Maine registration renews every year, and you can do it online, by mail, or in person at your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles office

Your Maine registration expires on the last day of the month printed on your registration card. You can renew starting 30 days before that date. The fastest route is online through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website — you'll need your current registration card and a valid payment method. If you renew online, your new registration arrives by mail within 5 to 7 business days. You can also renew by mail by sending your registration card and payment to the address on the back of it, or walk into any BMV office and renew the same day.

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type. A standard passenger car costs less than a truck or SUV. Maine does not charge based on age or condition — only on what the vehicle weighs. You'll pay the same amount whether your car is brand new or 20 years old, as long as the weight class is the same.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online at maine.gov/bmv starting 30 days before your expiration date, and your new registration arrives by mail in 5 to 7 business days.
  • The renewal fee is based on your vehicle's weight class, not its age or condition, and ranges from under $50 for light vehicles to more for trucks and SUVs.
  • If you renew in person at a BMV office, you walk out with your new registration the same day.
  • Driving with an expired registration is a violation in Maine and can result in a fine, even if you have already paid and are waiting for your new card to arrive.

What you need to renew online

To renew through the Maine BMV website, have your current registration card in front of you. You'll enter your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and the registration card number. The system will pull up your vehicle record and show you the renewal fee based on weight.

You'll also need a valid credit card, debit card, or electronic check to pay. Maine does not accept cash online. Once you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new registration card will arrive by mail — keep that confirmation number in case you need to check the status or have questions.

If any information on your record has changed — you moved, changed your name, or the vehicle ownership changed — you cannot renew online. You'll need to renew by mail or in person so the BMV can update your file before issuing the new registration.

Renewing by mail or at a BMV office

To renew by mail, write a check or money order for the renewal fee and mail it with your registration card to the address printed on the back of the card. Include a note with your current mailing address if it has changed. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks, so send it at least that long before your expiration date.

If you go in person, bring your registration card and payment (cash, check, debit card, or credit card). You'll fill out a short form, pay the fee, and walk out with your new registration the same day. BMV offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices have longer hours on certain days — check maine.gov/bmv for your local office location and hours.

In-person renewal is the best choice if your registration expires soon and you don't have time to wait for mail delivery. It's also the only option if your record needs updating before renewal.

What happens if your registration expires

Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Maine, even if you have already paid for renewal and are waiting for your new card to arrive. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited and fined. The fine amount varies but is typically $100 to $200 for a first offense.

If you renew online and your expiration date is approaching, don't wait until the last day. The 5 to 7 business day delivery window means your new card might not arrive before the old one expires. Renew at least 10 days before expiration if you're using online renewal, or renew in person if you're cutting it close.

Renewing a vehicle with a lien or loan

If you still owe money on your vehicle and the lender holds the title, you can still renew your registration. The lender's name on the title does not prevent you from renewing. You renew using the same process — online, by mail, or in person — and the registration goes to the address on file with the BMV.

If you've paid off the loan and the lender has released the lien, the title will be mailed to you. Once you receive it, you can update your address with the BMV if needed, but this does not affect your registration renewal. Renew your registration on the normal schedule regardless of lien status.

Renewing a vehicle registered to a business or out-of-state address

If your vehicle is registered to a business name or a Maine address that is not your home, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process. The registration will be mailed to the address on file with the BMV.

If you've moved out of Maine but still own a vehicle registered here, you can renew by mail or online as long as you have your registration card. However, if you now live in another state and plan to keep the vehicle there, you should transfer the registration to your new state rather than renewing it in Maine. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department for their process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my license is suspended or expired?

Yes. Your driver's license status does not affect vehicle registration renewal. You can renew your registration even if your license is suspended or expired. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle if your license is suspended, so renewing the registration alone does not solve that problem.

What if I lost my registration card?

You can request a duplicate registration card from the BMV. Call the BMV at 207-624-9000 or visit a local office with your driver's license and proof of vehicle ownership. There is a small fee for a duplicate. Once you have it, you can renew normally. If you need to renew urgently and don't have the card yet, go to a BMV office in person and bring your driver's license and proof of ownership — they can look up your record and renew you the same day.

Do I need an inspection before I renew my registration?

Maine does not require a safety or emissions inspection to renew registration. You renew based on the information already on file with the BMV. However, your vehicle must be in legal condition to drive on public roads — brakes, lights, and steering must work properly. An inspection is not a renewal requirement, but driving an unsafe vehicle is illegal.

What if I sell my vehicle before the registration expires?

Once you sell the vehicle, you should notify the BMV that you no longer own it. You can do this by mailing the registration card to the BMV or turning it in at a local office. Do not renew a registration for a vehicle you no longer own. The new owner will register the vehicle in their name.

Can I renew my registration if I'm out of the country?

Yes, you can renew by mail from anywhere. Mail your registration card and payment to the BMV address on the back of the card. Allow extra time for mail delivery if you're sending from outside the United States. Online renewal also works from anywhere with internet access, so that may be faster.