Maine
Title Fee
$33.00
Sales Tax Rate
5.50%
Other Tax Rate
Who must title a vehicle in Maine?
Most vehicles must be titled unless exempt.
Exempt: Vehicles more than 25 model years old, U.S. government vehicles, public/non-profit vehicles, trailers/semitrailers ≤3,000 lbs. unladen, motorcycles/mopeds <300cc, vehicles registered in another state, driver education vehicles, special mobile/equipment, watercraft, ORVs, snowmobiles.
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
Maine Secretary of State, Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
Application: Certificate of Title (MVT-2 or MVT-2MH for manufactured homes), at Title Unit (Augusta) or any Branch Office.
Fee: $33.00 (vehicles), $18.00 (permanent trailers/semitrailers), $100.00 (manufactured/tiny homes). Expedited: +$10.00.
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin + bill of sale/sales agreement; MSRP sticker required.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title + bill of sale.
Non-title states: Bill of sale + prior registration.
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs, EPA/DOT/CBP entry docs, DOT bond/release if bonded, English translation if needed.
How are special titles or brands handled?
Bonded title: If insufficient documentation, submit Title Surety Bond (MVT-18), bond = 1.5x value, valid 3 years.
Distinctive Title: For vehicles from non-lienholder states; clear title after 4 months if no security interest.
Warranty Title: For antiques/classics, no known liens; requires inspection, 2 photos, $40.00 fee.
Brands: Collision, Comprehensive, Fire, Imported, Lemon Law Buyback, Rebuilt, Salvage, Theft, Water Damage, etc. Out-of-state brands carried forward.
Salvage: Total loss by insurer/owner, transferred to recycler/salvage, or salvage certificate issued; insurer must apply within 30 days.
Rebuilt: Salvage vehicle restored for road use must be inspected; submit Affidavit of Rebuilt/Salvage (MVT-103), receipts, and salvage certificate.
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Duplicate: Request to Reissue Certificate of Title (MVT-8), $33.00 fee; expedited: +$10.00.
Online replacement: $46.00 (not for vehicles >25 years old, with active lien, or company-owned).
Corrected: New application (MVT-2) + $33.00 fee.
Other notes:
Odometer disclosure required on transfer (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN inspection required for out-of-country, homemade, or questionable VINs.
Are electronic signatures accepted?
No.
What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?
Sales/Use Tax: 5.5% of purchase price.Credit for trade-in and taxes paid to another state.
Exemptions: Immediate removal by nonresidents, interstate commerce, ATVs/snowmobiles sold to nonresidents, certain business/farm/charity uses, and more.
Other taxes/fees:
Excise Tax: Paid annually to local office, based on vehicle age/MSRP; applies to most vehicles, watercraft, and mobile homes.
Property Tax: Only applies to unregistered vehicles as of April 1.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Proof of payment required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.
How are liens recorded and perfected?
Perfected by delivering MCO, title, or salvage certificate + application with lienholder info and fee.
Additional liens: Application/fee sent to current lienholder to submit with title to BMV.
Lien is perfected as of delivery date.
How are liens released or assigned?
Lienholder must release lien on title within 14 days of satisfaction; release to owner or subordinate lienholder and notify BMV.
Assignment: Lienholder completes Assignment of Lien (MVT-48) and delivers to assignee, who submits to BMV within 30 days.
ELT program available; electronic release triggers paper title to owner.
How does repossession work in Maine?
After 10 days’ default, written notice of right to cure by certified mail; after 14 days, creditor may repossess if peaceful.
Lienholder need not obtain new title but must release lien and assign title to purchaser; Affidavit of Repossession (MVT-5) required.
Out-of-state repossessors must register with Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection.
Other notes:
Mechanic’s/artisan/storage liens require notice, public posting, and sale; surplus paid to owner.
Secretary of State
101 Hospital Street, Augusta, ME 04330
29 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0029
207.624.9000; 711 TTY
Enforcement Agency:
Maine Secretary of State, Bureau of Motor Vehicles101 Hospital St, Augusta, ME 04330
29 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0029
207.624.9000 | titles.bmv@maine.gov | registrations@maine.gov
Maine BMV
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
Maine State Police: 42 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333, 207.624.8909
Key Regulations:
Insurance required: $50,000/$100,000/$25,000 minimum, plus medical/towing.
Safety inspection required annually (except for some vehicles/trailers); emission inspection required in Cumberland County.
Two plates issued (one for motorcycles, trailers, etc.); plates transferable.
Title records retained 15 years; registration records retained 7 years.