Maine DEEP Program: What to Expect, Cost, and How to Register

What Is DEEP and Why Does Maine Require It?

DEEP stands for Driver Education and Evaluation Programs, and it is administered by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Behavioral Health. If you have been arrested for Operating Under the Influence (OUI) in Maine, completing DEEP is a non-negotiable prerequisite for reinstating your driving privileges — whether you are pursuing early reinstatement through an ignition interlock device or simply waiting out the full suspension period.

There is no way around this requirement. The BMV will not restore your license until the Office of Behavioral Health transmits an electronic notification confirming your DEEP compliance. Delaying registration only delays your timeline for getting back on the road.

How Much Does DEEP Cost?

The cost depends on your age at the time of registration:

• Adults (21 and older): $300 for the Adult Risk Reduction Program, plus a $10 credit card processing fee
• Under 21: $225 for the Under-21 Program, plus a $10 credit card processing fee

These fees cover the educational course only. If you are referred for a clinical substance use evaluation after the course (more on that below), the evaluation and any treatment sessions are billed separately by private providers. Some community providers offer sliding-scale fees or accept MaineCare and private insurance to offset those additional costs.

The 20-Hour Course Format

The Adult Risk Reduction Program consists of 20 hours of instruction spread over three consecutive days. The Under-21 Program is 16 hours over three days. Both programs cover the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving ability and require you to complete a standardized self-assessment screening tool during the course.

The course is offered both in-person at certified provider locations across Maine and virtually via approved Zoom sessions. To participate online, you need a private location and a device with active, continuous video and audio — the camera must remain on for the entire session.

How to Register for DEEP

Registration is handled through DEEP-certified providers, not through the BMV or court system directly. The Office of Behavioral Health maintains a list of approved providers, and you can find the current course schedule and provider directory through the Maine DHHS website.

Register as early as possible. DEEP slots fill up, and a delayed registration can push back your entire reinstatement timeline. If you are pursuing early reinstatement with an ignition interlock device, you must complete DEEP before the BMV will approve your IID petition — so starting early is particularly important on that pathway.

What Happens During the Clinical Evaluation

During the educational course, every participant completes a preliminary self-assessment screening. If your screening results indicate elevated risk factors for a substance use disorder — or if your arrest involved a BAC of 0.15% or higher, a chemical test refusal, or a documented history of substance use — you will be referred for a formal clinical evaluation.

The clinical evaluation is conducted by a DEEP-certified provider and typically takes two to four hours. At least one session must include a "significant other or concerned person" to help the evaluator assess your risk of recidivism. If the evaluator determines that treatment is clinically warranted, you will be placed in the Treatment Completion Program, which requires individualized counseling sessions with a licensed substance use counselor.

You are responsible for all evaluation and treatment costs, though many providers accept insurance. Once treatment is complete, the provider submits compliance paperwork to the Office of Behavioral Health, which then clears your DEEP requirement with the BMV.

What If You Disagree with the Evaluation?

If you believe your clinical evaluation or the mandated treatment plan is incorrect, you have the right to seek a second opinion from an independent, DEEP-approved clinical evaluator. If a dispute arises over whether you have satisfactorily completed treatment, you can file a formal appeal with the independent DEEP Board of Appeals. The Board is composed of non-affiliated practitioners who review the clinical record and issue a binding determination.

Out-of-State and Military Alternatives

If you hold a Maine OUI suspension but live out of state, you can complete an approved equivalent program in your home state. The administrative fee is $300, and you will need to coordinate with the Office of Behavioral Health to confirm that your home state's program qualifies.

Active-duty military personnel can complete an approved branch equivalent program, with a reduced administrative fee of $150.

DEEP Is One Piece of a Larger Process

Completing DEEP is essential, but it is only one step in restoring your driving privileges after a Maine OUI. The full process involves navigating both the BMV administrative track and the criminal court system, managing reinstatement fees, and making strategic decisions about ignition interlock versus work-restricted license options. Our Maine First-Offense DUI Guide walks through every step of both tracks in chronological order, including exactly when and how DEEP fits into your specific restoration pathway.

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