Maine vehicle registration is administered at the town level. Local town offices process all registrations; there is no central state DMV for this purpose. Maine is a two-plate state. Costs include annual excise tax paid to your town (based on the vehicle’s MSRP and age) and a state registration fee based on vehicle weight. Maine also requires an annual safety and emissions inspection.
How much does it cost to register a vehicle in Maine?
Maine’s annual excise tax is based on the vehicle’s original MSRP at a rate that decreases each year significantly. The state registration fee is weight-based and paid separately. Both are processed at your town office.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Excise tax (1st year) | 2.4% of MSRP — paid to your town office |
| Excise tax (2nd year) | 1.75% of MSRP |
| Excise tax (3rd year) | 1.5% of MSRP |
| Excise tax (4th year) | 1.0% of MSRP |
| Excise tax (5th year) | 0.65% of MSRP |
| Excise tax (6th year and beyond) | Minimum $4 flat fee |
| State registration fee (passenger vehicle) | Based on weight — typically $35 to $69 per year |
Maine’s excise tax on a new $30,000 vehicle is $720 in the first year, dropping each year and reaching just $4 in the sixth year and beyond. The excise tax is paid to your town and the registration fee is paid to the state, both processed at the town office.
What is the plate replacement fee in Maine?
Maine plate replacement fees are administered through town offices and the Maine BMV. Contact your town office or the BMV for the current fee.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard plate replacement | Contact your town office or the Maine BMV at (207) 624-9000 for the current fee |
What vehicle taxes apply in Maine?
Maine charges 5.5% state sales tax on vehicle purchases. The annual excise tax is charged separately at registration.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| State sales tax on vehicle purchase | 5.5% |
| Annual excise tax | 2.4% of MSRP in year 1, decreasing to a $4 minimum in year 6 and beyond — paid to your town |
Maine’s excise tax replaces a traditional personal property tax on vehicles. It is paid annually to your town at registration time and is the largest ongoing registration cost for newer vehicles.
Does Maine require an emissions test for registration?
Maine requires an annual vehicle safety and emissions inspection at a licensed inspection station. The inspection covers safety equipment and emissions for most gasoline-powered vehicles. New vehicles may be exempt for the first year or two. The inspection sticker must be current and displayed on the windshield at all times.
What are the insurance requirements for registration in Maine?
Maine requires minimum liability insurance and has some of the highest minimum coverage requirements in the country.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury — per person | $50,000 |
| Bodily injury — per accident | $100,000 |
| Property damage — per accident | $25,000 |
| Uninsured motorist — per person | $50,000 |
| Uninsured motorist — per accident | $100,000 |
| Medical payments | $2,000 minimum |
Are there any registration penalties or late fees in Maine?
Maine charges penalties for late vehicle registration. Contact your town office for the current penalty schedule.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Late registration | Contact your town office for the current penalty schedule |
Is there a registration grace period in Maine?
Maine requires registration within 30 days of purchase. Contact your town office for any applicable grace period for renewals.
Can I get a registration fee refund in Maine?
Contact your town office or the Maine BMV at (207) 624-9000 for registration fee refund eligibility.