Register your car in Maine through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, either online, by mail, or in person at a local branch

Maine's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) handles all vehicle registration. You can complete registration online through the BMV website for most vehicles, mail in your documents, or visit a branch office in person. The process takes about 10 business days by mail, same-day if you go in person, and a few minutes online if your vehicle meets the requirements for online registration.

You'll need proof of ownership (the title or bill of sale), proof of Maine residency, proof of insurance, and a completed process form. The registration fee depends on your vehicle's weight and age. Maine does not use county-based registration — all registrations go through the state BMV.

Key Takeaways

  • Online registration through the BMV website is the fastest option for most vehicles and takes only a few minutes if you have your documents ready.
  • You must provide the vehicle title or bill of sale, proof of Maine residency, proof of insurance, and a completed process (Form 20).
  • Registration fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and range from roughly $35 to $150 for standard passenger vehicles, with higher fees for heavier vehicles.
  • If you register in person at a BMV office, you receive your registration and plates the same day; by mail it takes about 10 business days.
  • Maine requires proof of insurance before registration — you cannot register without an active policy, and the insurer's name will be listed on your registration.

Documents you need to bring or submit

Start with your vehicle title or bill of sale. If you bought the car from a dealer, you'll have a title with the previous owner's name. If you bought it privately, you need a bill of sale signed by both parties. If the title is out of state, bring that — Maine will issue a new one. If you're registering a vehicle you inherited, bring the title plus a death certificate or court document showing you own it now.

Next, proof of Maine residency. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Maine address works. It must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license alone is not enough — the BMV needs a separate document showing your address.

You also need proof of insurance. Call your insurance company and ask them to send proof of coverage (sometimes called a declarations page or binder) to you or directly to the BMV. The policy must cover liability and be active on the date you register. The insurance company's name and policy number will appear on your registration.

Finally, complete Form 20 (process for Registration). You can read it from the BMV website, fill it out by hand, and bring it with you, or fill it out online if you're registering online. The form asks for your name, address, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) — you'll find the GVWR on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb or in your owner's manual.

Registration fees and what they depend on

Maine's registration fee is based on your vehicle's GVWR, not its age or market value. A passenger car typically weighs 4,000 to 5,000 pounds GVWR and costs around $35 to $50 to register. A truck or SUV weighing 6,000 to 8,000 pounds costs roughly $60 to $90. Heavier vehicles cost more. You pay the fee once per year, and registration expires on your birthday each year.

If you're registering a vehicle for the first time in Maine (not renewing), you may also owe sales tax on the purchase price if you haven't already paid it. The BMV will calculate this based on the bill of sale or title. If you bought the car out of state and already paid sales tax there, bring proof — Maine may credit it toward what you owe.

If you register online, you pay by credit or debit card. If you register by mail, include a check or money order. If you register in person, most BMV offices take cash, check, or card.

Online registration: fastest option for most vehicles

Go to the Maine BMV website and select "Register a Vehicle Online." You'll need your VIN, title or bill of sale number, the vehicle's GVWR, your Social Security number, and your insurance information. The system will ask you to upload a photo of your title or bill of sale and proof of insurance. Once you submit, the BMV processes it within a few minutes and sends your registration and plates by mail — usually within 5 to 7 business days.

Online registration is not available for vehicles with outstanding liens (the bank or lender still owns it), vehicles you're registering for the first time in Maine if you owe sales tax, or vehicles with out-of-state titles that need a Maine title issued. For those, you'll need to mail documents or visit in person.

Registering by mail or in person

To register by mail, gather your documents (title or bill of sale, proof of residency, proof of insurance, and completed Form 20), write a check for the registration fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the BMV website. Include a note with your phone number so the BMV can contact you if something is missing. Processing takes about 10 business days. Your registration and plates arrive by mail.

To register in person, find your nearest BMV office on the website — Maine has branches in Bangor, Portland, Augusta, and several other cities. Bring all four documents (title or bill of sale, proof of residency, proof of insurance, and Form 20), cash or a check for the fee, and your driver's license. You'll fill out the form at the office if you haven't already, pay the fee, and walk out with your registration and plates the same day. Wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead can help you plan.

What happens if your vehicle has a lien

If you financed the car through a bank, credit union, or dealer, the lender holds a lien on the title until you pay off the loan. You cannot register the vehicle without the lender's permission, and the lender's name will appear on your Maine registration. Contact your lender and ask them to release the lien or sign off on the title so you can register it. Some lenders do this electronically; others require a form. Once the lien is released, you can register normally.

If you're still paying off the loan, the lender's name stays on the registration. This is normal and does not prevent you from registering or driving the car — it straightforward means the lender has a financial interest in the vehicle.

Renewing your registration each year

Maine registration expires on your birthday each year. About 30 days before expiration, the BMV mails you a renewal notice. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as initial registration. Renewal is faster than initial registration because you don't need to provide the title again — just proof of insurance and the renewal notice. Online renewal takes a few minutes; by mail, about 10 business days; in person, same day.

If you miss your expiration date, you can still renew, but you may owe a late fee. Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Maine, so renew before your birthday passes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register a car in Maine if I just moved here?

Yes. You have 30 days from the date you establish residency to register your vehicle. Bring proof of your new Maine address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), your title or bill of sale, proof of insurance, and the registration fee. If you're still paying off the car, contact your lender first to make sure the title is ready to transfer.

What if I lost my title?

Contact the BMV and request a duplicate title. You'll need to fill out a form, provide your VIN and proof of ownership (like a bill of sale or insurance policy), and pay a small fee. The BMV will mail you a new title within a few weeks. Once you have it, you can register the vehicle normally.

Do I need to take the car to the BMV for inspection before registering?

No. Maine does not require a pre-registration inspection. However, you do need proof of insurance, and the insurance company may require an inspection before they issue a policy. Check with your insurer before you register.

How long can I drive with out-of-state plates while I register in Maine?

You have 30 days from establishing residency to register your vehicle in Maine. During that time, you can drive with out-of-state plates. After 30 days, you must have Maine registration and plates. Driving with out-of-state plates after that period is illegal.

What if the BMV says my documents are incomplete?

The BMV will contact you by phone or mail to tell you what's missing. Common issues include proof of residency that's too old (more than 60 days), insurance that's not active on the registration date, or a title that needs the seller's signature. Respond quickly — if you don't provide the missing documents within a set time, your registration request may be denied and you'll have to start over.