Maine renews your registration by mail, online, or in person at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Maine sends renewal notices 30 days before your registration expires. You can renew online through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at any BMV branch. Online renewal is the fastest option — you pay the fee, print your new registration, and you're done the same day. By mail, you send the completed renewal notice with payment to the address listed on the form. In-person renewal at a BMV office takes about 15 minutes if you arrive during off-peak hours.

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type. A standard passenger car typically costs between $35 and $45, but trailers, commercial vehicles, and vehicles over 10,000 pounds have different rates. Maine charges the same fee whether you renew for one year or two years, so many people choose the two-year option to reduce how often they need to renew.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online at maine.gov/bmv, by mail using your renewal notice, or at any BMV office without an appointment.
  • Online renewal is fastest and lets you print your new registration when ready; you do not need to wait for a physical plate in the mail.
  • Your renewal notice arrives 30 days before expiration and includes the exact fee for your vehicle and the mailing address if you choose to renew by mail.
  • Maine does not require a vehicle inspection to renew your registration, but your vehicle must be insured and your license must be valid.
  • If you miss the expiration date, you can still renew, but you may face a late fee and cannot legally drive until the renewal is complete.

What you need to renew online

To renew online, you need your renewal notice (the form Maine mailed you), your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method. You'll also need your Maine driver's license number or Social Security number to log in. The online system at maine.gov/bmv accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks.

If you've lost your renewal notice, you can still renew online by entering your VIN and license plate number. The system will pull up your registration record and let you proceed. After you pay, you can print your new registration when ready — this printed copy is valid while you wait for your new plate to arrive by mail, which typically takes two to three weeks.

Renewing by mail or in person

To renew by mail, fill out the renewal notice, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order to the address printed on the form. Include your renewal notice itself — do not send just the payment. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the BMV receives it, so send it at least three weeks before your expiration date to avoid driving with an expired registration.

To renew in person, bring your renewal notice, your vehicle's current registration, and a valid form of payment (cash, check, debit card, or credit card) to any BMV office. You do not need an appointment. The BMV will issue you a temporary registration on the spot, and your new plate will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you need a new plate when ready — for example, if yours is damaged or lost — you can purchase a replacement plate at the same visit for an additional fee.

What happens if your registration expires

Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Maine. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you face a fine starting at $120. Your vehicle also cannot pass a safety inspection or be registered for a new year until the expired registration is cleared.

If your registration has expired but you have already renewed it, you can drive legally while waiting for your new plate to arrive — but only if you have proof of renewal. If you renewed online, print your confirmation page. If you renewed by mail or in person, keep your temporary registration or receipt. If you have not yet renewed and your registration has expired, renew when ready before driving. You can renew online the same day and print your registration to carry in your vehicle.

Changing your address or vehicle information

If you moved or changed your name since your last registration, you must update this information before renewing. You can update your address online at maine.gov/bmv using your VIN and license plate number, or you can do it in person at any BMV office. Address changes are free and take effect when ready.

If you sold your vehicle or bought a new one, you cannot renew the old registration. Instead, you'll need to register the new vehicle. If you're renewing the same vehicle but it has mechanical changes — a new engine, transmission, or other major component — you may need to update your registration record. Contact the BMV directly at 207-624-9000 to ask whether your specific change requires an update.

Renewing a vehicle with a lien or loan

If you financed your vehicle through a bank or credit union, the lender may hold the title and require that their name appear on your registration. You can still renew online or by mail — the lender's name does not prevent renewal. However, if the lender requires you to carry proof of insurance, make sure your insurance policy is current before you renew, because the BMV may contact your insurer to verify coverage.

If your loan is paid off and the lender's name is still on your registration, you can request a corrected registration at any BMV office. Bring your loan payoff letter or proof that the loan is satisfied. The BMV will issue a new registration with only your name for a small fee, typically around $5.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my driver's license is expired?

No. Maine requires a valid driver's license to renew your vehicle registration. If your license is expired, renew it first at the BMV, then renew your registration. You can do both at the same visit if you go in person.

What if I don't have insurance when I try to renew?

Maine requires proof of insurance to register a vehicle. If you don't have insurance, the BMV will not complete your renewal. You must purchase insurance first, then renew. If you're renewing online, the system may verify your insurance automatically through your insurer's records.

Do I need to inspect my vehicle before renewing?

No. Maine does not require a safety inspection to renew your registration. However, your vehicle must be insured and roadworthy. If a law enforcement officer stops you and your vehicle is unsafe, you can be cited regardless of whether your registration is current.

How long is my registration valid after I renew?

You can choose to renew for one year or two years. The fee is the same either way, so most people choose two years. Your new registration expires on the same month and day as your old one, one or two years later.

What if I renewed online but haven't received my new plate yet?

Your printed registration is valid while you wait for your plate. Carry the printed confirmation with your vehicle. New plates typically arrive within two to three weeks. If more than three weeks have passed, contact the BMV at 207-624-9000 to check the status.