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Register A Passenger Vehicle

When Purchased from a Licensed Maine Dealer:

  • You must pay Excise (Municipal) Tax at your town office. Your local municipal office can help with any questions you have!
    • If the vehicle is new, the tax collector will require that you provide the manufacturers suggested retail price sticker (also known as the Monroney Label) or a copy of the sticker.
    • If your local municipal office does not issue registrations, you can register it at a BMV branch office after paying the tax at your municipal office.
  • You will needed:
    • A bill of sale or sales agreement from the dealer,
    • Blue title application for vehicle models 25 years old and newer,
    • Proof of insurance, and
    • White and yellow copies of your registration application and excise tax receipt.
  • You must pay a registration fee for your plate if needed:

When Purchased from a Private Sale or Out-Of-State Dealer:

  • You must pay excise (municipal) tax at your town office. Your local municipal office can help with any questions you have!
    • If your local municipal office does not issue registrations, you can do it at a BMV branch office after paying the tax at your municipal office.
  • You will need:
    • Signed bill of sale (PDF),
    • A title signed from the previous owner to the current owner for vehicle models 25 years old and newer,
    • Proof of insurance, and
    • White and yellow copies of your registration application and excise tax receipt.
  • You must pay Maine's sales tax (5.5%) on the purchase price of the vehicle.
  • You must pay a title application fee ($33), on vehicle models 25 years old and newer.
  • You must pay a registration fees for your plate if needed.

Registering Your Vehicle as a New Mainer

When you have established your residency in Maine, you have 30 days to convert your registrations and titles, should you hold any. 

To complete this process:

  • You must pay excise (municipal) tax at your town office. Your local municipal office can help with any questions you have!
    • If your local municipal office does not issue registrations, you can do it at a BMV branch office after paying the tax at your municipal office.
  • You will need:
    • Out-of-state title for vehicle models 25 years old and newer,
    • Name and address of any lien holders on the vehicle if applicable,
    • Out-of-state registration certificate,
    • Proof of insurance, and
    • White and yellow copies of your registration application and excise tax receipt.
  • A Maine use tax (sales tax) form to prove exemption from sales tax when showing an out-of-state registration.
  • You must pay a title application fee ($33) on vehicle models 25 years old and newer.
  • You must pay a registration fees for your plate if needed.

Renewing a Passenger Vehicle’s Registration

Some towns participate in Rapid Renewal, an online service which makes it possible to new a motor vehicle registration and pay excise tax in one simple transaction. Learn more about Rapid Renewal! 

If your town does not participate in that service, your local municipal office may be able to do it for you.

To complete this process:

  • You must pay excise (municipal) tax at your town office. Your local municipal office can help with any questions you have!

    • If your local municipal office does not issue registrations, you can do it at a BMV branch office after paying the tax at your municipal office.
  • You will need:
    • Proof of insurance, and
    • White and yellow copies of your registration application and excise tax receipt.
  • You must pay a registration fees for your plate if needed.

 

You may contact the BMV Registration Section with questions or comments at: (207) 624-9000 ext. 52149 or by Email: registrations@maine.gov