What Maine license plates look like and what they tell you
Maine license plates are white with blue lettering and a blue strip across the top that says "MAINE" and shows the state's outline. The format is three letters followed by four numbers — for example, ABC 1234. This standard format applies to most passenger vehicles registered in Maine.
The blue strip at the top also displays your county of registration. Maine has 16 counties, and the county name or abbreviation appears on the plate itself. This tells you where the vehicle was registered, though it does not mean the owner lives there now.
Maine also issues specialty plates for specific groups — veterans, conservation supporters, and others — but they follow the same letter-and-number format and are issued through the same process as standard plates.
Key Takeaways
- Maine plates show three letters and four numbers, with your county name displayed on the blue strip at the top.
- You register your vehicle and receive plates through your local town or city clerk's office, not through a state office.
- New plates are issued when you first register a vehicle in Maine or when you move to a new county.
- Plates expire when your vehicle registration expires, typically one or two years after issue depending on your registration type.
- You can renew your registration and plates by mail, online, or in person at your town clerk's office.
Getting plates when you first register a vehicle in Maine
When you buy a vehicle and register it in Maine for the first time, your town or city clerk's office issues your plates as part of the registration process. You do not order them separately or wait for them to arrive by mail — the clerk produces them on-site or has them ready when you complete your registration.
To register and receive plates, bring your proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), proof of Maine residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), your driver's license, and proof of insurance. The clerk will verify that your vehicle passes Maine's safety inspection requirements and then issue your plates.
The plates are issued in the county where you register the vehicle. If you move to a different county in Maine, you will need to re-register with your new town clerk and receive new plates with your new county designation.
Renewing plates and registration in Maine
Your Maine plates expire when your vehicle registration expires. Most Maine registrations last one or two years, depending on the type of vehicle and when you first registered it. The expiration date is printed on your registration card and on a sticker on your plate.
You can renew your registration and plates through three methods: online at the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, by mail using the renewal notice sent to you, or in person at your town clerk's office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes a few minutes if your information has not changed.
When you renew by mail or online, you do not receive new physical plates — you receive a new registration card and an updated sticker to place on your existing plate. You only receive new plates if your old ones are damaged, if you move to a new county, or if you request specialty plates.
Replacing damaged or lost plates
If your plate is damaged, bent, faded, or illegible, you can request a replacement from your town clerk's office. Bring your registration card and proof of residency. The clerk will issue a new plate with the same number as your original plate.
If your plate is stolen, report the theft to local police and obtain a police report number. Bring the report to your town clerk along with your registration card. The clerk will issue a new plate, and you may receive a new number depending on Maine's current procedures.
Replacement plates typically cost a small fee, usually between $5 and $10, though this varies by town. Contact your town clerk's office for the exact cost in your area.
Specialty plates and vanity plates in Maine
Maine offers specialty plates for veterans, conservation supporters, and other groups. These plates use the same three-letter, four-number format as standard plates but display a different design or message. You request specialty plates when you first register your vehicle or during renewal.
Maine does not currently offer fully customizable vanity plates where you choose all the letters and numbers. However, some specialty plate programs allow limited personalization within their format. Check the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website or ask your town clerk what options are available.
Specialty plates may cost more than standard plates. The additional fee typically goes toward the program the plate supports — for example, conservation plates fund wildlife programs. Fees vary by plate type.
What happens if your plate is unreadable or damaged
Maine law requires that your plate be clearly readable from a distance. If your plate is faded, cracked, bent, or obscured by dirt or damage, you can be stopped by law enforcement. The officer may issue a warning or a citation depending on the condition of the plate.
If you receive a citation for an unreadable plate, you can show proof that you have replaced it or scheduled a replacement. Many officers will dismiss the citation if you demonstrate that you are taking action to fix the problem. Keep your receipt from the town clerk as proof.
To avoid this situation, inspect your plate regularly and request a replacement if it shows signs of wear. The replacement process is quick and inexpensive.
Transferring plates when you sell your vehicle
When you sell a vehicle in Maine, the plates stay with the vehicle, not with you. The new owner will register the vehicle in their name and receive new plates through their town clerk's office. You do not need to do anything with the old plates — the new owner's registration process handles the transition.
If you are buying a used vehicle in Maine, the seller should provide you with the current registration and plates. You then take those to your town clerk to re-register the vehicle in your name. The clerk will issue new plates for you.
If you are moving out of Maine and taking your vehicle with you, contact your new state's motor vehicle department for instructions on registering your vehicle there. You will not be able to use Maine plates outside Maine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get new Maine license plates?
If you register at your town clerk's office in person, you receive plates the same day or within a few days. If you register by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing and delivery. Online registration is fastest for renewals but does not issue new physical plates — only a sticker.
Can I keep my plate number if I move to a different Maine county?
No. When you move to a new county and re-register your vehicle, you receive a new plate with a new number reflecting your new county. Maine does not allow plate transfers between counties.
What if I lose my registration card but still have my plate?
Contact your town clerk's office and request a duplicate registration card. Bring your driver's license and proof of residency. The clerk will issue a replacement card with the same registration information. You do not need a new plate.
Do Maine plates have any special markings for different vehicle types?
Standard Maine plates do not distinguish between passenger cars, trucks, or SUVs — they all use the same format. However, commercial vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles have different registration categories and may display different plate formats or colors. Ask your town clerk what applies to your vehicle type.
What should I do if my plate is stolen?
Report the theft to local police and get a police report number. Take the report to your town clerk, who will issue a replacement plate, usually with a new number. There is typically a small fee for the replacement. Report the theft promptly so you are not held responsible if the plate is used on another vehicle.