The Maine car title transfer process must be completed through the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) by car owners who have recently sold or purchased a vehicle in a private sale. Note that motorists are required to complete title transfers for cars only if they are transferring ownership of vehicles with a 1995 model year or newer, since the state BMV does not require titles for older motor vehicles.

When fulfilling the ME title transfer requirements, applicants can also utilize the option to obtain a vehicle registration during the same transaction. Find out more about when and where to request a vehicle title transfer in ME, as well as how to fill out transfer of title forms in the following sections.

What is a car title transfer in Maine?

Prior to transferring a car title in Maine, you are encouraged to learn more about the auto title transfer procedure and the function of your certificate of title in order to ensure that you complete the transfer through the state BMV. The ME car title transfer is an official procedure that transfers ownership of a motor vehicle from one individual to another.

The main document used to complete this transfer procedure is the certificate of title itself, which contains information about the motor vehicle and any of its current or past owners. If you fail to finalize the ME title transfer for cars, you will be unable to obtain a car registration certificate.

When is a vehicle title transfer required in Maine?

Vehicle owners are required to complete the Maine vehicle title transfer in several instances. The most common situation when transferring a vehicle title is after buying or selling a used motor vehicle in a private sale.

However, in addition to initiating the transfer of an auto title after a private sale, vehicle owners will be required to transfer their title under other unique circumstances as well. For example, motor vehicles transferred to another owner as a gift, donation or inheritance must be properly titled and registered under a new name.

Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in Maine

To successfully transfer an auto title in Maine, motorists will be required to fulfill several car title transfer requirements, such as submitting certain types of documents and paying the applicable fees.

Note that the criteria to transfer your car title may vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the ownership transfer and whether or not you are also completing the car registration procedure at the same time. For instance, the standard ME title transfer requirements that apply when completing the ownership transfer after a private sale are listed below:

  • The title application.
  • An odometer statement, if required
  • A properly signed-over certificate of title displaying the seller’s and the buyer’s personal information and signatures
  • A lien release, if applicable
  • A bill of sale, if required

Note: In the event of a lost vehicle title, car owners can apply for a duplicate title either in person through a nearby BMV branch office or by mailing their request to the BMV Title Unit in Augusta.

If you decide to register your vehicle when transferring your car title in Maine, you will also be required to submit additional documents, such as proof of a car registration coverage and a paid excise tax receipt.

On the other hand, if you are completing the car title transfer under certain unique circumstances, such as after receiving the vehicle as inheritance or as a gift, you will be required to submit a different set of documents. For example, surviving spouses can complete the ME title transfer for cars by furnishing the vehicle title along with the corresponding affidavit and the spouse’s death certificate.

Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in Maine

If you are wondering, “How do you transfer a title on a car in Maine?” note that you cannot complete a title transfer online, but you can submit the required paperwork along with the applicable fee payments either in person at the BMV or by mail through the bureau’s Title Unit in Augusta.

However, if you decide to transfer your vehicle title and apply for a new registration at the same time, you will be required to make an in-person visit, since you are unable to apply for a new car registration by mail.

Your ME auto title transfer request will be processed as soon as a BMV agent verifies the submitted documentation and fee payment. Therefore, before mailing your application or making an office visit to apply in person, ensure that you have collected the necessary items in order to avoid a delayed or rejected request. The bureau mails out newly issued titles to the applicant’s address on file.

Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in Maine

Prior to getting a new car title in Maine, motorists are encouraged to discover the difference and specific details that refer to getting a new car title in comparison to transferring an existing certificate. In most cases, drivers need to order a new car title when they purchase a new vehicle that has not been previously titled in the state.

Moreover, vehicle owners may also want to obtain a DMV new title for a car that had been titled in a different state. Therefore, as a general rule, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issues a title certificate for vehicles that are being titled for the first time in the state.

Furthermore, getting a new title for a car in ME may differ from the title transfer procedure. A title transfer is a process that must be performed when the ownership rights over a vehicle are transferred from one legal entity to another.

Therefore, transferring a title may be required when motorists receive a car as a gift, donation or part of an inheritance. Moreover, drivers need to transfer the title of a used vehicle that they have recently purchased.

Car Title Transfer Fees in Maine

When transferring a vehicle title in Maine, car owners may be required to arrange payment for certain fees. However, total cost of the car title transfer procedure will vary depending on whether or not you are also registering your vehicle during the same office visit.

Consequently, in addition to the standard $10 titling fee and the sales tax on the vehicle’s purchase price, you may also be required to pay the costs of a new registration and license plates. If you are completing the ME transfer of car title with the BMV expedited titling option, you will also be required to pay an additional rush fee.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.