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

A personalized license plate in Maine is one you design yourself, choosing the letters and numbers that appear on it instead of accepting the random combination the state assigns. You can put a name, initials, a hobby reference, or almost any combination you want—as long as it fits the character limit and doesn't violate Maine's content rules. The plate still shows Maine's state name and design; you're only customizing the alphanumeric portion.

The process happens through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). You request your custom combination, pay an additional fee beyond your standard registration renewal, and the BMV checks whether that combination is already taken. If it's available and meets content standards, you receive your plate in the mail or can pick it up at a BMV office.

Key Takeaways

  • You design the letter and number combination yourself, and the BMV checks availability before approving it.
  • Personalized plates cost more than standard plates and require renewal every two years along with your vehicle registration.
  • Maine rejects combinations that are obscene, contain slurs, impersonate government agencies, or exceed the character limit.
  • You can request your plate through the BMV website, by mail, or in person at a BMV office.
  • If your chosen combination is taken, the BMV will suggest alternatives or you can request a different one.

How to request a personalized plate through the BMV

Start by visiting the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website and using their personalized plate search tool. Type in the combination you want—up to seven characters, including letters, numbers, and spaces. The tool tells you when ready whether that combination is available. If it is, you can proceed to request it.

You can complete the request online, by mail, or in person at any BMV office. If you go online, you'll need your vehicle registration number and driver's license information. You'll also select whether you want a standard personalized plate or a specialty plate (such as a veteran, conservation, or university-themed design). After you submit your request and payment, the BMV processes it and mails your plate to the address on file, usually within two to three weeks.

If you prefer not to use the website, you can pick up a personalized plate request form at any BMV office or read it from their website, fill it out by hand, and mail it with a check to the address listed on the form. In-person requests at an office are also accepted the same way.

What the personalized plate costs and how long it lasts

The fee for a personalized plate varies depending on whether you're requesting it as part of a new registration, a renewal, or a mid-cycle change. As of the most recent fee schedule, a personalized plate costs more than a standard plate—typically in the range of $50 to $100 additional, but you should confirm the exact amount on the BMV website or by calling your local office, since fees can change.

Your personalized plate is valid for two years, the same as a standard Maine registration. When your registration expires, you renew both the registration and the plate together. If you want to keep the same personalized combination, you straightforward renew it at that time. If you want to change to a different combination, you can request a new one during renewal.

Content rules: what the BMV will and won't approve

Maine's BMV rejects personalized plate requests that contain obscene language, slurs, or hateful references. The rules also prohibit combinations that impersonate government agencies, law enforcement, or official titles—for example, you cannot use "POLICE," "STATE," or "OFFICIAL." Combinations that could be confused with emergency vehicles or government plates are also denied.

The BMV also enforces a character limit: personalized plates can contain up to seven characters, including letters, numbers, and one space. Punctuation marks, symbols, and special characters are not allowed. If your requested combination violates any of these rules, the BMV will deny it and you can submit a different one.

The review process is not automatic—a person at the BMV reads each request to check for content violations. This is why processing can take a few weeks rather than days. If your request is denied, the BMV will notify you by mail with the reason, and you can submit a new request with a different combination.

What to do if your desired combination is already taken

If the combination you want is already assigned to another vehicle in Maine, the BMV's search tool will tell you it's unavailable. You then have two choices: request a different combination, or ask the BMV to suggest alternatives based on your original request.

Some people try variations—for example, if "MAINE01" is taken, you might request "MAINE02" or "MAINE001." The BMV search tool lets you check each variation as you go. If you're attached to a specific message or name, you can also add numbers or adjust spacing to create a unique version that's still meaningful to you.

Renewing and changing your personalized plate

When your registration expires, you'll receive a renewal notice from the BMV. If you want to keep your personalized plate, you straightforward renew it along with your registration. The renewal fee is the same as the original personalized plate fee. You can renew online, by mail, or in person.

If you want to change to a different personalized combination at renewal time, you can request the new combination on your renewal form or through the online renewal system. The BMV will check availability and process the change. You'll receive your new plate in the mail or can pick it up at an office.

If you decide you no longer want a personalized plate and want to switch back to a standard plate, you can do that at renewal as well. Standard plates are less expensive, so you'll save money on the renewal fee going forward.

Specialty personalized plates in Maine

Maine offers personalized versions of several specialty plate designs, including veteran plates, conservation plates, university plates, and others. These plates combine the specialty design with your custom letter and number combination. The cost is typically higher than a standard personalized plate because you're paying for both the personalization and the specialty design.

To request a specialty personalized plate, you follow the same process as a standard personalized plate, but you select the specialty plate type when you submit your request. You'll also need to meet any may be able to access requirements for that specialty plate—for example, veteran plates require proof of military service. The BMV website lists which specialty plates are available and what documentation each one requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my personalized plate to a different vehicle?

Yes. When you register a new vehicle, you can request to transfer your existing personalized plate to it. You'll need to own both vehicles or have the proper documentation if one is being sold. Contact the BMV to arrange the transfer; it typically costs less than requesting a brand-new personalized plate.

What happens if someone else requests the same combination I want?

Personalized plates are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If someone requests a combination before you do, it becomes unavailable. The BMV search tool shows you when ready whether a combination is taken, so you know right away if you need to choose something else.

Can I use numbers that look like letters, like "0" for "O" or "1" for "I"?

Yes, you can use numbers and letters together. However, the BMV still reviews your combination for content violations. If a number-letter substitution creates an obscene or prohibited word, it will be rejected. Otherwise, creative combinations like "M41N3" are generally allowed.

How do I know if my personalized plate request was approved?

The BMV will mail you a notice confirming approval or denial. If approved, your plate arrives in the mail within two to three weeks. If denied, the notice explains why and you can submit a new request. You can also check the status of your request by contacting the BMV directly or checking your account on their website if you submitted online.

Do I have to renew my personalized plate every year?

No. Maine registrations and personalized plates are valid for two years. You renew both together at the end of that two-year period. If you want to keep the same personalized combination, you straightforward include it in your renewal. You do not need to request it again each year.