Change your name in Maine
The exact steps, documents, and official Maine links to change your name after marriage or divorce, in the correct order.
DMV / license agency
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Department of the Secretary of StateLicense update fee
Approximately $5 for a duplicate license with name change (standard); REAL ID compliant credentials range $40 (65+) to $55 (under 65) depending on credential type
Marriage certificate
Data, Research and Vital Statistics (DRVS), Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC)Voter deadline
Online voter registration updates (including name changes) must be submitted at least 21 days before Election Day; written/mail notice of a name or address change must reach the registrar before the close of registration prior to election day (Maine Title 21-A Sec. 129)
Instructions verified August 2026 against official Maine government sites. How we verify
Book a DMV appointmentWhat Maine asks you to bring
Documents for the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Department of the Secretary of State
- Certified marriage certificate (or divorce decree/court order showing name change)
- Current Maine driver's license or state ID
- Completed BMV application/request for duplicate license with new name and signature
- Proof of Maine residency (required for REAL ID)
- Social Security card updated with new name (recommended to update first, per SSA)
Online or in person
Maine does not accept the license name change online. A visit to Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Department of the Secretary of State is required.
REAL ID in Maine
Maine law (29-A M.R.S.A. Sec. 1407) requires notifying the BMV of a name change within 30 days. Acceptable proof includes a marriage license, divorce decree, or court order, with a clear document trail from prior legal name to current name. Any first-time REAL ID issuance/upgrade must be done in person at a BMV branch or mobile unit.
Updating your Maine voter registration
Maine lets you update your registration online. Online voter registration updates (including name changes) must be submitted at least 21 days before Election Day; written/mail notice of a name or address change must reach the registrar before the close of registration prior to election day (Maine Title 21-A Sec. 129)
Update your registrationMaine step-by-step guides
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