Maine Learner's Permit Misuse: Lending, Unauthorized Use and What to Do (2026)

If you knowingly lend your Maine learner's permit for someone else to use, Maine law treats that as a Class E crime. If the permit was lost or stolen and used without your permission, that is different: report the loss or misuse promptly and document that you did not consent. Maine learner's permit guide

What Happens if You Knowingly Lend Your Permit?

The outcome depends on whether you knowingly allowed the use.

• Knowing lending: Knowingly allowing another person to use your license or permit is a Class E crime.
• No permission: If the permit was lost, stolen or used without your consent, do not treat the other person's conduct as your automatic criminal offense. Report it promptly and keep records.
• BMV impact: Administrative action depends on the actual facts and conviction. Any future passenger-vehicle license is a Class C license, not Class D.
• Insurance/civil issues: Coverage and liability depend on the vehicle, policy and facts of the incident; do not assume the permit holder is automatically liable for every unauthorized use.

Knowingly Lending vs. Unauthorized Use of Your Permit

What if Someone Uses a Photo or Copy of My Permit Without Taking the Physical Card?

Treat it as unauthorized credential misuse. Keep the original secure, document what happened and report suspected identity or credential misuse to the appropriate authorities. The fact that the physical card remained with you does not make misuse of copied information harmless.

When to Report a Lost or Compromised Permit

Never lend your permit. If it is lost or stolen, report it and request a duplicate.

• Report the loss or theft: Contact Maine BMV promptly. A police report can also document theft or misuse.
• Request a duplicate: Use Form MV-10 for a duplicate learner's permit. The learner's-permit duplicate fee is $5.
• Keep records: Save copies or confirmation details showing when you reported the document missing or misused.

For the full replacement process, see the Lost / Stolen Permit article in the Appointments & SOS cluster.

Should I replace my permit after someone misuses it even if I get the original card back? Contact Maine BMV and explain what happened. Replacement may still be sensible if the credential information has been compromised, even when the physical card is recovered.

What to Do If Your Permit Is Misused

If you suspect someone is using your permit, act quickly to limit your liability.

1. File a report with your local police department immediately.
2. Contact the Maine BMV directly to flag your permit number and file a formal report of misuse.
3. Gather any evidence (texts, witnesses) that proves you did not consent to the lending of your permit.
4. Consult with a legal professional if charges or lawsuits are filed against you.

From Experience: Contact the BMV Enforcement Services Division about permit misuse at 207-624-9000, ext. 52144.

Can Someone Else's Misuse of My Permit Put Tickets or Violations on My Driving Record?

It can create a record problem if the other person's conduct is mistakenly linked to your identity. Contact the issuing agency, court or BMV promptly if you see a citation or driving-record entry that is not yours, and keep documentation showing the misuse was unauthorized.

What proof should I keep to show that I did not give someone permission to use my permit? Keep any police or incident report, messages, emails, witness information, replacement records and other dated evidence showing when you discovered and reported the misuse.