Registration FAQs

How do I register my car?

You need to go to your town government offices with your bill of sale, the window sticker (if bought from a dealer), and the title. Be prepared to pay not only the $23 registration fee, but a 5% sales tax (the first time you register) and local excise tax (annually). You won't get the plates until you pay your excise tax. You can also register your car at your local BMV office once you've paid the excise tax at your town office.

How do I renew my vehicle registration?

If nothing has changed in your registration―same car, address, and so forth―you may be able to renew your registration online. If you don't qualify for online registration, you need to go back to your town government offices and pay a renewal fee and another year's excise tax. You may also renew your registration at a BMV office. Reminders are not sent out, so it's up to you to remember to renew your registration.

How do I check the status of a registration if I have not received my renewal in the mail?

Call the BMV at (207) 624-9000, ext. 52149.

Do I need the title and registration to sell a vehicle in Maine?

You are required by law to provide a title if the vehicle year is 1992 or newer. If you lost the title, you need to obtain a duplicate from the BMV before the transaction can take place.

You do not need to have the registration certificate to buy or sell a vehicle. But the seller should provide a bill of sale that lists the vehicle year, make, and vehicle identification number (VIN).

How do I get a duplicate title?

Our Title Transfers section has instructions for completing the application and obtaining a duplicate title by mail.

How do I change my address on my vehicle registration?

You can change it with an online form or by calling (207) 624-9000. A corrected registration will be sent to you at no cost.

How do I get a copy of my vehicle registration certificate?

You need to go back to your town offices or a BMV office with a form requesting a duplicate registration. The fee for a new registration certificate is $2.

How do I obtain new license plates with my current registration?

Go back to your town offices or a BMV office with a form for new or duplicate plates. It costs $11 for a set of plates and a new sticker.

How do I find out about vehicle safety inspections?

Get a safety inspection at an authorized mechanic or auto repair shop. Inspections are regulated by the state police. Cumberland County residents also must pass an emissions test. For more information, call (207) 624-8939.

How do I obtain disability license plates?

An application must be filled out by your doctor and taken to any BMV office. To be eligible for disability plates, you must have a permanent disability. Disability plates are free with your normal $25 registration. Disability placards are $1 and are available for either permanent or temporary conditions.

How do I register a motorcycle?

The process to register a motorcycle is similar to that for a car, but the registration fee is $21. For motorcycles 300cc or greater, a title is needed.

How do I transfer a car as a gift?

Write the name and address of the new owner on the reverse side of the title. The owner needs to sign the line next to "seller," although the vehicle is a gift.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.

Can I get a special type of registration for my nonoperable vehicle?

Not exactly, but you can choose to cancel its registration. We explain how in our Car Registration article.