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How To Do a Maine DMV Change of Address
If you’re planning on moving to, from, or within the state of Maine then you’re going to want to make sure that you know exactly what’s expected of you in terms of DMV paperwork. Like all states, you’ll be required to get your Maine DMV Change of Address forms in order before you can truly settle in as a resident—including your address on your driver’s license and your vehicle’s registration, if applicable.
It’s good practice to take care of all of your paperwork as early as possible, especially if you’re going to be driving in the state or want to start applying for jobs. And since Maine requires that you file your change of address paperwork within just 30 days of establishing residency in the state, there really isn’t much time to waste.
Not sure where you should start? That’s where we come in. We’ve put together all of the information that you’ll need to complete your Maine DMV change of address and vehicle registration forms, so read through the information below and then make your way to a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office to get started.
If You’re Moving to Maine from Another State
Will you need to get a new driver’s license if moving to Maine from another state?
How do you get one?
To get a Maine driver’s license as a formerly out-of-state resident you’ll have to go to a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles’s office in person, since unfortunately you can’t do a Maine DMV change of address online or over the phone.
Per the rules in most states, expect that Maine driver’s licenses for new residents to the state are only available to those who do not have any outstanding suspensions, revocations, or cancellations on their out of state driver’s license and who have not been previously deemed unfit or unsafe to drive by the ME DMV or an outside court.
You will need to bring along the following documentation when you visit the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles:
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- Your current out-of-state driver’s license (must be either current or have expired less than a year ago)
- Proof of legal presence
- Proof of Maine residency
- Social security number
Note that if your name on your proof of identity does not match the name on your current driver’s license then you will also have to bring along proof of name change, such as your marriage license, divorce decree, or a court order for a legal name change.
Is there a fee?
Yes. The fee for a new, non-commercial driver’s license in Maine is $35 for the application fee and $30 for the new license itself. Visit the fees page to learn more.
Does a Maine DMV change of address require a driving test?
No, provided you have a current and valid out-of-state driver’s license, however you will have to take a vision test.
How long do you have to get a Maine driver’s license or ID card?
Maine requires that you get your DMV change of address handled within just 30 days of establishing residency in that state.
So how do you know if you’re officially a resident? Head to a ME Bureau of Motor Vehicles office if you plan to:
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- Live in Maine for at least 7 months out of the year
- Register to vote in Maine
- Work in Maine
- Run a business out of Maine
- Send your children to school in Maine
How long do you have to update your vehicle’s registration?
Just like converting your out-of-state driver’s license, Maine requires that you register your out-of-state vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency.
How do you update your vehicle’s registration as a new resident of Maine?
To update your vehicle’s registration, you’ll need to first visit your local municipal office to fill out a registration application and pay an excise tax. Many municipal offices also offer registration services on-site, but if you can’t complete your vehicle registration there you’ll need to head to your nearest Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office, since new vehicle registration services are not available online.
When you visit, bring along the following documents:
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- Your prior out-of-state registration certificate
- Your prior out-of-state title (for vehicle model years 1995 and newer)
- Evidence of insurance (ID card, policy, or binder)
- The white and yellow copies of your registration application and excise tax receipt
What is the registration fee?
The fees for registering a standard non-commercial vehicle in Maine is $33 for the application fee and $35 for the plate fee. Prices do vary if you’re interested in a specialty plate, so visit the fees page for more information.
If You’re Moving Within Maine
Maine requires that you update your driver’s license within just 30 days with your new address when moving within the state (and no, changing your address with the post office doesn’t cut it).
To update your address, head to your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in person since services are not available online. Make sure to bring along proof of your new address when you go in, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or rental or mortgage agreement.
Will Maine issue you a new driver’s license if you’re moving within the state?
No, not unless you want one.
How much does a Maine change of address cost?
A Maine DMV change of address is free, but you’ll need to pay a $5 fee if you would like a duplicate license.
What information do you need to provide to update your vehicle registration?
You have two options for changing your address on your vehicle registration:
1. Visit your local municipal office or a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in person. Bring along your current registration as well as proof of your new address.
2. Change your address by mail. Pick up a change of address form from your local municipal office or a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office and send the completed form to: State of Maine, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 29 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04330-0029. Alternately, you could send a notarized letter stating your new address.
How long do you have to update your vehicle’s registration?
You must update your vehicle’s registration within 10 days of your move.
If You’re Moving From Maine to Another State
Do you need to notify the state of Maine if you’re moving to another state without a registered car?
No. When you receive a driver’s license in your new state of residency Maine will automatically cancel your ME driver’s license.
Do you need to notify the state of Maine if you’re moving to another state with your registered vehicle?
Do you need to return your Maine license plates?
Yes. Fill out a Plate Cancellation Request and have it notarized, then mail it to: State of Maine, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 29 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04330-0029. You could also drop off the form in person at a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.
Have any questions?
If you have any questions about changing your address on your driver’s license and/or vehicle’s registration when moving to, from, or within the state of Maine, contact the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles at (207) 624-9000 or by sending an email to [email protected]. If reaching out by phone, you are encouraged to have your driver’s license number and license plate number (if applicable) ready when you call.
Need to hire movers for your move to, from, or within the state of Maine?
We can help you out with that! Use Moving.com to quickly and easily search for reputable interstate movers in your area. Because moving out of state can be costly, we recommend reaching out to at least three different interstate moving companies to get quotes so that you can ensure you are getting the best price possible. Use our moving cost calculator to get an estimate on how much your Maine move will cost.