FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 8, 2021
Contact: Kristen Muszynski
207-626-8400

Secretary Bellows: BMV is fully open for business, all credentials must now be renewed

AUGUSTA – Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced today the reinstatement of regular deadlines and requirements for renewals of BMV-issued licenses, State IDs and other credentials.

All driver’s licenses, driver permits, State identification cards, commercial driver licenses, dealer licenses, salvage motor vehicle recycler licenses, driver/rider school licenses and instructor licenses that expired since the beginning of the state of civil emergency must now be renewed.

The Office of Gov. Janet Mills, by executive order issued Dec. 31, 2020, has rescinded the March 23, 2020 order that extended the expiry of these credentials.
Additionally, driver license vision screening requirements that were waived since last spring are once again in effect. Motorists who require a vision screening must visit a BMV branch office or provide documentation from their optometrist as part of their license renewal process. Vision screenings are required at license renewal for those ages 40 to 45, 52 to 57, and ages 62 and older.

Gov. Mills’ executive order also reinstates all registration requirements for vehicles and trailers after transfer of title or ownership.

The original executive order was implemented due to the pandemic-related closure of Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices in March, and is no longer necessary, as all BMV branches have now reopened to the public for walk-in transactions.

“I applaud the hardworking team at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch offices who have worked so diligently to get back to full operation over the last several months, even during a pandemic,” said Secretary Bellows. “We know that the public relies on us to provide current credentials. Our team is here to serve the public, and we will do our best to work with members of the public to make their renewals as smooth as possible.”

Mainers can renew their credentials by visiting any Bureau of Motor Vehicles office during business hours, 8:00-4:30 p.m. The public is advised to check the website or call prior to visiting, to ensure that they have all necessary documentation in hand. Alternatively, many motorists can complete their renewal transactions online, depending on their situation.

All BMV branch offices are complying with the State’s pandemic prevention measures, including providing personal protection equipment for BMV employees, installing physical barriers to maintain distance and implementing increased hygiene procedures such as wiping down surfaces.

All patrons will be asked to confirm upon arrival that they have not been exposed to COVID-19, and will be required to wear a face covering during their visit, to be removed only for license and ID card photographs.