How To Get a Car Title in Maine 2026
Maine statute requires that all motor vehicles operated or parked on public ways must possess a certificate of title issued by the State of Maine. Vehicles manufactured within the most recent 25 model years are subject to mandatory titling provisions. The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, operating under the Office of the Secretary of State, administers the state's vehicle titling program and maintains ownership records for all titled vehicles.
Where to Apply for a Maine Certificate of Title
Maine residents seeking to obtain a certificate of title must submit applications through authorized processing locations established by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles:
- Municipal Offices – Town and city clerk offices throughout Maine's municipalities
- Bureau of Motor Vehicles Branch Locations – State-operated offices in Augusta, Bangor, Portland, and other regional centers
- Authorized Dealer Representatives – Licensed motor vehicle dealerships holding dealer plates
- Authorized Financial Institutions – Maine-based lending institutions approved for title processing
Required Documents for Title Application in Maine
Applicants must furnish comprehensive documentation to municipal agents or Bureau offices when requesting a Maine certificate of title:
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer's Statement of Origin or Out-of-State Title | Must display the applicant's name as purchaser or contain a valid assignment chain transferring ownership to the applicant |
| Maine Application for Certificate of Title | Completed form with all owner information and vehicle specifications (obtain from town office or BMV branch) |
| Proof of Sales Tax Payment or Exemption | Documentation establishing that applicable sales tax obligations have been satisfied or that the transaction qualifies for exemption |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Supplementary materials may be necessary based on transaction circumstances:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Identification | Verify applicant identity | Maine driver's license, state identification card, or acceptable alternative identification |
| Proof of Maine Residency | Establish domicile within state boundaries | Utility bills, lease agreements, or property tax statements dated within 90 days |
| Vehicle Purchase Agreement | Document transaction terms and purchase price | Required when sales tax calculation applies |
| Insurance Verification | Confirm minimum liability coverage | Maine requires proof of insurance meeting state minimum standards |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Record accurate mileage | Mandatory for vehicles less than 10 years old |
Maine Title Fees and Costs
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles establishes fee schedules applicable to various title transaction categories:
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| New Title Issuance | $33.00 |
| Title Transfer | $33.00 |
| Duplicate Title | $33.00 |
| Title Correction | $33.00 |
| Salvage Certificate | $33.00 |
| Search of Title Records | $5.00 |
| Expedited/Rush Title Processing | $10.00 additional |
Additional Processing Fees
Municipal agents and processing locations collect supplementary fees to support administrative operations:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal Agent Fee | $5.00 | Collected by town and city clerk offices for processing services |
| Registration Fee | $35.00 | When simultaneous registration is requested with title application |
| Sales Tax | 5.5% | Calculated on vehicle purchase price or NADA value, whichever is greater |
| Local Excise Tax | Varies | Determined by municipal rate schedule and vehicle specifications |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Assemble Supporting Documentation
Obtain the manufacturer's statement of origin or properly assigned out-of-state title, proof of insurance, valid identification, and any additional materials specific to your transaction type.
Step 2: Verify Sales Tax Obligations
Calculate applicable sales tax based on the vehicle's purchase price or book value. Obtain exemption documentation if the transaction qualifies under Maine sales tax provisions for family transfers, gifts, or other exempt categories.
Step 3: Obtain Application Form and Submit Materials
The Application for Certificate of Title form is not available online. Visit your local town or city clerk office or Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch to obtain the form. Present all completed documentation to an authorized municipal office or Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch location. Municipal agents will review materials for completeness and accuracy before accepting the application for processing.
Step 4: Remit Required Fees
Pay the $33.00 title fee, municipal agent fee, applicable taxes, and any additional charges associated with your transaction. Payment methods accepted include cash, check, money order, and credit cards at most locations.
Step 5: Complete Application Review
The municipal agent or Bureau representative will electronically transmit the application and scanned supporting documents to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles central processing facility for verification and approval.
Step 6: Await Title Issuance
Processing timeframes depend on service level selected. According to current Maine BMV wait times:
- Regular Issue Title: approximately 14 business days from submission date
- Duplicate Title: 5–8 business days
- Rush Title and Rush Duplicate: 3–5 business days (for an additional $10.00 fee)
Step 7: Receive Certificate of Title
The Bureau will mail the certificate of title to the owner's address of record, or to the lienholder if a security interest exists. Verify all information upon receipt and report any discrepancies immediately to the Bureau.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Specific vehicle categories are excluded from Maine's mandatory titling requirements under state statute:
- Motor vehicles manufactured more than 25 model years prior to the current calendar year (vehicles older than 2001 as of January 1, 2026, are exempt)
- Trailers with a gross weight not exceeding 3,000 pounds
- Snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and watercraft (separate registration systems apply)
- Vehicles operated exclusively on private property with no public way access
- Government-owned vehicles operated by federal, state, or municipal agencies
- Agricultural equipment and farm tractors used primarily for farming operations
Contact Information
Inquiries regarding title applications, processing status, or documentation requirements should be directed to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Maine Office of the Secretary of State Bureau of Motor Vehicles
29 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0029
Phone: (207) 624-9000
Official Website: Bureau of Motor Vehicles
