Scheduling BMV appointment best way to reduce waiting time
AUGUSTA, MAINE – Beginning May 7, 2025, travelers will need a Real ID, passport, or a passport card to fly commercially. As Mainers plan their summer vacation travel, the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has added the following measures to ease wait times for Real ID applicants, including:
- Increased lobby support will be added in six branch offices: Springvale, Portland, Lewiston, Topsham, Scarborough, and Augusta.
- Updated online appointment scheduling. Appointments may be scheduled up to 60 days in advance.
- Coordinating with Maine’s Congressional delegation and the TSA.
In addition, to move applicants through as efficiently as possible late in the day, all BMV branches except Calais and Ellsworth will stop distributing appointment tickets at 4 PM to ensure all applicants can be served before the end of the day while limiting overtime costs. Calais and Ellsworth will stop distributing appointment tickets at 4:30 PM.
“We appreciate Mainers’ eagerness to follow the law now that the federal government will enforce Real ID beginning on May 7. Our employees are here to serve the people of Maine, so we urge Mainers to approach their next visit to the BMV with kindness and good humor as we experience record-breaking visits to our branches,” said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. “If you’re not flying in the short term, you can make an online appointment or return to the BMV at a later date when wait times will likely return to normal. If you have a passport, you are all set. If you must get your Real ID now, we recommend making an appointment in advance or potentially being prepared to wait.”
“We are pleased that Mainers want to be in compliance with the federal regulations, and we recommend that you apply for your Real ID two months prior to flying,” said Cathie Curtis, the Deputy Secretary of State for Bureau of Motor Vehicles. “We are taking many steps to help address the record-breaking number of customers visiting our offices and we appreciate everyone’s patience during this time.”
To further reduce wait times, applicants should be sure to bring the required identification when they apply. To acquire a Real ID-compliant driver's license or State identification card, applicants are required to provide one document that establishes identity, date of birth, and lawful permanent residence/lawful status in the U.S.; a Social Security number (card not required); and two documents that show residency in Maine such as a utility bill, pay stub, etc. Additional documentation may be required if an applicant has changed their name. Visit the Secretary of State website for further information: https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/driver-licenses-and-ids/real-id
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