Maine ATV registration is handled by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, not the Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Maine treats ATVs differently from road vehicles. You register an ATV through the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIFW), and the process is separate from standard vehicle registration. You'll need proof of ownership, a completed process form, and payment of the registration fee. The registration is valid for one year from the date of issue.

You can register in person at any DIFW regional office, by mail, or online through the Maine DIFW website. The online option is the fastest route if you have all documents ready. Registration fees vary based on whether you own the ATV or are registering a borrowed machine, and whether you're a Maine resident.

Key Takeaways

  • Maine ATVs are registered through the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, not the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
  • You need a bill of sale or title, proof of ownership, and a completed process form (Form 2700) to register.
  • Registration fees for Maine residents are lower than for non-residents, and borrowed ATVs have a separate fee structure.
  • Online registration through the DIFW website is the fastest option if you have your documents scanned and ready.
  • Your registration is valid for one year and must be renewed annually; the renewal notice will be mailed to you before expiration.

What documents you need to bring or submit

Start with proof of ownership. If you bought the ATV new, bring the manufacturer's certificate of origin. If you bought it used, you need a bill of sale signed by the previous owner or a title document. The bill of sale should include the ATV's make, model, year, vehicle identification number (VIN), the seller's name and address, the buyer's name and address, the sale date, and the sale price.

You'll also need to complete Form 2700, the ATV Registration process. This form asks for your name, address, phone number, the ATV's details (make, model, year, VIN, engine size), and how you plan to use it. If you're registering a borrowed ATV, you'll need the owner's written permission on the form. Bring a valid Maine driver's license or state ID to prove residency.

Registration fees and what they cover

Maine resident registration costs less than non-resident registration. As of the most recent fee schedule, a resident pays one amount for a standard ATV registration, while a non-resident pays a higher fee. If you're registering an ATV you don't own — for example, you borrowed it from a friend — there's a separate borrowed ATV registration fee, which is lower than ownership registration.

Your registration fee covers one year of legal operation on Maine trails and private land where the owner permits it. The registration does not cover operation on public roads; ATVs are not street-legal in Maine. Your registration sticker must be displayed on the ATV in the location specified by DIFW. When your registration expires, you'll receive a renewal notice by mail, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person.

How to register online, by mail, or in person

Online registration is the fastest option. Go to the Maine DIFW website, find the ATV registration section, and follow the prompts. You'll upload scanned copies of your proof of ownership and ID, complete the process form electronically, and pay the fee by credit or debit card. You should receive your registration confirmation and sticker within one to two weeks.

Mail registration takes longer. Print Form 2700 from the DIFW website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with photocopies of your proof of ownership and ID to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the registration fee. Processing typically takes two to four weeks from the date DIFW receives your packet.

In-person registration at a DIFW regional office is the slowest but gives you when ready confirmation. Find the office nearest you on the DIFW website, bring your original documents and ID, and complete the form at the counter. You'll pay the fee and receive your registration sticker the same day. Regional offices have limited hours, so check before you go.

Renewing your ATV registration

Maine sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before your registration expires. The notice includes instructions for renewing online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the simplest: log in to the DIFW website, enter your registration number and the renewal code from your notice, and pay the fee. Your new sticker will arrive within one to two weeks.

If you renew by mail, return the renewal notice with your payment to the address listed. If you renew in person, bring the notice and your payment to any DIFW regional office. Do not let your registration lapse; operating an unregistered ATV can result in a fine. If your notice is lost, you can still renew by contacting DIFW directly with your registration number.

What to do if your ATV is used or has no title

A used ATV without a title can still be registered, but you'll need additional documentation. If the previous owner lost the title, you can register using a bill of sale alone, provided it includes all the required information (seller name and address, buyer name and address, ATV details, VIN, sale date, and sale price). Both the seller and buyer must sign the bill of sale.

If you're unsure whether your documentation is sufficient, contact DIFW before submitting your process. You can call the regional office that serves your area or email DIFW with photos of your documents. Submitting incomplete paperwork delays registration, so it's worth confirming first. DIFW staff can tell you within one business day whether your bill of sale meets their requirements.

Operating your ATV legally after registration

Once registered, your ATV is legal to operate on Maine trails designated for ATV use and on private land where the owner permits it. You must display your registration sticker in the location specified by DIFW — usually on the frame or body of the machine. Riding on public roads is illegal, even with registration; Maine does not allow street-legal ATVs.

Some trails require additional permits or memberships beyond registration. Check with the specific trail system or land manager before you ride. If you plan to use your ATV on trails managed by a club or organization, they may have their own rules. Your DIFW registration is the baseline legal requirement, but it does not override local or private restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register an ATV without a title if I bought it used?

Yes. A bill of sale signed by both the seller and buyer is sufficient if it includes the ATV's VIN, make, model, year, both parties' names and addresses, the sale date, and sale price. If you're unsure your bill of sale meets DIFW requirements, contact your regional office before submitting.

What happens if I ride an unregistered ATV?

Operating an unregistered ATV in Maine can result in a fine. If your registration has expired, renew it when ready through the DIFW website, by mail, or in person. If you've lost your registration sticker, contact DIFW to request a replacement.

Can I register an ATV I don't own?

Yes, but you need written permission from the owner. Complete Form 2700 and have the owner sign the borrowed ATV section. The fee for borrowed ATV registration is lower than ownership registration and covers one year of use.

How long does online ATV registration take?

Online registration is processed within one to two weeks. You'll receive a confirmation email when ready after payment, and your physical registration sticker will arrive by mail. If you need to ride before the sticker arrives, print your confirmation as temporary proof.

Do I need to register my ATV every year?

Yes. Maine ATV registration is valid for one year from the date of issue. DIFW will mail you a renewal notice about 30 days before expiration. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the notice.