Maine lets you design your own plate with a personalized message or combination of letters and numbers

Maine's vanity plate program lets you request a custom plate with up to seven characters — letters, numbers, or a mix — instead of the standard random sequence. You order through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), and the plate must follow state rules about what text is allowed. The process takes a few weeks and costs more than a standard plate, but the plate itself is yours to keep as long as you renew your registration.

Custom plates in Maine work the same way as your current registration: they're tied to your vehicle and expire when your registration does. You can transfer a custom plate to a different vehicle you own, but you cannot sell it or give it to someone else. If you stop renewing the registration, the plate goes back to the state and becomes available for someone else to request.

Key Takeaways

  • Maine custom plates can contain up to seven characters and must not contain profanity, slurs, or content that promotes illegal activity.
  • You order through the Maine BMV online, by mail, or in person at a BMV office, and the process typically takes two to four weeks.
  • Custom plates cost more than standard plates and the fee varies depending on your vehicle type and registration length.
  • Your custom plate stays with your vehicle registration and expires at the same time; you can transfer it to another vehicle you own but cannot sell or give it away.
  • The BMV will reject your request if the character combination is already taken, offensive, or violates state policy.

What characters and messages are allowed on a Maine custom plate

Maine allows letters A through Z and numbers 0 through 9, plus spaces between characters. You can use up to seven characters total, including spaces. The state does not allow punctuation marks, symbols, or special characters like hyphens, apostrophes, or ampersands on the plate itself.

The BMV will reject your request if the combination is already assigned to another vehicle, or if the message violates state policy. Rejected combinations typically include profanity, slurs, references to illegal drugs or activity, or content that could be considered obscene or hateful. The BMV reviews each request and makes the final decision about what is acceptable. If your first choice is rejected, you can submit a new request with a different combination.

How to order a Maine custom plate

You can order through three routes: online at the Maine BMV website, by mail, or in person at a BMV office. The online method is fastest — you enter your desired character combination, check availability, and pay the fee when ready. The BMV then processes your request and mails the plate to you.

If you order by mail, you'll need to fill out the appropriate form (available on the Maine BMV website), include payment, and mail it to the BMV office in Augusta. If you order in person, bring your vehicle registration, proof of ownership, and payment to any BMV office. Processing time is typically two to four weeks from the date the BMV receives your complete request, regardless of which method you use.

Before you order, have your vehicle registration number and current plate number ready. You'll also need to know whether you want a standard-term plate (matching your current registration expiration) or a longer-term plate. Some vehicle types — commercial, motorcycle, or antique — have different custom plate options and fees.

Cost of a Maine custom plate

Maine charges a one-time custom plate fee on top of your regular registration renewal fee. The exact amount varies by vehicle type and registration term. Passenger vehicles typically cost more than motorcycles or commercial vehicles. The fee is the same whether you order online, by mail, or in person.

When your registration expires, you renew it like any other vehicle. The custom plate itself does not expire — you keep the same plate as long as you own the vehicle and maintain active registration. If you let your registration lapse, the plate is no longer valid and the state may reassign it.

Transferring a custom plate to a different vehicle

You can move your custom plate to another vehicle you own without ordering a new one. Contact the Maine BMV and provide your current registration, the new vehicle's information, and proof of ownership for both vehicles. The plate transfers to the new vehicle's registration, and you pay a transfer fee (less than the original custom plate fee).

You cannot transfer a custom plate to someone else, even a family member. The plate is tied to your registration and ownership. If you want to give a vehicle with a custom plate to another person, the plate stays with the vehicle only if the new owner keeps it registered in their name — but they cannot use your custom character combination. They would need to request their own custom plate.

What happens if your custom plate request is rejected

If the BMV rejects your request, they will notify you by mail (or email if you ordered online) with a reason. Common reasons include the combination being already taken, containing offensive language, or violating state policy. You can then submit a new request with a different character combination.

There is no limit to how many times you can request a different combination, but each new request requires a new fee. If you're unsure whether a combination will be accepted, you can call the Maine BMV directly to ask before submitting your payment. The BMV staff cannot may provide approval, but they can tell you if a combination is obviously problematic or already in use.

Renewing and maintaining your custom plate

Your custom plate renews with your vehicle registration. When your registration is due, you renew both together through the normal Maine BMV renewal process — online, by mail, or in person. You do not need to reorder the custom plate or pay the custom plate fee again; you only pay the standard registration renewal fee.

Keep your custom plate in good condition. If it becomes damaged, faded, or unreadable, contact the Maine BMV to request a replacement. Replacement plates are usually free or low-cost. If you move out of Maine or sell the vehicle, notify the BMV so the plate can be deactivated and reassigned if someone else requests it later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use numbers and letters together on my Maine custom plate?

Yes. You can mix letters and numbers in any order within your seven-character limit. For example, "ABC1234" or "1A2B3C4" are both allowed. Spaces between characters count toward your seven-character total.

What if someone else requests the same custom plate combination as me?

Whoever requests it first gets it. If you submit your request and the BMV approves it, that combination is assigned to your vehicle. If someone else requests the same combination later, their request will be rejected because it's already taken. You cannot reserve a combination before you pay.

Can I use a custom plate on a motorcycle or commercial vehicle in Maine?

Yes. Maine offers custom plates for motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and other vehicle types, though the fees and character limits may differ slightly. Check the Maine BMV website for the specific rules and fees for your vehicle type before you order.

What do I do if my custom plate gets stolen or lost?

Contact the Maine BMV when ready and report it. You'll need to provide your registration information and a police report if the plate was stolen. The BMV can issue a replacement plate with the same custom combination, usually at no charge or for a small fee.

Can I keep my custom plate if I move out of Maine?

No. Maine custom plates are only valid for vehicles registered in Maine. If you move to another state, you'll need to register your vehicle there and cannot transfer your Maine custom plate. You would need to request a custom plate through your new state's motor vehicle agency if they offer that option.