Maine lets you register a vehicle online through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, but only for renewal — not for a first-time registration or a vehicle you just bought

If you already own a registered vehicle in Maine and your registration is about to expire or has recently expired, you can renew it online at maine.gov/bmv. The online renewal system handles standard passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and some commercial vehicles. You will need your current registration card, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method — Maine accepts credit cards and debit cards online.

If you are registering a vehicle for the first time, transferring ownership from out of state, or registering a newly purchased Maine vehicle, you cannot complete that transaction online. You must visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in person or mail in the required documents. The same applies if your vehicle has a lien on it or if you need to register a commercial vehicle with special plates.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if you already have an active Maine registration — first-time registrations and ownership transfers must be done in person or by mail.
  • You will need your current registration card, your VIN, and a valid credit or debit card to renew online at maine.gov/bmv.
  • Maine charges a $7 online transaction fee on top of your registration renewal cost when you use the website.
  • Your new registration card arrives by mail within two weeks; you can print a temporary registration receipt when ready after paying online.

What you need to renew your registration online

Gather your current registration card before you start. You will also need the vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your registration card, your vehicle's dashboard (visible through the windshield on the driver's side), or your insurance card. Have a credit card or debit card ready — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are accepted.

Check that your address on file with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles is current. If you moved recently and have not updated your address, do that before you renew online. You can update your address through the same BMV website or by calling the Bureau at 207-624-9000.

Steps to renew online at maine.gov/bmv

Go to maine.gov/bmv and look for the "Renew Your Registration" link on the homepage. Click it and enter your registration number and VIN when prompted. The system will pull up your vehicle information and show you the renewal fee for your vehicle class and the current year.

Review the information on screen to make sure it matches your vehicle and your address. If anything is wrong — the address, the vehicle description, or the plate type — stop and contact the Bureau by phone or visit an office in person. Proceeding with incorrect information can cause delays or rejection.

Enter your payment information and submit. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Print or save this confirmation — it serves as a temporary registration receipt valid for 45 days while you wait for your new registration card to arrive by mail. Maine typically mails new cards within two weeks, but allow up to four weeks during busy periods.

The $7 online transaction fee and what it covers

Maine charges a $7 fee for online renewal in addition to your base registration cost. This fee covers the cost of processing your transaction through the online system. If you renew in person at a Bureau office or by mail, you do not pay this extra fee — you pay only the registration renewal amount.

The total cost depends on your vehicle type and weight. A standard passenger car renewal costs less than a truck or commercial vehicle. The Bureau website will show you the exact total before you pay, so you know the final amount including the $7 online fee.

When you cannot renew online and must visit in person

First-time vehicle registration in Maine requires an in-person visit. You must bring your title, proof of insurance, proof of residency, and a valid ID. The Bureau will inspect your documents and process your registration on the spot.

If you are transferring a vehicle from another state, you need to register it in Maine in person. Bring your out-of-state title, a bill of sale or purchase agreement, proof of insurance, and proof of Maine residency. The Bureau will issue you a Maine title and registration.

Vehicles with active liens also require in-person registration. Your lender's information must be recorded on your Maine title, and the Bureau needs to verify this before issuing your registration. If your vehicle was recently purchased and the title transfer is still pending, wait until you receive the title in your name before attempting to register online.

Bureau of Motor Vehicles office locations and hours

Maine has six full-service BMV offices: in Augusta (the main office), Bangor, Lewiston, Portland, Presque Isle, and Rockland. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some offices open one evening per week. The Augusta office is typically the busiest.

You can check current hours and find the office nearest you at maine.gov/bmv. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now use an appointment system. Call ahead or check the website to see whether you need to book a time slot before you visit.

Mailing in your renewal as an alternative to online

If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail your renewal to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 101 Hospital Street, Augusta, Maine 04330. Include your current registration card, a check or money order for the renewal fee (no credit cards by mail), and a letter stating that you want to renew your registration.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically three to four weeks from the time the Bureau receives your envelope. Send your renewal at least six weeks before your registration expires to avoid driving with an expired registration. Keep a copy of your mailed documents for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if it has already expired?

Yes, you can renew online even if your registration expired. However, you should not drive the vehicle with an expired registration. Once you complete your online renewal and receive your confirmation number, you can print the temporary receipt and drive legally while you wait for your new card to arrive by mail.

What if my registration card is lost or damaged?

You can still renew online if you have your registration number and VIN. If you do not have your registration number, call the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 207-624-9000 and they will look it up for you using your name and VIN. You can then proceed with the online renewal.

How long does it take to receive my new registration card after paying online?

Maine mails new registration cards within two weeks under normal conditions. During peak renewal periods (late summer and early fall), allow up to four weeks. Your temporary receipt is valid for 45 days, so you have time to wait for the card to arrive by mail.

Can I renew my registration if I have a lien on my vehicle?

No, vehicles with active liens must be registered in person at a Bureau office. The lender's information must be recorded on your Maine title, and the Bureau needs to verify this before processing your registration. Once the lien is paid off and removed from your title, you can renew online.

What happens if I enter the wrong information online and submit my payment?

Contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when ready at 207-624-9000 with your confirmation number. They can cancel your transaction and issue a refund, or correct the information if the error is minor. Do not ignore the mistake — incorrect registration information can cause problems if you are stopped by law enforcement.