Whether you’re applying for a new job, checking your insurance rates, or simply want to review your driving history, obtaining your Maine driving record is a common necessity. The process is managed by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and is straightforward once you know which type of record you need and how to request it.
This guide will walk you through the different types of driving records available, the step-by-step methods to get them, and the information you’ll need to have ready.
Certified vs. Unofficial: Which Record Do You Need?
Before you start, the most important step is to identify the type of record you require. Maine offers two different versions for different purposes, and choosing the wrong one can waste time and money.
Feature | Unofficial Record | Certified Record |
Primary Use | Personal review, quick checks, insurance quotes. | Employment, court purposes, official legal matters. |
Legal Standing | No | Yes (Bears an official state seal) |
How to Get It | Instantly online | By mail or in person |
Cost | $5 | $10 |
In short, if you just need to see what’s on your record for your own information, the unofficial copy is perfect. If you need to submit it to an employer, a lawyer, or a court, you must get the certified version.
How to Request Your Maine Driving Record
There are three ways to get a copy of your driving history. Choose the one that best fits the type of record you need.
1. The Fastest Method: Online Request (Unofficial Records Only)
What You Get: An unofficial driving history for either the last 3 years or the last 10 years.
Important Privacy Note: Due to the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act, the online record will not display all of your information in one report.
- If you search by name and date of birth, the license number will be omitted.
- If you search by driver’s license number, your name and date of birth will be omitted.
What You Will Need:
- Your First Name, Last Name, and Date of Birth -OR- Your 7-digit Driver’s License Number.
- A valid credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover).
- A printer to print the downloaded PDF.
How to Request:
- Go to the official Maine BMV Online Driving Record Request Service.
- Enter your personal details as required.
- Select either the 3-year record for $7.00 or the 10-year record for $12.00.
- Pay the non-refundable fee with your credit card.
- Your record will be generated immediately for you to download and print.
2. The Official Method: By Mail (Certified Records)
If you need a certified copy for official purposes, applying by mail is a reliable method.
- What You Get: A certified copy of your full driving history.
- How it Works:
- Download the Form: Get the official “Request for Motor Vehicle Record” (Form MVR-1) from the Maine BMV website.
- Complete the Form: Fill out all the required sections accurately.
- Prepare Payment: Include a check or money order for the $10 fee, payable to the “Secretary of State.”2 Do not send cash.
- Mail Your Request: Send the completed form and your payment to the address listed on the form, which is:Bureau of Motor VehiclesViolations and Suspensions Section29 State House Station3Augusta, ME 04333-0029
3. The In-Person Method (Certified Records)
For immediate access to a certified record, you can visit a BMV branch office.
- What You Get: A certified copy of your full driving history, provided on the spot.
- How it Works:
- Visit a BMV Branch: Locate your nearest Maine BMV office. It’s wise to check their hours of operation beforehand.
- Request the Form: Ask for the Motor Vehicle Record request form (MVR-1).
- Provide ID and Payment: You will need your driver’s license for identification and the $10 fee. Most branches accept cash, checks, or credit/debit cards.
What’s On Your Maine Driving Record?
Once you receive your record, you will see a summary of your driving history. This typically includes:
- Personal Information: Your name, address, date of birth, and license details.4
- License Status: Whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked.5
- Violations and Convictions: A list of traffic violations, such as speeding tickets or DUIs.6
- Accidents: Any reportable motor vehicle accidents you’ve been involved in.7
- Demerit Points: The number of points currently assigned to your license due to violations.8
Conclusion
Requesting your Maine driving record is a simple administrative task once you determine whether you need an unofficial or certified copy. Using the online portal is ideal for quick personal reviews, while mail or in-person visits are necessary for official documentation. Always review your record for accuracy and keep a copy for your personal files.
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