Maine car registration is handled by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and you'll need your title, proof of residency, and proof of insurance before you can register.

Maine requires all vehicle owners to register their cars with the state. The registration process itself is straightforward, but the documents you need depend on whether you're registering a new vehicle, renewing an existing registration, or transferring ownership. The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) processes all registrations, and you can complete most transactions either in person at a BMV office or by mail.

Registration in Maine is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Your registration certificate and license plate must be renewed annually, and Maine sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before your current registration expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at any BMV office.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your vehicle title, proof of Maine residency, and proof of current insurance before the BMV will register your car.
  • New vehicle registrations require the manufacturer's certificate of origin or an out-of-state title; used vehicles need a signed title from the previous owner.
  • Maine registration costs vary by vehicle weight and type, and you can find the exact fee for your vehicle on the BMV website before you go in.
  • You can renew your registration online through the BMV website if your vehicle has no outstanding violations or liens, making renewal faster than initial registration.

Documents you need for a new Maine registration

Start by gathering your vehicle's title. If you're registering a new vehicle you just bought from a dealer, you'll have a manufacturer's certificate of origin. If you're registering a used vehicle purchased from a private seller or another state, you need the signed title from the previous owner. The title must be signed by the seller and have no liens listed, or the lienholder must sign off on the transfer.

Next, bring proof that you live in Maine. The BMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license with a Maine address also works. You'll also need proof of insurance—your insurance company's declaration page or a current insurance card showing your policy number and coverage dates. Maine requires all registered vehicles to carry liability insurance, and the BMV verifies this before issuing your registration.

If you're registering a vehicle with a lien (meaning a bank or lender holds the title), bring the lienholder's written consent to register the vehicle in your name. Some lienholders provide this automatically; others require you to request it. Check your loan documents or contact your lender directly.

Registration fees and what affects the cost

Maine registration fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not its age or condition. A passenger car typically costs between $35 and $50 per year, but a truck or SUV with a higher GVWR will cost more. The BMV website has a fee calculator where you can enter your vehicle's weight class and see the exact cost before you register.

You may also owe a one-time title transfer fee if you're registering a vehicle in Maine for the first time. This fee is typically $10 to $15 and covers the cost of issuing a new Maine title. If you're renewing an existing Maine registration, you pay only the annual registration fee with no additional title fee.

If your vehicle is financed, the lender's name will appear on the title. You'll still pay the same registration fee, but the lender must be listed as the lienholder on your Maine registration certificate.

Where to register and how long it takes

The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles has offices in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland. You can walk in during business hours with your documents and complete registration the same day. Wait times vary by location and time of day; the Augusta office tends to be busier than regional branches. Check the BMV website for current hours before you go, as some offices have reduced hours on certain days.

If you prefer not to visit an office, you can mail your documents and fees to the BMV. Include your completed process form (available on the BMV website), your title, proof of residency, proof of insurance, and a check or money order for the registration fee. Mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks, so plan ahead if your registration is expiring soon.

For renewals only, you can register online through the BMV website if your vehicle has no outstanding violations, no liens, and no changes to your address or vehicle information. Online renewal takes a few minutes and your new registration certificate arrives by mail within a week.

Transferring a vehicle title in Maine

If you're buying a used car from a private seller in Maine, the seller must sign the back of the title and provide it to you. You then take that signed title to the BMV along with your other documents. The BMV issues a new Maine title in your name and processes your registration at the same time.

If you're moving to Maine from another state and bringing a vehicle with you, you need to transfer your out-of-state title to Maine. Bring your current out-of-state title, proof of Maine residency, proof of insurance, and the registration fee. The BMV will issue a new Maine title and registration. You have 30 days from establishing Maine residency to register your vehicle, so do this as soon as you move.

If the previous owner's name is misspelled on the title or the title has other errors, contact the BMV before you try to register. You may need to get a corrected title from the state where the vehicle was previously registered.

License plates and registration stickers

When you register a vehicle in Maine for the first time, the BMV issues you a license plate and a registration sticker. The plate stays with the vehicle; if you sell it, the new owner keeps that plate. The registration sticker goes on your plate and shows the year your registration expires. You must display both the plate and the sticker on your vehicle at all times.

When you renew your registration, you receive a new sticker by mail. You remove the old sticker from your plate and explore the new one. You do not get a new plate unless your current one is damaged or lost. If your plate is stolen or damaged, contact the BMV to request a replacement; there is a small fee.

Maine plates are standard blue and white. Specialty plates are available for certain groups (veterans, conservation supporters, etc.), but these cost more and require a separate request through the BMV.

What happens if you let your registration expire

Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Maine. If you're pulled over, you can be issued a ticket. The fine varies but is typically $100 to $200 for a first offense. More importantly, if you're in an accident with an expired registration, your insurance may deny your claim, leaving you responsible for damages.

If your registration has expired but you haven't let it lapse by more than a year, you can renew it at any BMV office or online (if you're may be able to access for online renewal). If it's been more than a year, you may need to re-register as if it were a new registration, which requires all the original documents and takes longer.

The BMV sends renewal notices 30 days before expiration, so check your mail regularly. If you move and don't update your address with the BMV, you may not receive the notice. You can check your registration expiration date on the BMV website by entering your plate number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register my car online in Maine?

You can renew an existing Maine registration online through the BMV website if your vehicle has no liens, no violations, and no address changes. New registrations and title transfers must be done in person or by mail.

What if I buy a car from out of state and move it to Maine?

You have 30 days from establishing Maine residency to register the vehicle. Bring your out-of-state title, proof of Maine residency, proof of insurance, and the registration fee to any BMV office. The BMV will issue a new Maine title and registration.

Do I need to register a vehicle if I'm just visiting Maine temporarily?

No. If you're visiting with an out-of-state registration and valid out-of-state plates, you can drive in Maine without registering. However, if you establish residency in Maine, you must register within 30 days.

What if the previous owner didn't sign the title?

The BMV will not process the registration without a signed title. Contact the previous owner and ask them to sign it. If you cannot reach them, contact the BMV to ask about your options; they may require a notarized bill of sale or other documentation.

How do I check if my registration is about to expire?

Visit the Maine BMV website and enter your license plate number in the registration lookup tool. It will show your current expiration date. You can also check your registration certificate, which displays the expiration date in the top right corner.