How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Maine

Maine vehicle registration renews every two years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles office

Maine sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before your registration expires. The notice includes your renewal fee, which depends on your vehicle's weight and type. You can renew online through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website using your registration number and date of birth, by mail using the renewal notice, or by visiting a BMV office in person. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes a few minutes.

Your registration expires on the last day of the month shown on your current registration card. Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Maine and can result in a fine. If you miss the renewal important date, you can still renew, but you may face a late fee in addition to the standard renewal cost.

Key Takeaways

Maine vehicle registrations last two years and renew in the month and year printed on your current registration card.
You can renew online through the Maine BMV website, by mail using your renewal notice, or in person at a BMV office.
Online renewal is the fastest method and requires only your registration number and date of birth.
If you renew after your registration expires, you will owe a late fee on top of the standard renewal cost.
Your vehicle must pass Maine's emissions test before you can renew if your vehicle is subject to testing.

Online renewal through the Maine BMV website

The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website allows you to renew your registration without visiting an office. Go to maine.gov/bmv, select the registration renewal option, and enter your registration number and date of birth. You will see your renewal fee and can pay by credit card or debit card. The system will email you a temporary registration document that you can print and carry in your vehicle while you wait for your new registration card to arrive by mail.

Online renewal typically takes five to seven business days from the time you pay. Your new registration card will arrive by mail within two weeks. If you need your registration sooner, you can visit a BMV office to renew in person and receive a temporary registration when ready.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

If you prefer to renew by mail, use the renewal notice the BMV sent you. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address shown on the notice. Do not send cash. Include your current registration card or a copy of it if possible.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal because of postal delivery time. Plan to mail your renewal at least three weeks before your registration expires to avoid driving with an expired registration. If your renewal notice was lost or damaged, you can request a replacement by calling the BMV or visiting their website.

Renewing in person at a BMV office

You can renew your registration at any Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. Bring your current registration card, proof of vehicle ownership (your title), and a valid photo ID. You will also need proof of Maine auto insurance. Bring your insurance card or a letter from your insurance company showing your policy number and coverage dates.

In-person renewal is the fastest way to get a new registration card on the same day. Fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Most BMV offices do not require an appointment for registration renewal, but you can check your local office's website to see if they recommend one during busy times.

Emissions testing requirements before renewal

Vehicles registered in Maine's emissions testing areas must pass an emissions test before you can renew your registration. The testing areas include Cumberland, York, and parts of other southern Maine counties. If your vehicle is subject to testing, you must have a passing test result before you renew, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

You can get an emissions test at any Maine-licensed emissions testing station. The test costs around $30 to $40 and takes about 15 minutes. Once you pass, the testing station will provide you with a test result document or will send the result electronically to the BMV. If you renew online or by mail, the BMV will check for your test result in their system. If you renew in person, bring your test result document with you.

Registration renewal fees and what affects the cost

Maine registration renewal fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not on its age or condition. A standard passenger car typically costs between $35 and $50 to renew for two years. Trucks, vans, and heavier vehicles cost more. Your renewal notice shows the exact fee for your vehicle.

If you renew after your registration expires, you will owe a late fee. The late fee is typically $10 to $25 in addition to your standard renewal cost, depending on how long your registration has been expired. If your vehicle's registration has been expired for more than one year, you may need to re-register rather than renew, which involves additional steps and fees.

What to do if your renewal notice did not arrive

The BMV mails renewal notices about 30 days before your registration expires. If you did not receive your notice, contact the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles by phone or visit their website to request a replacement. You can renew without the notice by going online or visiting a BMV office in person, but you will need your registration number and date of birth for online renewal.

If your address changed recently and the BMV does not have your current address on file, your renewal notice may have gone to your old address. Update your address with the BMV as soon as possible so future notices reach you. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at a BMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my vehicle inspection sticker is expired?

Maine does not require a separate vehicle inspection sticker. However, if your vehicle is in an emissions testing area, you must pass an emissions test before renewing. If your vehicle is not in a testing area, you can renew without any inspection. Check your renewal notice or the BMV website to see if your vehicle is subject to emissions testing.

What happens if I drive with an expired registration?

Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Maine and can result in a fine. A law enforcement officer can stop you for an expired registration. The fine amount varies, but you will also owe the late fee when you renew your registration. Renew before your registration expires to avoid this penalty.

How long does my new registration card take to arrive if I renew online?

After you pay online, the BMV emails you a temporary registration document within a few minutes that you can print and carry. Your permanent registration card arrives by mail within two weeks. If you need your card sooner, visit a BMV office in person to renew and receive a card the same day.

Can I renew my registration if I have an outstanding parking ticket or traffic fine?

Maine does not suspend registration renewal for unpaid parking tickets or most traffic fines. However, if you have an unpaid criminal traffic offense or a suspended license, you may not be able to renew. Contact the BMV or the court that issued the ticket to learn about it affects your registration.

What if my vehicle's title is still in someone else's name?

You must own the vehicle or have the owner's permission to renew the registration. If the title is in someone else's name, contact the BMV about transferring ownership before you renew. You will need a signed title and proof of sale or a bill of sale. Visit a BMV office or call them for instructions on how to transfer the title.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.