How to Get a New Car Title in Maine
A car title in Maine is a legal document that vehicle owners must obtain after purchasing or inheriting a new or used vehicle. An auto title establishes car ownership on motor vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles (with engines of greater than 300 CC) or trailers weighing more than 3,000 lbs. Drivers must apply for a certificate of title on all vehicle model years newer than 1995.
Furthermore, drivers must apply for an ME vehicle title before they may register their new or used vehicles in the state. To learn more about how to get car title certificates and the ways in which titles relate to registration documents, review the sections below.
Where to Apply for a Car Title in Maine
Residents must obtain a Maine car title (also known as a pink slip) after purchasing a new or used vehicle from a dealership or private party, or after receiving a vehicle as a gift. To get car title documentation, motorists may visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch to complete the application process in person. Car owners must submit all documentation to the BMV at the following address:
Title Examination and Information Unit BMV 29 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0029
Generally, the state issues car titles through the mail within four to six weeks of submitting a standard auto title application, or within 10 to 12 days of submitting a rush title.
The Maine Auto Title Application
Vehicle owners must request a DMV car title application in person, by email or by telephone. When completing the application to get a new car title in ME, drivers must provide the following information:
- Vehicle ownership information.
- Vehicle information, including the vehicle’s year, make, model, body type and vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Lien information (if applicable).
After completing the new or used car title application, motorists must sign and submit the form along with all applicable fees and supporting documentation.
In addition to obtaining a standard certificate of car title, drivers may obtain the following types of titles as well: antique auto, classic vehicles, horseless carriage titles, salvage titles and warranty titles. If vehicle owners wish to get a Maine car title for vehicles such as these, they must request the appropriate application from the BMV.
Documents You Must Provide When Applying for a New Car Title in Maine
In addition to submitting a Maine car title application, vehicle owners must submit supporting documentation as well. Whether requesting a title for car ownership by mail or in person, vehicle owners must enclose the following documents:
- The current vehicle title or the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO).
- Payment for all applicable titling and record fees.
- Proof of a lien release (Form MVT-12), if applicable.
- Odometer Information (Form MVT-32), if there is not enough room on the current car title or MCO for an odometer statement.
- Proof of completing a VIN inspection (Form MVT-10), if titling a vehicle from outside of the U.S.
Note: If you wish to apply for a certificate of car title and register your vehicle at the same time, you must submit a registration application, proof of auto insurance, the bill of sale and an excise tax receipt in addition to the above documentation. When getting car title certificates and registration documentation at the same time, car owners must submit payment for titling and registration fees.
What is a Maine car registration?
While a title establishes vehicle ownership, a car registration certificate allows drivers to legally operate a vehicle on public roads. As part of the vehicle registration process, motorists must pay registration taxes and fees, including excise taxes (or municipal tax).
Prior to applying for an auto registration certificate and the license plates that come with it, vehicle owners must visit a local municipal office to pay an excise tax on the new or used vehicle. Drivers who need to get car registration documents on a brand-new vehicle must submit a copy of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) sticker.
What is the difference between a car title and a vehicle registration in Maine?
The main difference between a DMV car registration card and a title certificate is that a title displays proof of the vehicle’s legal owner(s), while car registration documents show that a vehicle meets all state BMV registration guidelines. When applying for a new car registration, car owners must submit an excise tax receipt along with an auto registration and titling application, the vehicle’s current title, a bill of sale and proof of auto insurance.
In order to get a car registration and title certificate simultaneously, motorists must obtain a titling and registration application and submit it to the BMV in person or by mail. Nonetheless, motorists must renew motor vehicle registration materials annually, but vehicle owners do not need to renew their car titles. Motorists only need to apply for a new title when a vehicle changes ownership.
Car Title Costs in Maine
The standard car title costs in Maine generally include a $33 fee for first-time title applications.