What Maine License Plate Options Are Available

Maine offers three main types of license plates: standard plates, specialty plates, and personalized vanity plates. You can combine specialty and personalized options on the same plate. Standard plates come with the state's default design and your registration number. Specialty plates support specific causes or organizations and cost extra, but a portion of the fee goes to that cause. Personalized plates let you choose your own characters instead of using the assigned registration number, and you can add them to either a standard or specialty plate.

The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) administers all plate types. You order through your local BMV office or online through the Maine BMV website. The process, cost, and renewal cycle differ depending on which type you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Maine offers standard plates at no extra cost, specialty plates that support causes (with an additional fee), and personalized vanity plates that let you choose your characters.
  • Specialty plates cost between $15 and $50 extra per year depending on the cause, and a portion of that fee goes to the supporting organization.
  • Personalized plates cost $50 extra for the first registration and $25 for each renewal, on top of your regular registration fee.
  • You can combine a specialty plate design with personalized characters, so your plate supports a cause and displays your chosen text.
  • All Maine plates must be renewed every two years when you renew your vehicle registration.

Standard Maine License Plates

Standard plates come with Maine's default design and cost nothing beyond your regular vehicle registration fee. The BMV assigns your registration number automatically based on your vehicle's VIN and registration history. You receive your plate when you complete registration at your local BMV office or through online renewal.

Standard plates display the state name, the registration number, and the current validation sticker. They are valid for two years, matching your registration cycle. If you want to change to a specialty or personalized plate later, you can do so at your next renewal or by visiting a BMV office to request an when ready change (though this may involve a small administrative fee).

Specialty Plates That Support Causes and Organizations

Maine's specialty plates let you display support for specific causes while contributing money to related organizations. The list includes plates for wildlife conservation, military service, veterans, Maine colleges, and various charitable causes. Each specialty plate has its own design that reflects the cause it supports.

Specialty plates cost between $15 and $50 extra per year on top of your regular registration fee, depending on which plate you choose. A portion of that extra fee—typically between 50 and 100 percent—goes directly to the organization or cause the plate supports. For example, the Maine Wildlife plate supports the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, while the Maine Veterans plate supports veteran-related programs. You choose which specialty plate you want when you register or renew, and you can switch to a different specialty plate at your next renewal.

Specialty plates are valid for two years, just like standard plates. You renew them at the same time you renew your vehicle registration. If you want to switch from a specialty plate back to a standard plate, or to a different specialty plate, you can make that change at renewal or by visiting a BMV office.

Personalized Vanity Plates

Personalized plates let you choose your own characters instead of using the BMV-assigned registration number. You can use up to seven characters, including letters, numbers, and spaces. The BMV checks your requested text to make sure it is not offensive, already taken, or too similar to an existing plate.

Personalized plates cost $50 for your first registration and $25 for each two-year renewal. This fee is in addition to your regular registration cost. You can add personalization to either a standard plate or a specialty plate—so you could have a Maine Wildlife plate that also displays your chosen text.

When you request a personalized plate, submit your desired text to the BMV at the time of registration or renewal. The BMV will tell you within a few days whether your choice is available. If it is taken or rejected, you can submit another choice. Once approved, your personalized plate is valid for two years and renews with your registration.

How to Order Maine License Plates

You can order or renew plates through your local BMV office or online through the Maine BMV website. Online renewal is faster if you are renewing an existing registration and do not need to change your plate type or personalization. If you are registering a new vehicle, changing plate types, or requesting a personalized plate for the first time, you may need to visit a BMV office in person, though some personalized requests can be submitted online.

When you order, have your vehicle registration documents, proof of insurance, and your driver's license ready. If you are requesting a personalized plate, decide on your text before you start. The BMV will process your order and mail your new plate to you within one to two weeks. You can continue using your old plate until the new one arrives.

If you need a plate when ready—for example, if yours is damaged or lost—you can request a temporary plate at a BMV office. Temporary plates are valid for a short period while you wait for your permanent plate to arrive.

Costs and Renewal Cycles

Maine license plate costs break down as follows: standard plates are included in your regular registration fee (which varies by vehicle type and weight). Specialty plates add $15 to $50 per year depending on the cause. Personalized plates add $50 for the first registration and $25 for each renewal.

All Maine plates renew every two years when your vehicle registration expires. You receive a renewal notice from the BMV about 30 days before your registration expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a BMV office. If you want to change your plate type or personalization at renewal, you can do so at that time. If you do not renew by your expiration date, your registration and plates become invalid, and you cannot legally operate the vehicle.

Specialty Plate Options in Maine

Maine offers specialty plates for a range of causes and organizations. Common options include the Maine Wildlife plate (supporting wildlife conservation), the Maine Veterans plate (supporting veteran programs), the Purple Heart plate (for recipients of the Purple Heart medal), and plates supporting Maine's public universities and colleges. Some specialty plates are available only to people who meet specific criteria—for example, the Purple Heart plate requires proof of the medal.

The complete list of available specialty plates and their costs changes periodically as new plates are added or existing ones are retired. You can view the current list on the Maine BMV website or ask at your local BMV office. When you register or renew, you can choose any specialty plate that is currently available, regardless of whether you have previously had a different specialty plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a personalized plate and a specialty plate at the same time?

Yes. You can add personalization to any specialty plate. Your plate will display the specialty design and your chosen characters instead of the standard registration number. The cost is the specialty plate fee plus the personalization fee.

What happens if someone else takes the personalized text I want?

The BMV maintains a list of taken personalized plates. If your requested text is already in use, the BMV will reject it and ask you to choose something else. You can submit as many requests as you need until you find text that is available.

Can I switch plate types without waiting for my registration to expire?

Yes, but you may pay a small administrative fee to change plates before your renewal date. Visit a BMV office to request an when ready change. It is usually cheaper to wait until your renewal date, when you can change plate types as part of the renewal process at no extra charge.

Do I need to do anything special to renew a personalized plate?

No. When you renew your registration, your personalized plate renews automatically unless you request a change. You pay the renewal fee ($25 for personalized plates) along with your regular registration renewal cost.

What if my specialty plate design changes or the program ends?

If a specialty plate program is discontinued, the BMV will notify you before your renewal. You can choose a different specialty plate or switch back to a standard plate at that time. If the design changes but the program continues, your plate remains valid until renewal, and you receive the updated design when you renew.