You know the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) as the place you go hopefully only about a half-dozen times in your life: first, as a teen to get your first permit and license, and then as a licensed driver returning for periodic renewals and eye exams, and in some cases to register your car.

But how much do you really know about the BMV? Here are some basics:

• The Maine BMV is part of the office of the Secretary of State.

• The BMV was established in 1905.

• The bureau manages records for 1.4 million motor vehicles and 750,000 trailers, as well as 900,000 licensed motor vehicle operators―including their driving histories. And those numbers are growing each year.

• Headquartered at 101 Hospital St. in Augusta, the BMV also has 13 branch offices, as well as temporary and roving locations.

Maine BMV Structure

Following a reorganization, the Maine BMV now operates through three divisions, all reporting to the deputy secretary of state:

• Driver License Services

• Vehicle Services

• Administrative Services

These three divisions are complemented by the Office of Investigations, which is responsible for all law enforcement functions of the bureau:

• Regulation and enforcement of laws concerning various types of vehicle dealers

• Title fraud, odometer fraud, and auto theft investigations

• Investigating registration evasion, insurance fraud, and driver license and ID card fraud

• Consumer complaints about vehicle purchases

• Duties that may arise concerning bureau activities

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