Process To Renew Driver's License Changes
Beginning November 15, 2008, obtaining or renewing a driver’s license in the State of Maine has become more difficult. Applicants must now prove that they are both a Maine resident, and either a U.S. citizen or in the county legally.
In compliance with federal Department of Homeland Security regulations, all Mainers seeking a new or renewal passenger vehicle or commercial license now have to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and show proper identification. After the initial visit they may renew their license online.
The easiest way for Mainers to obtain a license is to bring a document that includes their name and physical address, and a U.S. passport or certified birth certificate to the DMV. Other documents that prove residency include: a tax return, paycheck stub, utility bill, and hunting or fishing license. While other documents that prove legal presence include: a Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, and United States Citizen Identification Card.
State officials are predicting longer waits at DMV’s, and worry about Mainers waiting for long periods of time before being turned away for not having proper identification. The state also predicts that DMV employees will feel an increased and immediate burden until they become familiar with the new system.
One thing that will remain the same, however, is the cost for obtaining or renewing a license. For a passenger vehicle, the fee is $30 for drivers under age 65 and $21 for senior citizens, and for a commercial license, the cost is $34 for drivers under the age of 65 and $28 for senior citizens.
For more information on the new laws regarding Maine driver’s licenses, please visit: www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/licenses.
