Title Transfers in Maine

What is a Title Transfer?

Your title serves as legal evidence of ownership. If and when you decide to sell or donate the vehicle, you'll the need the title to lawfully close the deal. Unlike other states, there is no time limit for titling your vehicle following the date of purchase.

Some typical title transfer scenarios include:

• Paying off a loan

• Inheriting a vehicle

• Adding or deleting a name

• Buying or selling a vehicle

• Receiving a vehicle as a gift

NOTE: Vehicles 16 years or older do not need a title.

Selling a Vehicle

Having a vehicle history report will assist the selling process, by quelling any buyer doubts and guiding you on a fair asking price. Learn more at our page detailing vehicle history reports.

When you're ready to hand over your vehicle, here's what to do:

1. Sign-off the title as seller.
2. Create a Bill of Sale.
3. Remove the plates. If you're not going to transfer them to another vehicle you must surrender the plates to any Bureau of Maine (BMV) office.

Buying a Vehicle

Finding a reliable car is good. But finding one that's reliable and meets your budget is better. Before settling on the first car you see, be sure to explore all of the auto finance options available to you. When plotting your car budget, don't forget to include insurance costs. If you're in the market for a carrier, you can compare quotes at our Insurance Center.

And lastly, don't sign any papers without first studying a vehicle history report on your car of choice.

After buying you'll need to:

1. Have the signed-over title.
2. Have a Bill of Sale.
3. Have proof of insurance.
4. Bring all documents to your town office and complete a title application.
5. Pay all applicable fees.

Registration will take place during titling.

New Cars

Your dealer will submit title documents.

Still looking? Save time and gas by shopping for a car online.

Used Cars

Affordability stands as the biggest factor in all vehicle purchases. To increase your chances of obtaining your vehicle of choice, examine all financial options. And while doing so, be sure to factor in the cost of insurance. You can scan different rates at our Insurance Center.

To protect yourself from a lemon, study a vehicle history report before signing any documents.

Removing a Lien

After paying off your loan here's what happens:

1. Your lienholder will send you a release form and your signed-off title.
2. This will serve as your title, requiring no new visits or title transfer payments to the BMV.

Transferring to Family

There are no family restrictions. You can transfer a vehicle to any family member including:

• Grandparents

• Grandkids

• Cousins

• Aunts or uncles

• Parents

• Siblings

• Kids

To complete the transfer:

1. The seller, or giver, must sign-off on the back of the title.
2. The seller, or giver, must either write "GIFT" or the purchase price on the Bill of Sale.
3. The receiver then must take both documents along with proof of insurance to his or her town office and complete a title application.
4. Pay all applicable fees.

Gifting a Vehicle

A gifted vehicle is exempt from sales tax only.

To transfer ownership:

1. The seller, or giver, must sign-off on the reverse side of the title.
2. The seller, or giver, must write "GIFT" as purchase price on the Bill of Sale.
3. The receiver then must take both documents along with proof of insurance to his or her town office and complete a title application.
4. Pay all applicable fees.

Donating a Vehicle

Car donations involve little more than one phone call, making for a welcomed alternative to selling. And, as an added bonus, you get to feel good about donating your vehicle to a cause or charity that appeals to your sensibilities.

You can learn the whole scoop on donations at our Car Donations page.

Inheriting a Vehicle

Unlike other states, you do not have to wait for a certain number of days to transfer a vehicle following the date of death. Because these situations can be legally complicated, consulting a probate attorney is strongly recommended.

If you're a surviving spouse, adhere to the following steps:

1. Complete an Affidavit of Surviving Spouse.
2. Sign the title.
3. Bring both documents to your local town office or any BMV location and complete a title application.
4. All fees will be waived.

NOTE: If an executor transfers the title to someone other than the surviving spouse, he or she must give to the buyer the title, a copy of the death certificate, and court papers naming him or her the executor.

Making Name Corrections

Changing a Name

1. Visit your town office or a BMV location and complete a title application.
2. Have your original title and a document supporting your name change (court paper, divorce decree, marriage certificate).
3. Cost: $33.00.

If you can't locate a needed document, such as a birth certificate or divorce decree, to support a name change, you can learn how to order a duplicate at our Vital Record page.

Deleting a Name

1. The person whose name is being deleted must sign-over the title.
2. The person keeping the title must visit any town office or BMV location with the title and complete a title application.
3. Cost: $33.00.

Adding a Name

1. The person being added must sign the title.
2. Bring the title to any town office or BMV location.
3. Complete a title application and pay $33.00 title fee.

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