Maine License Plate Lookup

The thrill of buying your dream car is both understandable and exciting. However, before you finalize any deal, especially with a used vehicle, it’s crucial to take a step back and conduct a thorough license plate search.

Did You Know?

The NHTSA reports that each year, approximately 452,000 used cars are sold in the U.S with tampered odometer readings.

Where Is My Maine License Plate Number?

For cars, you can find the license plate at the front and rear of the vehicle. However, for trailers and motorcycles, it is affixed only at the back. Against the reflective white surface of the plate is a mix of letters and numbers - these characters represent your license plate number.

You can also find this information on the vehicle’s registration certificate issued by the Maine BMV.

How Do I Get A License Plate in Maine?

In Maine, you could only obtain the license plate once the vehicle registration process is complete. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your vehicle registered and obtaining a license plate:

1. Pay the Excise Tax: Visit your local municipal office to pay the excise tax. For new vehicles, you will need to present the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) label.

2. Gather Necessary Documents: Prepare the following essential documents:

• Bill of sale from the dealer
  • Blue title application (for vehicles from model year 1995 or newer)
  • Proof of insurance (ID card, binder, or policy)
  • White and yellow copies of the registration application
  • Receipt for the excise tax paid at the municipal office

1. Visit Your Local Municipal Office: Take all the relevant documents to your local municipal office. Note that not all town offices participate in the vehicle registration program. If your local office does not, you will need to visit a nearby Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch.

2. License Plate Preference and Payment: After handling the documentation, you can choose your license plate preference and pay the necessary fees. You can make this request in person or via mail.

3. Submit License Plate Request: To request a license plate, visit the Maine BMV website and submit your documents to the following address: Maine 1300 29 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.

4. Temporary Plates: While your permanent plates are being processed, you will need temporary plates to drive legally. These can be obtained from the BMV or the dealership where the vehicle was purchased and are valid for 14 days.

Remember, every vehicle owner in Maine must apply for a license plate within 30 days of purchasing a vehicle. This ensures you’re compliant with state regulations and can legally drive your new or used vehicle.

What Are the Different Types of Plates?

Standard Issue Plate: In Maine, the default license plate option when registering a vehicle at the BMV is the Chickadee plate. These plates come in various classifications, including Antique, Commercial, Disability, Special Equipment, and Combination.

Personalized Plates: Vehicle owners have the option to customize their license plates according to their preferences, within certain guidelines:

• Plates must include up to 7 characters and at least one letter.
• You can use letters, numbers, and spaces.
• Avoid vulgar or offensive language, as the government reserves the right to reject such plates.
• The text cannot imply affiliation with any public institution.
• Your chosen plate number must not duplicate an existing registered plate.
• There is a $25 fee for ordering a personalized plate.

Specialized Plates: Maine also offers specialized plates for those who wish to express their support for specific causes, organizations, or interests. Options include:

• Breast Cancer Awareness
• University of Maine
• Lobster Specialized
• Ex-Prisoner of War
• Maine Agriculturalist
• Antique
• Classic Car
• Maine Black Bear
• War Veterans
• Support Animal Welfare

These specialized options allow individuals to personalize their vehicle’s identity further and support causes important to them.