Maine allows vehicle owners to transfer their existing license plates to another vehicle they own after selling, trading, or replacing a vehicle. Unlike many states where registration is handled through a centralized DMV, Maine administers vehicle registrations primarily through local municipal offices. Most residents complete plate transfers at their town or city office, while the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) oversees statewide registration policies.
Because Maine is a two-license-plate state, both the front and rear plates are transferred to the replacement vehicle.
Maine License Plate Transfer Rules
Maine allows eligible vehicle owners to transfer their current license plates to another vehicle registered in the same owner’s name. Since license plates belong to the owner rather than the vehicle, they should always be removed before selling or trading a vehicle.
Can you transfer a license plate to a new vehicle?
Yes. Maine permits license plate transfers between vehicles owned by the same individual or business.
When you sell or trade your vehicle, remove both the front and rear license plates before transferring possession to the buyer. After purchasing another vehicle, you can transfer those plates by completing the registration process through your local town or city office.
Because vehicle registration is handled locally, office hours, appointment requirements, and available services may vary between municipalities.
How to Transfer a License Plate in Maine
Most plate transfers are completed at your local municipal office, although the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles provides online resources and forms to assist with the registration process.
What are the steps to transfer a Maine license plate?
Once you’ve purchased your replacement vehicle, you should generally:
- Remove both license plates from the vehicle you sold or traded.
- Complete the title transfer and provide the properly assigned title to the buyer.
- Obtain the signed title for your replacement vehicle.
- Visit your local town or city office to complete the registration transfer.
- Submit proof of ownership, insurance, and any additional required documents.
- Pay the applicable transfer fee, municipal excise tax, title fees, and registration fees.
- Install both transferred license plates on your replacement vehicle after registration has been completed.
Many municipalities recommend calling ahead to confirm office hours and document requirements before your visit.
Documents Required for a Plate Transfer
Having the required paperwork prepared before visiting your municipal office can help ensure your registration is completed without unnecessary delays.
What documents do you need?
Most Maine plate transfers require:
- Valid Maine driver’s license or state identification card
- Properly assigned vehicle title
- Current registration certificate for the license plates being transferred
- Both Maine license plates
- Proof of Maine liability insurance
- Payment for applicable taxes, title fees, registration fees, and transfer charges
Some municipalities may request additional documents depending on whether the vehicle was purchased from a dealership, through a private sale, or inherited.
Maine Plate Transfer Fees
The actual plate transfer fee is generally modest. For most vehicle owners, the largest registration expense is Maine’s annual municipal excise tax, which is calculated using the vehicle’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and decreases as the vehicle ages.
How much does it cost to transfer a license plate?
Your total registration cost depends on several factors, including the age of your vehicle, municipal excise tax, registration fees, and any applicable transfer charges.
| Fee | Details |
|---|---|
| Plate transfer fee | Determined by your local town or city office |
| Municipal excise tax (Year 1) | 2.4% of MSRP |
| Municipal excise tax (Year 2) | 1.75% of MSRP |
| Municipal excise tax (Year 3) | 1.5% of MSRP |
| Municipal excise tax (Year 4) | 1.0% of MSRP |
| Municipal excise tax (Year 5) | 0.65% of MSRP |
| Municipal excise tax (Year 6+) | Minimum $4 |
| Annual registration fee | Typically varies by vehicle weight |
Because excise tax is collected by municipalities, the total amount due may vary depending on your vehicle and place of registration.
Maine Excise Tax
Unlike many states that rely primarily on registration fees, Maine requires vehicle owners to pay an annual municipal excise tax before renewing or transferring vehicle registration.
Why is the excise tax important?
The municipal excise tax is based on the vehicle’s original MSRP rather than its current market value. The tax decreases each year as the vehicle ages, making older vehicles less expensive to register.
Proof that the excise tax has been paid is generally required before your municipality can complete a registration transaction.
Personalized and Specialty Plate Transfers
Maine offers numerous specialty, conservation, military, collegiate, organizational, and personalized license plates. Most specialty registrations can be transferred to another qualifying vehicle owned by the same person.
Can personalized plates be transferred?
Yes. Personalized and specialty license plates can generally be transferred to another eligible vehicle registered to the same owner.
Certain specialty plates may require continued eligibility or supporting documentation before the transfer can be completed.
Registration After Selling Your Vehicle
Selling a vehicle affects both your registration and your license plates. Because Maine plates remain with the owner, they should always be removed before ownership changes.
What happens to your old registration?
Once the vehicle is sold and both license plates are removed, the previous registration is no longer associated with that vehicle.
The buyer must register the vehicle through their own town or city office and pay the applicable municipal excise tax and registration fees before legally operating the vehicle.
Can You Transfer a Plate to Another Person?
Maine does not allow license plates to be transferred between different owners. Registration remains assigned to the individual or business listed on the registration record.
Can someone else use your Maine license plates?
No. Always remove both license plates before delivering the vehicle to the buyer.
The purchaser must complete their own title, registration, and plate issuance through their local municipal office.
Registration Deadlines
Maine requires vehicle owners to complete registration promptly after purchasing a vehicle or moving into the state. Missing the deadline may result in penalties or additional fees.
How long do you have to transfer your plates?
Most newly purchased vehicles must be registered within 30 days of purchase.
Individuals establishing Maine residency generally have 30 days after becoming residents to register their vehicles with their local municipality.
What If You Don’t Want to Transfer Your Plates?
If you sell your vehicle without immediately replacing it, you are not required to transfer your existing license plates.
Should you keep or surrender your plates?
Depending on your circumstances, you may retain your plates for a future vehicle or surrender them to your local town office. Your municipal office can explain the procedures that apply in your community.