How to Apply for a New Drivers License in Maine

1.

New drivers licenses cannot be obtained online or by mail. Instead, you must apply for a new license in person at a local DMV. While there, you must pass a vision screening, a written exam and a skills test. To make sure that you are prepared, download our informative online drivers license guide. Our guide contains everything you need to know to complete this application easily and quickly. In it, you will get in-depth details on how to complete other important licensing transactions, such as updating personal information on your license, renewing your license and replacing a lost one.

2. In Person at the DMV

To obtain a new drivers license at the DMV, you must submit identification documents and pass mandatory tests. A birth certificate or passport can verify your name and age, and a utility bill can prove your state residency. Generally, you must pass a written knowledge exam and a road skills test. You must also fill out a drivers license application form and pay the applicable fees. However, you may not know which forms to complete or if you are already eligible to take your exams. Arriving at the DMV unprepared may result in long wait times and potential mistakes, which could mean having to redo the process.

Maine drivers licenses are utilized by residents of the state who meet specific eligibility standards. Various classes of vehicle licenses are available to drivers. To receive DMV licenses, specific steps must be followed according to the process used by the state. Drivers should be prepared to offer their personal qualifications along with verification documents when applying. Testing of driving knowledge and practice is also required. Finally, payments are made to cover the cost of exams and processing fees.

In Maine, adult and teen driver license applicants follow different methods for receiving permits. Residents younger than age 18 need the approval of parents and legal guardians to hold licenses. Additionally, teen drivers have unique eligibility standards for driving. Continue reading to learn about the most effective ways to prepare and apply for ME driving permits.

How to Apply for a Drivers License in Maine as an Adult (18 or Older)

The DMV drivers licensing procedure requires prior research and preparation by state residents. Going over the required steps in advance is beneficial for new drivers to effectively complete the process in the future. Eligibility requirements and application steps vary for different classes of vehicle licenses. Generally, ME drivers use unrestricted licenses for operating passenger vehicles.Drivers should determine the type of license needed before applying.

ME license eligibility standards are met when drivers provide personal information and qualifying documents while applying. The legal names, birth dates, residency status and Social Security Numbers (SSN) of new drivers must be verified. To request a new drivers license, applicants should submit each of the following items:

  1. One document providing proof of residency, such as:
    • Resident hunting or fishing license
    • Vehicle registration
    • Tax return
    • Property tax bill
    • W-2
    • Lease or rental agreement
    • Recent pay stub
    • Mortgage documents
  2. Two documents providing proof of identity by stating applicant’s date of birth and written signature, such as:
    • Birth Certificate
    • Certificate of Marriage
    • Concealed Weapons Permit
    • Citizenship documents
    • Adoption papers
    • Divorce papers
    • Court order
    • Medical records
    • Passport
    • Military ID card
  3. One document providing proof of citizenship, such as:
    • Birth Certificate
    • Passport
    • Report of birth abroad
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    • Certificate of United States Citizenship
    • Permanent Resident Card
  4. Valid Social Security Card

Drivers should keep in mind that a physical address must be submitted to prove residency status. P.O. Boxes cannot be submitted for verification. Lastly, only official documents are accepted. This means verifying forms cannot be provided through a drivers license online portal and copies are not accepted.

Steps to Get a New Drivers License in Maine as an Adult

When Maine drivers understand how to get a drivers license, they can begin the application process. Official motor vehicle branch offices offer licensing services to new applicants. Before an unrestricted license can be issued, adult residents must obtain a valid Learner’s Permit. To do this, required application forms and certification documents should be submitted to an office in person.

Next, a vision and written driving test are administered. Applicants must pass both examinations to qualify for a Learner’s Permit. These drivers may only operate vehicles while a valid supervisor is in the car.

After driving with a Learner’s Permit for a certain period of time, adult applicants are eligible to take the road skills test. Road test appointments are made by mailing exam request cards to the main Motor Vehicle office. Drivers are then scheduled to take the test at a local licensing office.

ME license road skills exams test the knowledge and basic driving abilities of applicants. Residents who pass the examination are granted new licenses, contingent upon the payment of required fees. License cards are mailed to drivers within three weeks of approval.

Getting a Maine Drivers License as a New Resident

New residents have 30 days after establishing a home in the state to apply for licenses. Drivers can figure out where to get a drivers license by finding a local Bureau of Motor Vehicles location. These offices offer driving services to former out-of-state applicants.

When visiting the nearest location, the following steps must be completed:

  1. Drivers must submit proof of legal presence and state residency.
  2. Drivers must take a vision test and are sometimes required to take the written and road skills exams.
  3. Drivers must surrender their out-of-state licenses.
  4. Drivers must pay the necessary fees.

When submitted documents, drivers license information and fees are verified, applicants are approved to receive ME driving privileges.

How to Apply for a Drivers License in Maine as a Teen (Younger Than 18)

For teen drivers in Maine, a graduated licensing application process is used throughout the state. Residents age 18 and younger must follow this procedure in order to obtain an unrestricted license. Special restrictions also apply to teen applicants holding permits at each level of the graduated process.

What do you need to get your license as a Maine resident from age 16 to 18? Enrollment in the established licensing program begins with verifying personal license eligibility. The following items should be prepared for submission to a local licensing office:

  1. One document providing proof of residency, such as:
    • Resident hunting or fishing license
    • Vehicle registration
    • Tax return
    • W-2
    • Lease or rental agreement
    • Recent pay stub
  2. Two documents providing proof of identity by stating applicant’s date of birth and written signature, such as:
    • Birth Certificate
    • Citizenship documents
    • Adoption papers
    • Court orders
    • Certificate of Marriage
    • Concealed Weapons Permit
    • Medical records
    • Valid passport
    • Military ID
  3. Driver education certification, for applicants age 18 and younger
  4. Birth Certificate, for applicants age 23 and younger

Additionally, before submitting a driving license application, teen drivers should keep in mind these stipulations:

  • Written, vision and skills tests are required when obtaining a permit/licenses
  • Consent from parents or legal guardians may be necessary.
  • Applicants must be at least 15 year old to apply for a permit.
  • Young residents must follow special driving restrictions when operating vehicles.
  • Parent or guardian consent is sometimes required during licensing process.

Drivers Ed Requirements to Get a Drivers License in Maine

Drivers license education courses are necessary for Maine drivers age 18 and younger. However, students must be at least age 15 to enroll in classes. Education courses offer valuable instruction and hands-on practice for new drivers to use when applying for licenses. At least 5 hours of in-vehicle training is completed. Introductory courses are offered at state-approved driving schools. When certification is issued to students, records remain on file at the school for two years.

Steps to Get a New Drivers License in Maine as a Teen

Teen drivers are required apply for a Learner’s Permit before an unrestricted ME license is issued. Residents age 15 and older may drive under supervision while using this permit. To apply, the following items should be submitted to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles main office:

  • Learner’s Permit application
  • Verification documents
  • Drivers education certificate
  • Fee payment

Next, the BMV drivers license service center processes applications and schedules drivers for the required exams. Applicants then take the written test and vision screening at a local licensing office. If both tests are successfully passed, drivers are granted permits.

Drivers holding Learner’s Permits must complete 70 hours of driving practice, including 10 nighttime hours. A supervisor must accompany the driver. Hours should be logged in a provided form by the supervisor and driver.

When 6 months pass, drivers can apply for a regular license by taking the required road test. Exams are scheduled by mailing a request card to the main BMV office. Drivers are assigned a specific date and time to take the test at a local office.

Maine license road skills exams evaluate the overall knowledge driving ability of teen drivers. Regular licenses are granted to those who pass this test. Applicants may pay required fees at the BMV office. Finally, unrestricted permit cards are sent via mail.

Maine Drivers License Costs

ME residents are required to pay certain fees in order to obtain driving privileges. Prices for drivers license, permit and exam fees in the state include:

  • Learner’s Permit written test: $35.
  • Class C 6-Year License fee: $30.
  • Class C 4-Year License fee for residents age 65 and older: $21.
  • Out-of-state conversion Class D License: $35 application fee and $30 license fee.

Maine Drivers License Forms

Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.

Last updated on Tuesday, February 12 2019.

Sources

  1. Obtaining a Drivers License from Maine.gov

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