Register a vehicle in Maine

Online or in person

Not for a first registration · Town office, then a BMV branch if neededThe BMV's online Rapid Renewal service renews a registration in participating towns. A first registration starts at your town office, where you pay the excise tax. You pay the excise (municipal) tax at your town office. If your town office does not issue registrations, you register at a BMV branch office after paying the tax.

Cost

$35 a year, plus a $33 title fee and excise taxAnnual registration fee for an automobile, a pickup truck registered for 6,000 pounds or less, or a sport utility vehicle. Other vehicle types have other fees; see the statute linked in the sources. Title fee: $33 for filing an application for a first certificate of title and for a certificate of title after a transfer. On new registrations of automobiles and trucks the annual excise tax payment must be made prior to registration. The amount depends on the maker's list price and the model year.

You leave with

Registration number and certificateOn approving the application the Secretary of State issues a registration number or other distinguishing mark and a certificate of registration.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Certificate of origin (new vehicle) or previous certificate of title (used vehicle)
     A certificate of title is not required for some vehicles, including vehicles more than 25 years old (except where the Secretary of State decides to issue a warranty title) and trailers of 3,000 pounds unladen weight or less.
   • Evidence of liability insurance
     A person may not register a vehicle unless the Secretary of State is satisfied it is covered. Electronic evidence, including an image on a portable device, may be shown.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Vehicle insurance identification card
     • Letter from an insurance company or agent showing the vehicle is covered
     • Insurance binder
     • Insurance policy with a summary document (Describes the vehicle, the insured, amount and type of coverage and the period covered)
   • Application information · all that apply
     Legal name, residence and address, current mileage, a brief description of the vehicle, the maker, the VIN, the year of manufacture and the type of fuel or motive power; for trucks, the gross weight. The title application also asks for the date of purchase and the name and address of the seller. The registrant signs the initial application.
   • Excise tax payment · all that apply
     Payment must be made before registration on new registrations of automobiles and trucks.

2. Show proof of insurance

   Evidence of liability insurance is shown to the municipal agent or the bureau at registration.

3. Apply for the title and registration

   The application is made to the Secretary of State, by mail or otherwise. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles pages that say where and how were not readable for this guide, so the place is not confirmed here.

4. Bought from a dealer

   If you bought from a dealer, the dealer signs the title application and must deliver it to the Secretary of State within 30 days after the sale.