How To Transfer a Car Title in Maine 2026
Maine requires a certificate of title for all motor vehicles with a model year within the last 25 years. Under 29-A M.R.S. §662, the seller must sign over the title to the buyer at the time of delivery, and the buyer must then apply for a new title in their name. The application must be submitted to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) within 30 days of the sale date. Maine does not require a notary for private-party title transfers, which makes the process more straightforward than in many other states.
Required Documents for Title Transfer in Maine
Gather these items before visiting your local municipal office or BMV branch. Note that Form MVT-2 is a carbon copy form and must be picked up in person at a BMV branch, town hall, or municipal office.
| Document | Form / Reference | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Title (seller's assignment completed and signed) | — | All titled vehicles |
| Application for Certificate of Title | MVT-2 (carbon copy — in-person pickup only) | All transfers |
| Signed Bill of Sale | Maine Bill of Sale | Private sales |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | MVT-32 (if not printed on the title) | Most vehicles less than 20 model years old |
| Lien Release | MVT-12 | When a lien is recorded on the title |
| Proof of Maine Insurance | — | Required for registration |
| Excise Tax Receipt | Issued by municipal office | Required before registration |
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in Maine
Step 1: Confirm Whether Your Vehicle Requires a Title
Not every vehicle in Maine needs a title. As of January 1, 2026, only vehicles with a model year of 2001 or newer are subject to Maine's title requirement. Motorcycles with engines of 300 cc or more and trailers with an unladen weight over 3,000 lbs. also require a title. Older or exempt vehicles can be transferred using a bill of sale alone.
Step 2: Satisfy Any Outstanding Liens
If the vehicle has an existing loan, the lien must be released before the title can be transferred. The lienholder will sign a lien release on the title itself or send a separate release letter. If the BMV's records show an unreleased lien, the lienholder must sign Form MVT-12 to formally discharge it. Once the lien is cleared, the free-and-clear title is ready for assignment. You do not need to apply for a new title just because a lien has been released — the signed and dated release on the existing title is sufficient proof of a clear title.
Step 3: Complete the Title Assignment and Odometer Disclosure
The seller fills in the assignment section on the back of the certificate of title. This section must include:
- The date of sale
- The selling price
- The buyer's full name and address
- The odometer reading at the time of transfer
Per 29-A M.R.S. §662, the odometer disclosure is a required part of the title assignment. If the back of the title does not include an odometer disclosure field, the seller must complete a separate Form MVT-32. The seller then delivers the assigned title to the buyer at the time of sale. No notary is required for private-party transfers in Maine.
Step 4: Pay Excise Tax at Your Local Town Office
Before registering the vehicle or applying for a new title, the buyer must pay excise (municipal) tax at their local town or municipal office. The amount varies based on the vehicle's age and value. The town office will issue a receipt confirming payment. This receipt is required to complete the registration process. If the local municipal office does not handle vehicle registrations, the buyer pays the excise tax there and then takes the receipt to a BMV branch office to complete the registration and title application.
Step 5: Obtain and Submit Form MVT-2
Pick up Form MVT-2 (Application for Certificate of Title) from your local BMV branch, town hall, or municipal office. Because it is a carbon copy form, it is not available for download online. Complete it fully and bring it, along with all other required documents, to the municipal office or BMV branch to file the title application.
Step 6: Pay All Required Fees and Receive Your New Title
All fees are collected at the time of submission. Maine's sales tax rate on vehicle purchases is 5.5% of the purchase price, collected when the vehicle is registered for the first time in the state.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title Application Fee | $33.00 |
| Expedited (Rush) Title — additional fee | $10.00 |
| Late Filing Penalty (after 30 days) | $50.00 |
| Sales Tax | 5.5% of purchase price |
| Registration Fee | Varies by vehicle type |
After the application is accepted, the BMV mails the new certificate of title directly to the registered owner. Standard processing takes approximately 14 business days. Rush title processing takes 3 to 5 business days for an additional $10.00 fee.
Contact Information
Maine Secretary of State — Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Division of Title Services
29 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0029
Phone: (207) 624-9000
Official Website: Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles — Titles
