License Plate FAQs

We all need them, but what happens if we have issues with our Maine license plates? Find out below.

How do I replace a lost license plate?

If you lose one or both of your plates, you will need to complete a request for new plates.

Bring the form, along with your vehicle registration and proper ID, to your local BMV office. The fee is $5 per plate or $5.50 for a plate with registration stickers.

You also can order replacement plates by mail. Send the completed form, along with a copy of your registration and a check payable to the Secretary of State, to the following address:

• Bureau of Motor Vehicles

• Attention: Lost Plate Clerk

• 29 State House Station

• Augusta, ME

• 04333-0029

I damaged my license plates. Can I get new ones online?

You cannot order replacement plates on line, but you can get them through the mail or at your local BMV office.

Simply download and complete a request for new plates, grab your registration and the $5 fee ($5.50 if your sticker was damaged, too) and head to the BMV.

To handle the request by mail, send the form, a copy of your registration, and a check or money order payable to the Secretary of State to the following address:

• Bureau of Motor Vehicles

• Attention: Lost Plate Clerk

• 29 State House Station

• Augusta, ME

• 04333-0029

How do I find out if the vanity plate I want to request is available?

Maine offers a quick and easy search engine to find out if the vanity plate you want already is taken by someone else or is available. You also can order vanity plates online.

It is free to use the search engine. If the plate you inquire about is available, you will see an image of it on your computer screen.

If you want to order personalized plates, you can find instructions in our License Plates & Placards section.

I haven't received my new vanity plates in the mail. What can I do about it?

Be patient. It takes a month to six weeks for vanity plates and replacement license tags to arrive in the mail. If they do not arrive after that time, you need to report the problem to the BMV. Phone (207) 624-9000, ext. 52149.

Can I go to any Bureau of Motor Vehicles office and get license tags for my new car?

You need to visit your local municipal office instead. There you can obtain a new registration and license plates.

However, there are some tiny municipalities in rural Maine that do not handle vehicle registrations. If that is the case, you will need to go to the local BMV office. Call to check if you're unsure of which location to visit.

Remember, you will need to pay sales tax on new vehicles as well as an excise tax to the city or town where you reside. The excise tax is based on the book value of the vehicle.

Can I pick up license plates at city hall?

You should be able to pick up license plates at your city or town hall, as well as re-register your vehicle or transfer plates to new vehicles.

The only types of plates that municipal offices do not issue are vanity plates. They need to be ordered at a local BMV office or online.

What do I do about my vanity plates when I sell my car?

If you sell or trade in your vehicle― or transfer ownership―you must notify the local BMV office right away. You can release the plates to the new owner, transfer them to a different vehicle or return them to the BMV.

Does the BMV offer special plates for antique vehicles?

Yes. Actually, the state has four types of plates available for older vehicles. See our License Plates & Placards section for details.

Do I have to surrender my Maine license plates after relocating to another state?

The BMV recommends that you mail them back to your local BMV office. However, unlike Massachusetts, you won't be penalized if you fail to return them.