Registration Renewal in Maine

When your vehicle registration expires, you will need to renew it with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

You may renew your vehicle registration in Maine online or in person.

Maine Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice

The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) only sends vehicle registration renewal reminders to drivers who request them. This reminder will arrive by e-mail prior to the expiration date of your Maine car registration.

To request a reminder, please use the online form on the Maine BMV website.

    Renew Your Maine Vehicle Registration

    The Maine BMV processes vehicle registration renewals online or in person. If you've already renewed your registration, you can check the status of your documents by contacting the Maine BMV.

    DID YOU KNOW?: Proof of car insurance is REQUIRED when renewing your registration!

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    Renew Online

    You may renew online up to 60 days before your car registration expires. If you need to update your address to a new town or change your name, you cannot renew online. You must re-register in person.

    You are eligible to use the ME Rapid Renewal online system if:

    If eligible to renew your vehicle registration online in Maine, you must:

    • Visit the Rapid Renewal System.
    • Click the “Renew Vehicle" button.
    • Select your town from the list.
    • Enter your control number (as it appears on your registration.)
    • Be prepared to enter your:
      • Registration number.
      • Registrant name.
      • Registration information.
      • Insurance and odometer information.
    • Submit payment for your registration renewal fee (see “Maine Vehicle Registration Renewal Fees" below).

    If you allow your vehicle registration to expire, you can still renew online up to 7 months after the expiration date. However, if you fail to renew within this period, you must renew in person at your local Maine DMV municipal office.

    Renew in Person

    To renew your ME car registration, you must first visit your local municipal office to pay your excise tax.

    NOTE: Call before visiting for accepted forms of payment as each office is different. Be sure to obtain a receipt.

    Next, you must visit a BMV office and bring:

    • Proof of Maine car insurance.
    • Your excise tax receipt.
    • The white and yellow copy of your vehicle registration application.
    • Payment for car registration renewal fees (see “Maine Vehicle Registration Renewal Fees" below).

    If an inspection is required, you must pass before renewing. For specific details about inspections, visit our Smog & Emission Checks page.

    Maine Vehicle Registration Renewal Fees

    The fees to renew your registration in Maine vary based on the vehicle type.These are the most common vehicles

    • Passenger vehicle: $35.
    • Custom vehicle: $35.
    • Antique vehicle: $30.
    • Motorcycle: $21.
    • Moped: $9.
    • Street rod: $30.
    • Duplicate ME vehicle registration fee: Please contact your local BMV office for this specific fee.

    If you do not see your vehicle you can review the complete list of the Maine vehicle registration fees.

    Maine Excise Tax

    Each municipality charges an excise tax to help fund projects and programs within the town (it is not a state tax).

    Excise tax is based on your vehicle's original value. For specific details about excise taxes in Maine, please visit the ME revenue services website.

    For excise tax questions, contact your local town office.

    Acceptable Payment Methods

    Maine BMV offices accept the following payment methods:

    • Cash.
    • Checks.
    • Money orders.
    • Debit or credit cards such as:
      • VISA.
      • MasterCard.

    While using the online system to renew your registration, you will have a couple payment options (depending on your town):

    • Credit card.
    • Electronic check.

    Contact your local DMV office to find out for sure.

    Military & Out-of-State Registration Renewal

    If you're a Maine resident stationed outside of the state, or a non-resident military member stationed in ME with Maine license plates, you may use the BMV’s Rapid Renewal system to renew your registration online.

    For specific details, refer to the section above titled, “Renew Your Maine Vehicle Registration."

    Out-of-State Residents

    If you're a Maine resident temporarily working out of state OR a student studying outside of Maine, you can renew online using the ME Rapid Renewal system.

    For instructions about the online process, read the section above titled, “Renew Your Maine Vehicle Registration."

    Vehicle Inspections in ME

    Although vehicle inspections are required every year, Maine does not tie the process together with car registration renewals.

    For more information on Maine safety and emission inspections, visit our Smog & Emission Checks page.

    NOTE: Residents of Cumberland County must also pass an emissions test.

    Duplicate Registration or License Plate

    Replace Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated ME Registration

    If you lose or damage your Maine car registration certificate, you can order a duplicate online or in person.

    Online

    NOTE: Your registration must be more than 7 days away from expiration to use the online service.

    To order a duplicate vehicle registration card online, you must:

    • Visit the BMV's online service.
    • Enter your license plate number as shown on your ME registration certificate.
    • Have a printer.
    • Provide the last name and birth date of the first person listed on the registration OR the name of the business.
    • Pay the duplicate registration fee (contact your Maine BMV office to find out what you must pay).

    You should receive your duplicate car registration certificate within approximately 7 business days.

    In Person

    To order in person at any Maine BMV or participating town office, you must:

    • Provide your license plate number.
    • Submit payment for your duplicate registration fee.

    The ME BMV will process your duplicate registration card during your visit.

    NOTE: Not all town offices accept credit cards. You should contact your local BMV office before visiting.

    Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged ME License Plate

    To replace your Maine license plate, visit any Maine BMV office with:

    You can also mail your completed form and fees to:

    Bureau of Motor Vehicles
    Attn: Lost Plate Clerk
    29 State House Station
    Augusta, ME 04333

    Forms

    MV-9
    Notice of Loss of Number Plates and Request for New Plates
    Notify the Maine BMV if you've lost your license plates AND request replacements with this form.
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