Updated on July 19, 2021
Once you register a vehicle in Maine, you must have it inspected annually and get your safety inspection sticker. Inspections include various components like suspension, brakes, fuel system, wheels, and odometer. Vehicles registered in Cumberland County must also pass an emissions testing also known as a smog check in addition.

If you get pulled over, you’ll get a 24-hour grace period and a warning before you get an official citation. In March 2021, a proposal was submitted to eliminate annual inspections for vehicles that are less than 20 years old. Keep reading for more vehicle tags information in Maine.

Maine Vehicle Registration Renewal Guide

How to Renew a Car Registration in Maine

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles in the state of Maine will send reminders of vehicle registration renewals to those who request them only—if you would like to request a reminder, you can use the online form available on the BMV website or request one in person at a local office. In both cases, these reminders are sent through email before your registration expires.

The state of Maine allows you to renew your registration either in person or online. You can renew your registration online 60 days before the registration expires. You cannot renew your registration online if you need to change your name or update your address, which must be done in person.

Maine Online Registration Renewal Options

To renew online you will need to do the following:

• Go to Rapid Renewal System and click on the renew vehicle tab
• Select your city of residence
• Enter the control number from your registration
• You will need to enter your registrant name, registration number, odometer information, insurance information, and your registration information
• Make a payment for your renewal fee

Renewing Your Registration In Person In Maine

If renewing in person you will need to visit a BMV office and have the following:

• Proof of car insurance.
• Excise tax receipt.
• White copy of registration application.
• Yellow copy of registration application.
• Payment for the renewal fees.

Each vehicle in the state must be inspected and a sticker must be placed on the vehicle showing that it has passed the inspection.

Replacement Vehicle Registration In Maine

It is not uncommon for a vehicle registration to be lost or damaged so that it is no longer readable. It is also not uncommon for license plates to be damaged or even stolen. If this happens to you, you will need to apply to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) for a replacement car registration or replacement license plates as soon as possible.

It is illegal to drive in Maine without these items in good order. This guide will tell you how to get a replacement vehicle registration, license plates, or license plate stickers from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Replacement Vehicle Registration Office Locations

Where can I go to replace my registration documents in person?

In Maine, you can go to any of the thirteen branch offices of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to get a replacement registration, license plates, or a license plate sticker. In addition, Maine has set up mobile units across the state that can also provide replacement documents, plates, and stickers.

In addition, many municipalities also handle vehicle registration.

How to Get a Replacement Vehicle Registration

The first step in replacing your vehicle registration certificate is to fill out the Request for a Duplicate Registration Certificate form (Form MV-11).

You will need to provide your name, address, the vehicle year, make, and model, as well as the current registration number.

You must also certify that your current registration is not suspended and that you don’t need to file an SR-22.

If you are requesting the replacement in person, simply pay the $2 fee and you will receive your replacement registration certificate.

You can also use the online service to order a duplicate registration. As long as your vehicle is currently registered in Maine, you are eligible to use the online portal. Simply follow the onscreen prompts, use a debit or credit card to pay the $2 fee, and your replacement registration will be mailed to the address that is on file with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

If your address is incorrect, you will first need to change your address before requesting your replacement registration.

You will receive your replacement certificate within seven business days.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen or Damaged Registration or License Plate In Maine

You’ll need to fill out a Notice of Loss of Number Plates and Request for New Plates form (Form MV-9) if your license plates or stickers have been lost, damaged, or stolen. You must provide your current registration certificate and state why you are requesting replacements.

You can apply in person at your local BMV office or through the mail. Either way, the fee for each replacement license plate is $5 and the fee for each replacement license plate with a sticker is $5.50.

To apply in person, visit your local BMV office or mobile unit. Once you are processed, you will receive new license plates.

Replacing a Maine Registration By Mail

You can also send your form through the mail. Just be sure you also send along a copy of your current Maine vehicle registration certificate, as well as payment in the form of a check or money order. Send these to: