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Mastering State of Maine Vehicle Registration: The Ultimate Beginner’s Roadmap

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If you’re new to Maine or just purchased your first car in the Pine Tree State, you may find the process of registering your vehicle to be a little daunting at first. But fear not, this guide is here to make the State of Maine vehicle registration process easy, straightforward and hassle-free, even if you’re a first-timer. From documents required to fees and deadlines, here’s your ultimate guide on how to get your vehicle registered with zero sweat.

Why Maine Vehicle Registration Is Important

Registering your car isn’t just a legal requirement here in Maine — it’s also a surefire way to show that your car is roadworthy and properly taxed. If your registration isn’t current, you could be fined, penalized or even lose the ability to drive your car legally.

Whether you own a car, truck, motorcycle or trailer, it’s likely you will be required to wheeled vehicle registration otherwise your vehicle won’t be documented with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and you may be subject to safety and environmental laws in the state.

Maine Vehicle Registration The Only Guide You Need Need Information On Other Maine DMV Services?

You need to title and/or register a vehicle in Maine if:

  1. Come to Maine from another state.
  2. You have just bought a new or used car.
  3. You’ve been given a vehicle as a gift or inheritance.
  4. You registration for Maine now is expired or soon will be.

Out-of-state residents who store a vehicle in Maine for more than 30 days in a row MUST register in Maine.

A Guide on How to Register Your Vehicle in Maine Step-by-Step

Step 1: Collect the necessary documents

Things you need to know before going to your local BMV office or municipal clerk:

  1. Evidence of ownership (also known as title certificate)
  2. A completed registration application (form MVT-2″QUEEN MARY 2. REGISTRATION OF NON-ADMINISTRATORS”)
  3. Evidence of insurance that meets or exceeds Maine’s minimum liability amounts.
  4. A driver’s license or ID from Maine State
  5. Payment for fees and taxes
  6. Name and address of lienholder (if any)
  7. Show proof of vehicle inspection (for some vehicles)

For new tenants, you’ll also have to provide proof of address, such as a utility bill or a lease.

Step 2: If Necessary, A Vehicle Inspection

Some vehicles are required to have an annual safety inspection performed on them in Maine. If you have a newer vehicle (younger than a certain number of miles or years), that may not be true yet — but always confirm.

Cars that do not pass inspection are unable to be registered until required repairs are completed.

Step 3: Registration Fees and Taxes are Paid

The full fee schedule for registration of your vehicle is comprised of:

  1. Registration Fee (normally $35 for a passenger car)
  2. Coefficient based US Excise Tax (based on vehicle’s original MSRP and age)
  3. Title Fee (approximately $33 for most vehicles)

Other possible fees:

  1. Vanity plate fee
  2. Specialty plate fee
  3. Transfer fee (if applicable)

You can calculate these fees in advance with the Maine BMV online fee calculator.

Step 4: Pick Up Your Plates and Stickers

After payment is made and documents are approved, you will receive:

  1. Number plates (or bring your old ones for transfer)
  2. Registration certificate
  3. Stickers for your windshield or license plate

You must have your registration certificate with you in your car at all times, because you’re required to have it by law.

Step 5: Renew Annually

Vehicle registrations in Maine must be renewed annually. You can do this:

  1. Fill out online through the BMV website (easiest and most convenient.)
  2. In person at a BMV office
  3. At your town office or with your municipal agent

Neglecting to renew on time can lead to fines and/or late fees, so don’t forget to schedule a reminder!

What of Transfers From Other States?

If you are new to being a resident of Maine, you need to transfer your vehicle registration to the state within 30 days. The drill is the same, though you’ll have to hand over your out-of-state title and plates too.

Tips to Simplify the Process

  1. Luckily, you can schedule an appointment at your BMV to avoid the long wait times.
  2. Make sure your paperwork is in order or risk being sent home.
  3. For second-hand cars, ensure the previous owner has signed the title in the right way.
  4. If you lease a car, registration might be required by the leasing company — consult your lease. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Forgetting proof of insurance
  2. About Not having the VIN of your car
  3. Miscalculating excise tax
  4. Failure of the inspection condition

These are the pitfalls to avoid when applying to register your GI:

Final Thoughts

Registering a vehicle in Maine doesn’t have to be tough—especially when you have this road map to guide you. New to the area, had limited experience with registration or just need to renew for the year, if you stay organized and informed you’ll fair just swell. For the most current forms, fees and to access a fee calculator, please visit our official website at the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Take care, enjoy the beautiful roads of Maine!

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