Transferring a Car Title in Maine
Steps and fees to transfer a vehicle title in Maine when you buy, sell or inherit a car, and the deadline to register after moving.
Short answer: Maine requires titles for vehicles within the last 25 model years (model year 2001 or newer as of January 1, 2026; 2002 or newer as of January 1, 2027). Maine BMV, Register a Passenger Vehicle; Titles
| Transferring a car title | Maine requires titles for vehicles within the last 25 model years (model year 2001 or newer as of January 1, 2026; 2002 or newer as of January 1, 2027). For a private sale, the buyer pays the municipal excise tax at the local town office, then registers there or at a BMV branch with a signed bill of sale, the title signed over by the previous owner, proof of insurance, and the registration application and excise tax receipt. The buyer pays 5.5% Maine sales tax on the purchase price and a $33 title application fee, plus registration fees. For a deceased owner, the BMV has a separate "Death of an Owner" process. Title requirement by model year: https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/vehicles/titles . |
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| Registering after you move | New residents must get a Maine driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident, and have 30 days after establishing residency to convert vehicle registrations and titles. To register, pay excise tax at the town office and bring the out-of-state title (for vehicles 25 model years old or newer), lienholder information, out-of-state registration, proof of insurance, and a Maine use tax form to show exemption from sales tax; the title application fee is $33. Registration: https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/vehicles/register-a-passenger-vehicle . |
More Maine car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Maine
- Driving Without Insurance in Maine
- SR-22 Insurance in Maine
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in Maine
- All Maine car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
How do you transfer a car title in Maine?
Maine requires titles for vehicles within the last 25 model years (model year 2001 or newer as of January 1, 2026; 2002 or newer as of January 1, 2027). For a private sale, the buyer pays the municipal excise tax at the local town office, then registers there or at a BMV branch with a signed bill of sale, the title signed over by the previous owner, proof of insurance, and the registration application and excise tax receipt. The buyer pays 5.5% Maine sales tax on the purchase price and a $33 title application fee, plus registration fees. For a deceased owner, the BMV has a separate "Death of an Owner" process.
How long do you have to register your car after moving to Maine?
New residents must get a Maine driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident, and have 30 days after establishing residency to convert vehicle registrations and titles. To register, pay excise tax at the town office and bring the out-of-state title (for vehicles 25 model years old or newer), lienholder information, out-of-state registration, proof of insurance, and a Maine use tax form to show exemption from sales tax; the title application fee is $33.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.