Car Registration Requirements for New Maine Residents
Individuals who establish Maine as their legal residence and own motor vehicles registered in another state must transfer those registrations to Maine. Maine law requires registration transfer within a specified timeframe following the establishment of residency. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles administers all registration functions through municipal offices and branch locations statewide.
Timeline for New Maine Residents
An owner of a vehicle who becomes a resident of Maine shall register that vehicle within thirty days of establishing residency. A person who operates or allows a vehicle that is not registered in accordance with this requirement to remain on a public way commits a traffic infraction for which a fine of not more than $50 may be adjudged for a first offense if more than 30 days but less than 150 days has elapsed since establishing residency.
Establishing Maine Residency
Maine statute defines resident as a person who has declared or established residency in Maine or has been domiciled in Maine for a period of at least 30 days. Residency determination affects registration obligations and fee calculations.
Required Documentation for Car Registration in Maine
New residents bringing out-of-state vehicles must complete registration at the municipal office in their town of residence or at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch office:
Essential Documents
- 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
- White and yellow copies of the registration application and excise tax receipt
- Maine use tax form proving exemption from sales tax when showing out-of-state registration
Insurance Requirements
Maine requires "50/100/25" coverage, which means:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury or death
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury or death to more than one person
- $25,000 for damage to property
Application Submission Methods
New residents must first visit their municipal office to pay excise tax. If the municipal office issues registrations, the process concludes there. If not, applicants proceed to a Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch office with the excise tax receipt to complete registration.
Maine Vehicle Inspection Requirements
Maine requires annual inspections for all motor vehicles required to be registered. Inspection stations authorized by the Chief of the State Police conduct safety inspections that examine brakes, lights, steering, tires, windshield wipers, mirrors, horn, and other safety equipment. Maine does not require emissions testing. The inspection generates a certificate displayed as a sticker on the vehicle windshield.
Registration Fees and Costs in Maine
Title Fee
The title application fee is $33.00 for vehicle models 25 years old and newer.
Registration Fees
The annual fee for automobiles, pickup trucks registered for 6,000 pounds or less, and sport utility vehicles is $35.00. The fee for a pickup truck registered for more than 6,000 pounds but no more than 10,000 pounds is $37.00.
Other vehicle registration fees include:
- Motorcycles: $21.00
- Autocycles: $21.00
- Antique autos: $30.00
- Low-speed vehicles: $25.00
- Mopeds: $9.00
Municipal Excise Tax
Municipal excise tax is paid yearly when registering a vehicle. This tax goes to the municipality and varies according to the manufacturer's suggested retail price of the vehicle and the age of the vehicle. The rate ranges from $4 to $24 per $1,000 of value.
Sales Tax
Maine assesses a 5.5% sales tax on vehicle purchases when no out-of-state registration is presented as proof of tax exemption.
Contact Information
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
29 State House Station, Augusta, MAINE 04333
Phone: (207) 624-9000
Extension 52149 (Registration Section)
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Maine Bureau of Insurance
34 State House Station, Augusta, MAINE 04333
Phone: 1-800-300-5000
Maine Insurance
