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How to get a driver's license in Maine as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Maine needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Not stated in official sources
Deadline after moving
30 days after becoming a Maine resident
License exchange without tests
1 countries
License without immigration status
No
No SSN?
Provide your SSN; if ineligible, you may need documentation of ineligibility (e.g., an unexpired immigration document such as an I-94).

Driving on a foreign license

Deadline after moving: 30 days after becoming a Maine resident.

Exchanging a foreign license

  • Canada

Licenses from a U.S. state or Canadian province (valid, or expired within 5 years) can be converted; written and road tests may be waived; vision screening required. No other foreign countries are listed.

If your country is not on the list

Not stated for other foreign licenses; first-license applicants must take the written exam, vision screening and road test.

issued by another U.S. state or by a Canadian province www.maine.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  • Non-immigrant I-94
  • I-20 or DS-2019 (SEVIS)
  • Refugee/asylee documents
  • Pending I-485 or I-589 application

License validity: License for a non-citizen may be issued for a shorter period than the standard term.

A driver's license or non-driver identification card issued to a non-citizen may be issued for a period of time less than the terms described in statute. maine.gov

Social Security number

Provide your SSN; if ineligible, you may need documentation of ineligibility (e.g., an unexpired immigration document such as an I-94).

If you believe you are ineligible for a social security number, you may be required to present documentation of ineligibility www.maine.gov

Proof of residency

One proof of Maine residency for a standard license, two for REAL ID (e.g., utility bill, paycheck stub, tax return, lease/contract).

For a non-Real ID License or ID Card, you need only one document proving your residence. www.maine.gov

Step by step

  1. Gather proof of legal presence, identity, SSN (or ineligibility document) and Maine residency.
  2. Pass the vision test and the 30-question written exam (24 correct to pass) at a BMV office.
  3. Get a learner's permit ($35 fee); drive with a licensed driver age 20+ with 2 years' experience.
  4. Mail the road test request card from your permit to the BMV in Augusta (under 21: submit a driving log).
  5. Pass the road test (control, turns, parallel parking, backing).
  6. Pay the license fee and receive your Maine license.
  7. Canadian license holders may convert with only a vision screening.

Fees

Permit written exam $35; Class C license (6 years, under 65) $30.

Class C - Under Age 65 - 6 year license maine.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in Maine

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.