Replacing a Lost Title in Maine

Replacing a Lost Title in Maine

If you think you've lost your vehicle's title or salvage certificate, you can apply for a duplicate. The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will also replace titles that are stolen, mutilated, destroyed or illegible

The Title Section processes all new title applications or requests from those seeking duplicate titles.

This page describes how to replace your Maine vehicle title.

Who can apply for a duplicate title?

First, make sure your vehicle actually requires a title in Maine. Motor vehicles, trailers over 3,000 lbs., and motorcycles with engines 300 CC and over must have titles, provided their model years are 1997 or newer.

The owner and up to 2 lienholders can apply to replace a lost or stolen vehicle title with a duplicate title. Unless otherwise directed, the title will go to the first lienholder on the list. The owner can request the duplicate title to be sent to the lienholder, a licensed dealer in Maine, or someone else the owner authorizes.

Applying for a Duplicate ME Title

You can submit a request for a replacement copy of your Maine vehicle title online, by mail or in person at BMV branch offices.

Below are a list of the steps you'll need to take to get a duplicate title by mail or in person:

  1. Complete a Duplicate Title Application (Form MVT-8). Maine dealers and lienholders can also complete the application.
    1. Make sure the application is signed, or it will not be processed.
  2. Complete and file a Release of Lien (Form MVT-12) if BMV records show a lien that has since been released.
  3. Submit payment for the $33 fee for a regular duplicate title. Checks and money orders should be made out to “Secretary of State." You can pay an extra $10 to speed processing. Do NOT send cash in the mail.
  4. Mail the completed forms or take them in person to a local BMV office.

The mailing address is:

Vehicle Services – Title Section
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333

If all the paperwork is complete and approved by the state, a duplicate title is expected to be processed within 8 business days. If an additional fee is paid to rush the title, it is still generally received within 5 business days.

Can you add or remove a lien from the title during this process?

If a lienholder wants to transfer their security interest to another lienholder, they must first release the title by informing the Secretary of State's office that the lien is satisfied Release of Lien (Form MVT-12).

Then they must notify the owner who needs to collect the name and address of the new lienholder and fill out an application for an updated vehicle title. The new lienholder must file the application, certificate of title, and any fees with the Secretary of State's office. The replacement title will be sent to them unless it has been requested to be sent elsewhere.

The previous lienholder has 10 days to execute a release of security of interest.

Damaged or Illegible Titles

In the case of a damaged vehicle title or an illegible document, please include any remnants.

You'll also have to indicate on the form to replace a lost vehicle title if the previous title was lost, stolen, destroyed, or illegible.

How can I get more information?

Questions about the process can be directed by phone by calling (207) 624-9000 ext. 52138. TTY users can call Maine Relay 711.

Additional information can be found online at the official Maine BMV website.

Forms

MVT-8
Request to Reissue a Certificate of Title
Request a replacement ME vehicle title if the original was lost, stolen, damaged, or unreadable.
MVT-12
Release of Lien
Request to release a lien on a ME vehicle title once the lien has been satisfied
DMV.ORG BBB Business Review