Reinstating a Driver's License in Maine

The reinstatement fee is $50, and the total fee for all court-ordered suspensions for nonappearance or nonpayment in effect at one time is $50 (29-A M.R.S. 2486); a juvenile provisional major-offense suspension carries a $200 fee that must be paid at once. Pay online (debit or credit card, $5 processing fee per transaction; the service shows the total fee due), at a BMV branch, by phone or by mail (no fee); you can usually pay in $50 increments. The online service cannot be used to pay court fines or fees. Payment does not mean you are reinstated: call the BMV at 207-624-9000 ext. 52100 to confirm, and do not drive until the BMV confirms you are legal to drive; a letter is also mailed once you are reinstated.

Common suspension reasons listed by the BMV include failing to answer a traffic summons or pay a fine (suspended until the appearance is made or fine paid), OUI or refusing a test, driving to endanger (at least 30 days), reaching 12 demerit points, being responsible for accident damage without liability insurance (until proof of insurance is filed), and for drivers under 21 with a provisional license, any moving violation within two years of issue (30 days for a first, 180 days for a second, one year for a third).

The BMV handbook says certain mandatory suspensions, including OUI and test refusal, have no 'work' license option. However, the Secretary of State may reinstate a license early if the person installs an approved ignition interlock for the rest of the suspension: after 30 days for one OUI offense, after 9 months for two, 3 years for three, and 4 years for four or more. A $50 administrative fee applies.