FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 13, 2020
Contact: Kristen Muszynski
207-626-8404/ 207-441-7638

BMV mobile unit visits suspended to minimize potential for virus exposure

AUGUSTA – Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap is suspending visits from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Mobile Units until further notice, to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Maine.

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) sends its mobile units to 19 locations across the State, in areas that are a significant distance away from one of the 13 BMV branches. These mobile units set up in municipal and community buildings 1-3 times per month to provide BMV services.

Effective Monday, March 16, these visits will be suspended until further notice.

“As the COVID-19 virus threatens to spread across our State, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles is doing its part for prevention by suspending mobile unit operations, which will reduce the possibility of transporting the virus from a mobile unit site to one of branches,” said Secretary Dunlap. “While we recognize that this presents a significant inconvenience for many Mainers, our priority is to keep our employees and customers safe, and this is a simple step we can take toward that goal.”

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap encourages all Mainers to use the BMV’s online services or visit a branch office to conduct transactions during this time. All Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices continue to be open to the public during regular business hours.

The offices of AAA can also process some BMV transactions such as issuance of State ID Cards and Class C, non-CDL driver's license renewals and replacements (duplicates) that do not require such changes as a name change; a new photograph; or a change in restrictions and/or endorsements on a driver's license. A list of all affected mobile units, BMV branch offices and AAA offices is available on the BMV website.

The Department of the Secretary of State is promoting adherence to the Centers for Disease Control recommendations to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, both internally for employees, and for the general public who visit our offices. These include:

  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.

Those who are unable to conduct their transactions online and have concerns about visiting a branch in person should call the BMV Main Office at 207-624-9000.

Please note: AAA locations cannot process Real ID-compliant credentials.