Bureau of Motor Vehicles

The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, within the constitutional office of the Department of the Secretary of State, was established in 1905 out of concern for public safety following the invention, mass production, and use of automobiles. Since that time, the Bureau has served the residents of the State and all users of Maine highways by qualifying and licensing drivers and by maintaining records of driver history, vehicle ownership and vehicle registration. Through the collection of the licensing and registration fees associated with these services, the BMV also provides revenue to build and maintain Maine’s highways.

Today, through the leadership of the Secretary of State, the Bureau offers a variety of online services in addition to its familiar branch office locations. Using online services, for example, Maine motorists may renew their driver’s license or order a duplicate license, renew their vehicle registration, or check on the availability of personalized license plates. Many other online services are available to businesses, individual motorists and other customers.

What’s New In the Department

NOTICE:

March 20, 2020

Please be aware that during this time of civil emergency, all Bureau of Motor Vehicle services will be delayed.

Motor vehicle and trailer registrations, including all temporary registrations and any fuel use decals that expire during the state of emergency will be extended.

This applies to registrations issued by municipalities or the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and also to temporary registrations issued by dealers.  The State of Maine recognizes the need of individuals, families, and businesses for transportation, work and commerce during the emergency.  These registrations can be renewed after the emergency ends.

Registrations issued by a municipality, including temporary registrations, are deemed extended until 30 days following the termination of the state of emergency  pursuant to P.L. 2019, ch. 617, F-1 , emergency laws approved by the Governor on March 18, 2020.

Other registrations, including temporary registrations, will be extended until 30 days following the termination of the state of emergency pursuant to the emergency provision of 29-A MRSA 405(4).

Please call the central office of the Department of the Secretary of State at 207-626-8400 if you have an emergency related to BMV that is not addressed by these registration extensions.

New Legislation

Public Laws and Resolves affecting Motor Vehicles during the 129th First Legislative Session. All laws are effective September 19, 2019 unless otherwise noted. 

What’s New

Town of Benton now offering Rapid Renewal Service

January 17, 2020

Secretary Dunlap: New language will help clarify that non-Real ID licenses are valid for all in-state transactions

November 22, 2019

Towns of Wade, Washburn now offering Rapid Renewal Service

November 1, 2019