How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Maine From Out of State
Transferring vehicle registration from another state to Maine requires compliance with procedures established by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Individuals establishing residency in Maine must complete vehicle registration within 30 days of relocating to the state. The registration process involves payment of various fees, excise taxes, and applicable sales taxes administered through municipal tax collectors and the Secretary of State's office.
Base Registration and Title Fees
The financial obligations associated with registering an out-of-state vehicle in Maine encompass multiple components, including registration fees determined by vehicle specifications, certificate of title charges, and municipal excise taxation. The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles Registration Fees establishes the baseline costs for all motor vehicle registration transactions processed throughout the state.
Standard State Fees
Maine calculates registration fees based on several factors, including vehicle classification, model year, and gross weight. The fee schedule applies uniformly across all municipalities, with registration periods available in one-year, two-year, or three-year intervals.
Registration Fees by Vehicle Category:
| Vehicle Classification | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger automobiles | $35.00 |
| Motorcycles | $21.00 |
| Mopeds | $9.00 |
| Antique motorcycles | $15.00 |
| Truck/Tractor (under 6,000 lbs) | $35.00 |
| Truck/Tractor (6,001 to 10,000 lbs) | $37.00 |
| Truck/Tractor (10,001 to 12,000 lbs) | $48.00 |
| Farm truck and motor home (under 6,000 lbs) | $21.00 |
| Farm truck and motor home (6,001 to 10,000 lbs) | $27.00 |
| Farm truck and motor home (10,001 to 12,000 lbs) | $32.00 |
| Buses | $35.00 or $70.00 |
Title Fees
Maine requires a certificate of title for vehicles designated as 1995 model year or newer. Title applications must accompany initial registration transactions for qualifying vehicles. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles title fee schedule outlines charges for various title-related services.
Certificate of Title Fee Structure:
| Transaction Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Original certificate of title | $33.00 |
| Title correction | $33.00 |
| Expedited issuance (additional fee) | $10.00 |
| Salvage title application | $33.00 |
Municipal Excise Tax
Maine imposes an annual excise tax on motor vehicles assessed by the municipality where the vehicle owner maintains their primary residence. Unlike property tax systems in other states, Maine's excise tax calculation utilizes the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and vehicle age to determine the tax obligation. Excise tax is calculated by multiplying the MSRP by the mill rate, as stated in the excise tax statute under Title 36, Section 1482.
Excise Tax Calculation Rates:
| Vehicle Model Year | Mill Rate |
|---|---|
| 1 year old | 0.0240 |
| 2 years old | 0.0175 |
| 3 years old | 0.0135 |
| 4 years old | 0.0100 |
| 5 years old | 0.0065 |
| 6 years and older | 0.0040 |
Vehicle owners should contact their municipal tax collector's office to obtain precise excise tax calculations for their specific situation.
State Sales Tax
The state sales tax applies to motor vehicle purchases completed within Maine at a rate of 5.5% of the total purchase price. Complete taxation information is accessible through the Maine Revenue Services Sales, Use & Service Provider Tax page. According to Title 36, Section 1752, sales tax must be collected on all taxable sales of tangible personal property, including motor vehicles.
State Sales Tax Rates for Motor Vehicles:
| Tax Classification | Rate |
|---|---|
| Sales tax on motor vehicles | 5.500% |
| Use tax on motor vehicles | 5.500% |
Vehicle Inspection Requirements and Fees
Maine mandates annual safety inspections for all registered vehicles. The Maine State Police Motor Vehicle Inspections oversees the inspection requirement administered through licensed inspection stations throughout the state. Vehicle owners must obtain a valid inspection sticker before completing registration for vehicles brought into Maine from other states.
The inspection fee is established by state regulation and remains consistent across all licensed inspection facilities. Inspection stations charge the state-mandated fee for performing the comprehensive safety examination required for registration eligibility.
Annual Safety Inspection Fee:
| Service Description | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual safety inspection fee (Standard) | $12.50 |
| Annual safety inspection fee (Cumberland County) | $18.50 |
The inspection must be performed within the registration period, with inspection stickers valid for one year from the month of issuance. New Maine residents should budget for this mandatory inspection cost when calculating total registration expenses.
Salvage and Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection
Vehicles bearing salvage titles or reconstructed from salvage designation require specialized inspection procedures before receiving standard Maine registration.
Government Agencies and Contact Information
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
29 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: (207) 624-9000
Official Website: Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles operates under the Office of the Secretary of State and administers all vehicle titling, registration, and licensing functions throughout Maine. The Bureau maintains regulatory oversight of vehicle transactions, processes title applications, and coordinates with municipal officials for registration services.
Maine Vehicle Licensing Offices
Maine delivers vehicle registration services through municipal tax collectors and town clerk offices in each municipality. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch office directory provides comprehensive location information for registration services statewide. The following branch offices serve Maine's largest population centers:
Portland Branch Office
125 Presumpscot Street, Portland, ME 04103
Phone: (207) 822-6400
Official Website: Portland BMV Office
Lewiston Branch Office
36 Mollison Way, Lewiston, ME 04240
Phone: (207) 753-7750
Official Website: Lewiston BMV Office
Bangor Branch Office
396 Griffin Road, Suite 202, Bangor, ME 04401
Phone: (207) 942-1319
Official Website: Bangor BMV Office
Augusta Branch Office
19 Anthony Avenue, Augusta, ME 04330
Phone: (207) 287-3330
Official Website: Augusta BMV Office
South Portland Branch Office
401 Western Ave.
Phone: (207) 775-6211
Official Website: South Portland BMV Office
Topsham Branch Office
125B Main St., Topsham, ME 04086
Phone: (207) 725-6520
Official Website: Topsham BMV Office
Springvale Branch Office
456 Main St., Springvale, ME 04083
Phone: (207) 490-1261
Official Website: Springvale BMV Office
Scarborough Branch Office
200 Expedition Drive Suite G, Scarborough, ME 04074
Phone: (207) 883-2596
Official Website: Scarborough BMV Office
Kennebunk Branch Office
63 Portland Road, Kennebunk, ME 04043
Phone: (207) 985-4890
Official Website: Windham BMV Office
Rockland Branch Office
360 Old County Road, Rockland, ME 04841
Phone: (207) 596-2255
Official Website: Rockland BMV Office
