How to Change Your Address with the Maine BMV

Dealing with the DMV (officially known in Maine as the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, or BMV) is rarely anyone’s favorite chore. However, if you have recently moved to or within the Pine Tree State, updating your address is a legal requirement you do not want to ignore.

Here is the bottom line up front: You have 30 days to update your driver’s license and 10 days to update your vehicle registration after a move. Unlike many other states, Maine does not have a dedicated online address change portal, but they offer a surprisingly easy alternative: you can do it over the phone.

Moving Within Maine: How to Change Your BMV Address

If you already have a Maine driver’s license and Maine license plates, the process is incredibly easy. Maine does not currently allow you to update your address online. You have three simple options to get it done:

1. By Phone (The Fastest Method) You can update your address in the BMV database in just a few minutes by making a quick phone call.

• What to do: Call the Maine BMV main office at (207) 624-9000 and dial extension 52114.
• What to have ready: Be prepared to provide your full legal name, your date of birth, your Maine driver’s license number, your old address, and your new residential address.

2. By Email (The Most Convenient Method) If you prefer not to wait on hold, you can handle the process electronically via email.

• What to do: Send an email directly to the Maine BMV at [email protected].
• What to include: In the body of the email, clearly state that you are requesting a change of address. Include your full name, date of birth, driver’s license number, previous address, and your new mailing and residential addresses.

3. By Mail (The Traditional Method) If you prefer to leave a paper trail, mailing a physical request is perfectly acceptable.

• What to do: Type or handwrite a clear letter requesting an address change on your driver’s license record.
• What to include: Your full legal name, date of birth, driver’s license number, old address, new address, and your physical signature.
• Where to send it: Mail your letter to the BMV headquarters: Bureau of Motor Vehicles 29 State House StationAugusta, ME 04333-0029

4. In-Person (Best for Getting a New Physical Card) If you want your actual plastic license to reflect your new address, you need to visit a branch.

• What to do: Visit your local BMV branch.
• What to bring: Bring your current driver’s license. You will need to pay a $5.00 duplicate license fee to have the new card printed.

Important Note: Updating your address by phone or mail changes your record in the state system, but it does not put a new physical card in your wallet. If you want a replacement driver’s license card with your new address printed on the front, you must go to a BMV branch in person.

Moving Within Maine: How to Change Your BMV Address

State law requires you to update your vehicle registration within 10 days of your move.

• You can report this at the exact same time you call the BMV to update your driver’s license: (207) 624-9000.
• Alternatively, you can visit your local municipal town office (town hall), as they act as agents for vehicle registrations in Maine.

Moving to Maine: How to Transfer Your License and Registration

If you just moved to Maine from another state, you cannot handle your change of address over the phone. You must visit a Maine BMV branch in person to transfer your out-of-state license and registration. You have 30 days from the day you establish residency to do this.

Documents Needed for a New Maine Driver’s License

To save yourself a frustrating second trip, make sure you have these exact documents in hand before you walk through the doors:

• Your current, valid out-of-state driver’s license.
• Proof of Identity & Lawful Presence: (e.g., a certified birth certificate or a valid U.S. Passport).
• Proof of Social Security Number: (e.g., your actual Social Security card or a W-2 form).
• Two Proofs of Maine Residency: (e.g., a utility bill, signed lease agreement, or bank statement showing your new Maine address).

Pro Tip: You will be required to pass a basic vision test when you transfer your license. However, the written and road driving tests are waived as long as your out-of-state license is currently valid (or expired for less than five years).

How Much Does a Maine Address Change Cost?

One of the best things about the Maine BMV is that simply updating your address in their database is completely free. However, if you need physical proof of your new address or are transferring from out of state, the fees are as follows:

• Address Update in System: $0 (Free)
• Duplicate Driver’s License (printing a new card): $5.00
• New Resident Driver’s License (Out-of-state transfer): $30.00 license fee + $35.00 application fee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Updating your address with the Maine BMV doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you choose to call the main office, shoot them a quick email, mail a letter, or visit a branch in person, the state has made it easy for current residents to update their database records for free. Just remember to act quickly—you have 30 days for your license and 10 days for your vehicle registration. If you are a new resident, gather your identity documents and head to your local branch to make your move to the Pine Tree State officially complete!