Alongside proving your legal presence in the U.S., your application for a Maine driver’s license or non-driver identification card will need to provide proof of residence in the state. This document must contain your physical address.
For a non-Real ID License or ID Card, you need only one document proving your residence. For Real ID, you will need two. These include but are not limited to a:
- Conditional order of restoration,
- Contract in your name,
- Document issued by a government entity,
- Maine resident hunting or fishing license,
- Maine vehicle registration,
- Paycheck stub,
- Recent Maine driver’s license with your physical address,
- Tax bill,
- Tax return,
- Utility bill, or a
- W-2.
Exemptions from Proving Maine Residency
There are some individuals exempt from having to prove their Maine residency:
- A non-Maine resident who is on active duty in the U.S. armed forces and lives in Maine,
- A spouse or child of a person that is a non-Maine resident but is on active duty in the U.S. armed forces and lives in Maine, or
- An out-of-state resident, who is a student, enrolled at a university, college, or school in Maine.
If you are claiming to be exempt, you must provide documentation to prove this. This includes but is not limited to a:
- Certified school record or transcript issued by an educational institution in Maine,
- College ID card with no visible signs of irregularity issued by a university, college, or school in Maine,
- Form DS2019 issued to a J-1 scholar (provided and signed by a school in Maine),
- Military dependent ID card,
- Military ID, or a
- Set of military service location orders
Affidavits In Place of Documentation
If you are unable to provide proof of residency but you do reside within Maine, you are able to submit affidavits. These must be from two individuals who have knowledge of you and your residence within the state.
An affidavit (PDF) is a legal document that a person signs under oath or affirmation that can be used as evidence in court. These specific affidavits swear to you physically residing in Maine.
If you are younger than 18 years old, only one is required if signed by your parent or guardian.
The affidavit used must be provided by the BMV. You can find the affidavit here (PDF). You can obtain one from any BMV branch office. If you would like to have one mailed to you, contact us at:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Driver License Services Division
Examination Section
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029
Or call
207-624-9000
Extension: 52114
TTY Users Call Maine Relay 711