In addition, you must also have at least 2 years of experience driving commercial vehicles for the military.
To apply for this waiver, you need to complete an Application for Military Skills Test Waiver found here. You need to take this waiver with you when you show up for your appointment to complete all applicable written tests. Be advised that qualified applicants are still required to pass all written exams and pay all applicable fees.
Applying for a Maine Motorcycle License
If you want to embark on a motorcycle adventure with scenic views of forests and rocky coastlines, and aromas of pine-scented forests, you’re in the right state. However, you need to have a motorcycle endorsement.
New Residents of Maine
As a new resident of Maine, you have a maximum of 30 days after establishing residency in the state to transfer your current motorcycle license.
To transfer your out-of-state motorcycle license, you need to visit your local Maine BMV office and provide the following:
- Your out-of-state driver’s license
- Proof of legal presence in the U.S., such as your:
- Birth certificate
- Valid passport
- Valid permanent resident card
- Proof of Maine residency, which can include:
- A utility bill
- A tax bill
- Your paycheck stub
- Proof of your name change (if applicable)
- Pass the vision test
- Pay all applicable motorcycle license fees
You can click here to access a list of valid documents that are accepted by the ME BMV. The ME BMV generally waives written exams and road tests for license transfers. However, you may still be required to complete either exam. You can contact the BMV at (207) 624-9000 for more information regarding test waivers.
How to Obtain a Maine Motorcycle License
To earn a motorcycle license in the state of Maine, you need to:
- Be at least 16 years old (individuals under 18 years old are required to pass a driver’s education course, which must be completed BEFORE taking a standard motorcycle rider course.)
- Complete a basic rider course (includes 15 hours of instruction)
Motorcycle Exams in Maine
Once you complete the motorcycle educational course(s), you will have the opportunity to complete the written exam to earn your motorcycle permit and license.
If you pass the written exam, you will be eligible for a motorcycle permit and can complete the motorcycle course skills exam. If you pass the motorcycle course skills exam, you can visit your local Maine BMV and apply for your motorcycle license. Make sure you take your course completion certificate with you. You are NOT allowed to carry passengers on your bike for 60 days once you receive your motorcycle endorsement.
If you do not pass the motorcycle road test on the first try, no worries! You will still be eligible for a motorcycle permit as long as you pass the motorcycle written exam. You must already attain a Maine driver’s license to be eligible for the motorcycle road test waiver, meaning you are not applying for your initial Maine driver’s license.
Obtaining Your Maine Motorcycle Permit
You must pass your written motorcycle exam to earn a motorcycle permit. If not, you will need to speak to your course instructor about retesting. Once you pass the exam, you can visit your local Maine BMV branch and:
- Present your rider course completion certificate
- Submit a completed Motorcycle or Moped Application (Form MVE-64M)
- Provide proof of:
- Identification (requires 2 documents) – Applicants who are under 23 years old are required to present their birth certificate
- Maine residency
- Citizenship or legal US presence
- Pass the vision exam
- Pass the BMV written knowledge test
- Pay the $35 permit and exam fee
Once you meet the above-stated requirements and submit the necessary paperwork and payment(s), you will be issued your motorcycle permit. You will also receive a postcard that contains your scheduling information for your next road test. You need to mail the form back to the ME BMV to schedule your exam.
Motorcycle Permit Limitations
Obtaining your motorcycle permit is a big step and comes with its own rules. After obtaining your Maine motorcycle permit, you must wear your helmet at all times and are prohibited from riding with passengers.
If you travel to a different state with your permit, check with that location’s highway enforcement agency to see if you’re allowed to operate a motorcycle with your motorcycle permit. Your Maine motorcycle permit is valid for 2 years.
Maine BMV Motorcycle Road Test
If you don’t pass your Maine motorcycle course’s skills exam, you can retake the test with the BMV. You can send the postcard you received from BMV when you applied for your motorcycle permit back, and you will have an exam location and date scheduled. When you’re ready to retest, make sure you bring your Maine motorcycle permit.
The fee(s) you paid for your ME motorcycle permit covers your 1st road test. Any retests after your initial test will cost $35 each time you take the test. If you don’t pass the motorcycle road exam and complete the licensing process within 2 years, you will be required to re-take the basic rider course.
Obtaining a Maine Motorcycle License
After passing the written and skills tests during your basic rider course, you can visit your local BMV and apply for your Maine motorcycle license.
When you visit your local ME BMV branch, you need to submit:
- Your ride course completion certificate and proof of skills exam testing
- A completed Motorcycle or Moped Application (Form MVE-64M)
Visit your local BMV office and submit:
- Your rider course completion certificate and any proof of skills exam testing.
- A completed Motorcycle or Moped Application (Form MVE-64M). Applicants under 18 years old must have their application signed by their parent or legal guardian.
- Proof of:
- Identity (2 documents are required). You must present your birth certificate if you’re under 23 years old.
- Maine residency
- Legal presence in the US
- Payment for the $35 licensing fee
Once you complete the above-listed steps and submit the required paperwork, you will receive your motorcycle endorsement, and you can get on the road. Congratulations!
Motorcycle License Fees in Maine
The ME Bureau of Motor Vehicles charges the following for motorcycle licenses and related services:
- Basic rider training class: Average of $325 (costs vary by school)
- Permit and written exam fee: $35 (this fee covers your 1st road test, if applicable) – All subsequent retests will be $35 EACH
You may be required to pay additional fees to receive your motorcycle endorsement. Contact your local ME BMV branch for more information.
Maine BMV Locations
There are multiple Bureau of Motor Vehicle locations in the state of Maine. We’ve listed a few of these locations that make handling business a little easier. Check out the list and see if there’s a BMV office near you.
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles – Rockland Branch
360 Old County Rd
Ste 1
Rockland, ME 04841
(207) 596-2255
Monday – Friday (9 AM – 4 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles – Portland Branch
125 Presumpscot St.
Unit 4
Portland, ME 04103
(207) 822-6400
Monday – Friday (9 AM – 4 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles – Lewiston Branch
36 Millison Way
Ste 1
Lewiston, ME 04240
(207) 753-7750
Monday – Friday (9 AM – 4 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles – Augusta Branch
19 Anthony Ave
Augusta, ME 04330
(207) 287-3330
Monday – Friday (9 AM – 4 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
You now have the information you need to receive your Maine driver’s license, commercial license, and motorcycle endorsement. Congratulations!