AUGUSTA — Secretary Bellows launched online renewal of REAL ID by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) on November 17, 2025. More than 70,000 REAL ID driver’s licenses are due for renewal in the next year, according to the Secretary's office. With this new online REAL ID service, most Maine residents with an expiring REAL ID will no longer need to visit their local BMV branch to renew their identification. AAA branches can now also help Mainers renew their REAL ID. 

“We know Mainers are looking for easier, more efficient government services, and we are proud to launch online renewal of REAL IDs to save Mainers time by never having to go to the BMV,” said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. “Online REAL ID renewals will also reduce customer traffic to our BMV branches, helping to open up more availability for in-person services for those who need them and reducing wait times at branches. 

Customers who are up for renewal in the coming weeks should check out the online services at the Secretary of State’s website and can cancel an existing in-person appointment if they have it through the cancellation instructions in their appointment confirmation email or text so that their reserved time will be made available to someone who may need it. 

“If you are planning to travel by plane over the winter holidays and need to renew your REAL ID or obtain one for the first time, we urge you not to wait – go online or visit your local BMV soon,” said Cathie Curtis, the Deputy Secretary of State for Bureau of Motor Vehicles. “We have seen record-breaking number of customers visiting our offices since early summer, and we hope that launching the ability to renew your REAL ID online at this time will help ensure that everyone who needs a REAL ID to travel this winter has the option to get one.”

As of May 7, 2025, travelers are required to present a state-issued REAL ID, passport/passport card, or other TSA compliant identification to fly commercially as well as to enter select federal facilities. The federal requirement instituted just prior the busy summer travel season led to high volume of traffic at BMV branches around the state and around the country. 

According to TSA, as of August 31, 2025, 93.5% travelers presenting a Maine-issued identification card at a TSA checkpoint were REAL ID compliant. This does not include those travelers presenting a passport, passport card, or other TSA compliant identification. As of the beginning of November, a total of 432,546 Mainers now have a REAL ID, an increase of 131,000 this year. A REAL ID issued by the State of Maine will include an outline of Maine with a star in gold in the upper right-hand corner of the card. 

Maine residents with an active non-commercial license, motorcycle license, motor driven cycle restricted license, or a Maine ID card – now including REAL ID – may use the online service to process a renewal or replacement of their driver’s license or ID card. You will need to know your social security number and provide a valid credit card to complete the online transaction. A driver is required to provide their driver’s license card or a printed copy of their temporary license when requested by law enforcement. A photo or screen capture is not sufficient and failure to present a physical copy could result in a ticket. If unable to print at the time of the transaction, an applicant may call the BMV at 207-624-9000 x52114 to have a copy emailed to them. 

Applicants using online renewal cannot change any information on their current license or ID card, and not all identifications can be renewed online. An individual would need to visit a BMV office if they:

• Hold a driver's license from another state.
• Are applying for a Maine REAL ID driver's license or ID card for the first time:
• First-time applicants must provide one document that establishes identity, date of birth, and lawful permanent residence/lawful status in the U.S.; a Social Security number (card does not need to be presented); and two documents showing Maine residency such as a utility bill, pay stub, etc. Additional documentation may be required if an applicant has ever legally changed their name. Visit the Secretary of State website for information: https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/driver-licenses-and-ids/real-id.
• Hold a commercial driver's license.
• Changed their name since last renewal.
• Have developed a medical condition or an existing medical condition has changed since last renewal.
• Wish to remove a restriction to corrective lenses.
• Are not a U.S. citizen.
• Require a vision examination. For information on when a vision examination is required, visit: https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/licenses/vision.html. 

"As we approach the busy holiday season, Mainers are urged to give themselves plenty of time to receive their identifications, keeping in mind both the time it takes to process the ID cards as well as additional time for receipt via USPS mail," said the Department of the Secretery of State.