Laws and Benefits for Veterans and Military Drivers in Maine

The State of Maine offers a number of benefits and privileges to those Americans who have either served in a branch of the armed forces in the past or are currently serving in the military.

Disabled Veteran Registration and Driver's License Fee Waiver

Disabled veterans are eligible to receive a disabled veteran license plate free of charge. To qualify, you must provide the Maine Motor Vehicle Authority with Veterans Affairs documentation proving a 100% service-related disability. The parking version of the Disabled Veteran Room will allow you to use parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities, as well as free parking in metered spaces. Disabled veterans are also eligible for exemption from driver's license and title fees. You may be required to provide supporting documentation for these exceptions.

Military personnel with a "K" or "2" designation in their license are also eligible for an exemption from driver's license renewal fees.

Veteran driver's license badge

Maine veterans and active duty members of the military are eligible for the title of veteran on a driver's license or state ID in the form of an American flag with the word "Veteran" below it in the upper right corner of the card. This makes it easy for you to show your veteran status to businesses and other organizations that offer military benefits without having to carry your discharge papers with you everywhere you go. To be licensed with this designation, you must be an honorably discharged person or currently serving, and be able to provide proof of an honorable discharge such as DD 214 or documentation from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Military badges

Maine offers a variety of military license plates. Eligibility for each of these plates requires certain criteria to be met, including proof of current or past military service (honorable discharge), proof of service in a specific battle, discharge papers, or Department of Veterans Affairs records of award received.

Available plates include:

• Purple Heart (car and motorcycle, no registration fee)

• Purple Heart Souvenir Plate (Free, not for use on a car)

• Disabled Veteran Number (no registration fee)

• Disabled Veteran Parking Sign (no registration fee)

• Amputees/Loss of Use of Limbs or Blind Veteran (no registration fee)

• Medal of Honor (no registration fee)

• Former POW (no entry fee)

• Survivor of Pearl Harbor (no registration fee)

• Special Veteran's Plaque (Registration fee $35 up to £6000, $37 up to £10,000, commemorative sticker may be displayed)

• Gold Star Family (registration fee $35)

An application for a disability certificate can be found here.

Waiver of military skills exam

Since 2011, veterans and active duty military personnel with commercial military vehicle experience can use these skills to avoid part of the CDL testing process. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration introduced this rule, giving the SDLA (State Driver's License Agencies) the power to exempt US military drivers from the CDL (commercial driver's license) driving test. To be eligible to skip this part of the testing process, you must apply within 12 months of leaving a military position that required you to drive a commercial type vehicle. In addition, you must have two years of such experience to be eligible for the waiver program, in addition to other specific criteria. You will not be exempt from the written test.

Maine and all other states participate in the program. If you would like to view and print the Universal Disclaimer, you can click here. Or you can check with your state to see if they provide an application.

Military Commercial Driver's License Act of 2012

This law was passed to give states the appropriate authority to issue commercial driver's licenses to active duty military personnel outside their home states. All units are eligible for this benefit, including reserves, the National Guard, the Coast Guard, or Coast Guard auxiliaries. Contact your Maine licensing agency for information.

Driver's License Renewal During Deployment

Maine has a unique military and driver license renewal policy. Anyone who is on active duty and is a qualified vehicle driver may drive a vehicle regardless of the expiration date of their license. This allowance is valid until 180 days after leaving the army.

You can check here to see if you are eligible to renew your vehicle registration online during an out-of-state deployment or deployment.

Driver's license and vehicle registration of non-resident military personnel

Maine recognizes out-of-state driver's licenses and vehicle registrations for non-resident military personnel stationed in the state. This benefit also applies to dependents of non-resident military personnel who are on staff with the military personnel.

Non-resident military personnel stationed in Maine can also apply for a vehicle excise exemption. You must submit this form to claim an exemption.

Active or veteran military personnel can learn more at the State Bureau of Motor Vehicles website here.