Maine BMV Payment Methods: Cash, Card, Apple Pay, and How to Make Checks Out Correctly (2026)

Can You Pay Maine BMV Permit Fees Online or by Apple Pay?

No. The initial Maine learner's permit application is not submitted online. Submit MVE-64 with the $35 fee at a BMV branch or by mail. Maine learner's permit guide

You can pay for other services online at maine.gov/sos/bmv, including:

• Some license and credential services
• Driving-record requests
• Reinstatement-related services where eligible

Accepted Payment Types at the Maine BMV

The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles accepts several payment methods. Accepted forms depend on whether you are paying online, in person, or by mail.

Can I pay for my learner's permit with a credit card in Maine?

The Maine BMV accepts major credit and debit cards for in-person transactions. Confirm which card brands are accepted at your specific branch before your visit.

• In-Person: Credit cards are accepted at all BMV offices.
• Online: Credit or debit cards are required for online payments.
• No Surcharge: The BMV does not add extra fees for credit card payments.

Who do I make the Maine learner's permit check payable to?

Make the check or money order payable to Secretary of State, as stated on the current MVE-64 application.

How Do I Pay the $35 Fee if I Mail Form MVE-64?

Include the $35 payment with the completed MVE-64 and required documents, using the payment method allowed by the current form. Follow the mailing instructions printed on MVE-64; the payee is given in the direct question above.

Payment Restrictions and Limitations

Specific rules apply to different payment methods for your permit fees.

• Checks/Money Orders: For a mailed MVE-64 application, include the required payment with the form and follow the current form's mailing instructions.
• Exact Change: While not required, having exact cash can speed up transactions at busy offices like Portland.
• Online Limitations: The initial learner's permit form cannot be submitted online. Online payments apply only to eligible online BMV services.
• Full Payment Required: The $35 fee must be paid in full at the time of application. Payment plans or partial payments are not accepted.

Can someone else pay my Maine permit fee for me? The source of the payment does not replace the applicant's own form, signatures, eligibility, or document requirements. For a mailed application, make sure the payment accompanies the completed application package.

Paying a Maine Permit Fee by Mail, at a Branch or Online

The payment path depends on how the transaction is submitted.

Can I submit and pay for the Maine learner's permit application completely online?

No. Maine BMV's current permit form is not an online submission. Applicants use the printed MVE-64 and submit the application package by mail or through a BMV branch, following the current instructions.

Common Maine BMV Payment Mistakes

At the Portland office on a Monday morning, only large bills were on hand - the BMV had no change. The applicant was sent home and returned that afternoon with exact change. Portland BMV is cash-heavy on Mondays; bring exact change or a debit card.

For Maine permit process details, see the Maine permit guide.

• Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted in person at all Maine BMV branches alongside cash, cards, and checks.
• Card reader failures do occur at peak hours; always carry a backup check or exact cash as a contingency.
y. Verify your check details match your application documents to prevent rejection.
• Bangor Cash Shortage: Some rural substations in the Bangor region have limited cash drawers. While they accept cash, they may be unable to make change for large bills. Bring smaller bills or use a card to ensure a smooth transaction.

Bring two forms of payment to your appointment to avoid rescheduling if a card machine fails or a check is rejected for a minor error.

Call your specific BMV office ahead of your visit to confirm their current payment system status, especially on busy Saturdays or after holiday weekends.

For a mailed permit application, follow the current MVE-64 mailing instructions and send the completed application package to the Examination Section address printed on the form.

The BMV now accepts Apple Pay and Google Pay in person alongside cash, checks, money orders, and cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express).