Maine rolled out a redesigned license plate in 2024, but you don't have to switch when ready

Maine introduced a new standard license plate design in 2024 featuring a revised layout and updated graphics. The old plates remain valid and legal to use — you are not required to replace them. You can continue driving with your current plate until it needs renewal for other reasons, such as registration expiration or damage that makes the plate unreadable.

The transition is gradual. When you renew your vehicle registration at the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, you can request the new plate design or keep your existing one, depending on your preference and what the bureau has in stock at your local office.

Key Takeaways

  • The new Maine plate design became available in 2024, but old plates remain legal and do not need to be replaced when ready.
  • You can request the new design when you renew your registration, or stick with your current plate if you prefer.
  • The new plate features updated graphics and a revised layout that reflects Maine's current branding.
  • Replacement plates cost the same as standard renewal plates and are ordered through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
  • If your current plate is damaged, faded, or unreadable, switching to the new design during renewal eliminates the need for a separate replacement fee.

How to get the new plate design

To request the new plate, visit your local Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office during your next registration renewal. You can also renew online through the Maine BMV website if your vehicle is may be able to access for online renewal, though online renewal may not offer plate design selection — in that case, you would need to visit an office or call to request the new design.

Bring your current registration documents and proof of residency. The new plate costs the same as a standard replacement plate, so there is no additional fee beyond your normal registration renewal cost. Processing time is typically one to two weeks for mail delivery after your transaction is complete.

What changed on the new plate

The new design updates Maine's visual branding on the plate itself. The layout has been reorganized to improve readability and reflect current state standards. If you are familiar with Maine's previous plate design, you will notice the repositioning of text and graphics, though the basic function — displaying your registration number and state identification — remains the same.

Both old and new plates meet all legal requirements for vehicle registration in Maine and are recognized by law enforcement and automated systems. The change is primarily visual and does not affect how your vehicle is registered or identified in any official capacity.

When you might want to switch to the new design

If your current plate is damaged, faded, or difficult to read, replacing it with the new design makes practical sense. Unreadable plates can result in citations, and the new design may be more legible depending on the condition of your current plate. Switching during your renewal means you avoid paying a separate replacement fee.

If your registration is coming up for renewal anyway, you can choose the new design at that time without any extra cost or hassle. Some drivers prefer the updated look, while others are satisfied with their existing plates and see no reason to change. The choice is entirely yours.

Ordering a replacement plate outside of renewal

If you want the new plate before your registration renewal is due, you can order a replacement plate directly from the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Visit a local BMV office or contact them by phone to request a replacement plate. There is a fee for out-of-cycle plate replacement, separate from your registration renewal cost.

Bring your current registration and proof of residency. The bureau will issue the new plate, and you will receive it by mail within one to two weeks. Your registration expiration date does not change — you are straightforward replacing the physical plate on your vehicle. This option makes sense only if you need the new plate urgently or if your current plate is damaged enough to warrant when ready replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get the new plate right away?

No. Your old plate remains legal and valid. You can continue using it until your registration expires or the plate becomes damaged or unreadable. You can request the new design whenever you renew your registration.

Will the new plate cost more than my old one?

No. The new plate costs the same as a standard replacement plate. If you order it during registration renewal, there is no extra fee. If you order it outside of renewal, there is a replacement plate fee, which varies but is typically under $10.

Can I keep my old plate if I like it?

Yes. You can renew your registration and keep your current plate design. The new design is an option, not a requirement. Both designs are legal and will be recognized by law enforcement and registration systems.

How long does it take to get the new plate?

Processing and mail delivery typically take one to two weeks after your transaction is complete. If you need a plate sooner, some Maine BMV offices may have plates available for when ready pickup, though this varies by location.

Where do I go to order the new plate?

Visit any Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office, or renew your registration online through the Maine BMV website if your vehicle is may be able to access. For online renewals, you may need to call the BMV to request the new plate design, as the online system may not offer that option.