Lost Your Maine Learner's Permit: Use Form MV-10, Pay $5, and Here's What to Expect (2026)

To replace a lost learner's permit in Maine, use Form MV-10 to request a duplicate. The current form provides a mail-in route to Maine BMV License Services. The duplicate learner's permit fee is $5 - confirm this on the Maine BMV fee schedule before applying. Processing and mailing times can vary, so confirm the current timeframe with the BMV. Maine learner's permit guide

Mail-in duplicate requests do not provide the same immediate in-person temporary receipt described below.

How to Replace a Lost, Stolen or Damaged Maine Permit

You do not have to retake the written test to replace a lost learner's permit.

The duplicate keeps your original expiration date and restrictions. Use Form MV-10 (Request for Duplicate Driver's License, Identification Card, or Learner's Permit).

How to Apply for a Duplicate Driving Permit

• In-Person: Visit any Maine BMV office. Submit your completed Form MV-10, required documents, and $5 fee. You will receive a temporary printed receipt to drive legally while waiting for your new card.
• By Mail: Send the signed Form MV-10 and the $5 learner's permit duplicate fee to the Maine BMV License Services address printed on the current form. Follow the current MV-10 instructions for the application.

Can I replace my Maine learner's permit while temporarily outside Maine?

Yes. Form MV-10 can be mailed to Maine BMV for a duplicate learner's permit. The BMV also states that its written duplicate-request process can be used by people who are out of state or out of the country.

What You Need to Replace a Maine Learner's Permit

Bring these items to the BMV to replace your lost instruction permit:

• Primary ID: Social Security card, birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or permanent resident card.
• Proof of Maine Residency: A recent utility bill or bank statement showing your current address.
• Completed Form MV-10.
• Payment of $5 (check accepted payment methods by location).

Can a parent request a replacement permit for a minor? MV-10 includes a section for an application completed by someone other than the credential holder. That person must be an immediate family member and provide the requested identifying information, relationship, and signature.

Duplicate Permit Fee, Processing Time and Temporary Driving Proof

Common Lost and Damaged Permit Situations

Does a duplicate Maine learner's permit keep the same permit number? Maine BMV's public duplicate form does not promise whether the printed permit number will stay identical. A duplicate replaces the missing credential; check the replacement when it arrives and contact BMV if any identifying information is wrong.

What Happens When a Maine Permit Arrives Damaged

Failing for a damaged permit barcode is more common than you'd think. In Auburn, a permit arrived with a damaged, unreadable barcode. The card could not be activated; an in-person replacement was filed immediately and the new card arrived in 12 days. Damaged permits cannot be used - file for a replacement before attempting to drive.

Tip: Download and complete Form MV-10 at home before your visit. BMV computers can be slow and errors on-site cost you your place in line.

Scenario: Replacement Permit Delayed in the Mail

An applicant in Augusta mails their duplicate permit application but forgets to include a copy of their Social Security card. The BMV returns the application unprocessed two weeks later, causing a total delay of over a month.

All Maine permit requirements are covered in the Maine permit guide.

Small Detail, Big Impact: Make photocopies of every required document before mailing and use a tracking service to confirm the BMV received your packet, preventing a 2-3 week setback.

Replacing a Lost Maine Permit: What to Bring

At the Bangor BMV on Griffin Road, one applicant arrived to replace a lost permit without updated proof of residency. Her old utility bill had her previous address. The BMV rejected the application - Form MV-10 requires documents that match your current address on file. Update your address before mailing or visiting.

One Lewiston applicant found out the duplicate fee is just $5 - not the $20 or $25 amount listed on some third-party websites. She had brought a larger check, which caused a delay while staff processed the overpayment. Make checks payable to "Secretary of State" for the exact duplicate fee. Confirm the fee amount on the BMV site before writing the check.

Scenario: Problem With Replacement Documents

A teen in Bangor brings a parent's utility bill as proof of residency, but their name is not on it. The BMV rejects the application, requiring them to return with proper documentation, like a school transcript or a bank statement in their name.

Read This Carefully: Call your specific BMV office ahead of your visit to verify acceptable residency documents for a minor, as rules can vary and prevent rejection.

Can You Drive While Waiting for a Replacement Maine Permit?

Only in-person duplicate applications provide a temporary receipt that serves as legal driving authorization.

Mail-in applications do not produce temporary credentials. If you apply by mail, you cannot drive until the physical card arrives. Keep the temporary receipt with you whenever you drive.

Do I need to report a stolen Maine learner's permit to the police?

Form MV-10 requires you to explain what happened to the original permit, but it does not list a police report as a required document for a duplicate learner's permit. If the permit was stolen and you are concerned about identity misuse, filing a police report can still create a useful record of the theft.

What if I find my old permit after Maine BMV issues a duplicate?

BMV does not publish a separate found-old-permit procedure on MV-10. Once the duplicate has been issued, use the replacement as your current credential and contact BMV before relying on the old copy again.