Maine DMV Title Transfer Guide

How To Transfer A Vehicle Title In Maine

Where do you go to transfer a car title in Maine?

Are you buying a car in Maine and want to know how to transfer the title to your name? The following column has all the tips and tricks you need to get the job done.

While it is possible to apply for a new title for your car through the mail, it is best to take your application and all required paperwork to your Bureau of Motor Vehicle local branch office. Find your local office by clicking here.

If you mail it, you will be sending it to:

You will need an Application for Certificate of Title which is only available at a branch location or by requesting one through the mail from the Title Examination Unit.  You can call to request a form at  (207) 624-9000, extension 52138.

How To Fill Out Transfer Of Title Form

Once you have obtained the DMV title transfer form there are several areas you need to pay attention to in order to make sure the application is not returned to you unprocessed.

• Make sure that the VIN on the original title matches the number on the application exactly.
• The odometer reading must match the section on the back of the original title and on the application.
• All names and addresses of buyers and sellers on the original title must match those filled out on the application.
• The purchase price must match on both documents.

If you are unsure about any section on the application, ask a clerk at the BMV for assistance before writing anything down. In many cases, an alteration on the application or original title can invalidate the paperwork.

Maine Title Transfer Requirements

What do you need to transfer a car title? The seller must provide an original title with no lien holder listed on it. If a lien is listed on the title, it is a red flag. Walk away from the sale.

When you visit the Maine DMV, you will need to provide the following information to complete the title transfer process:

• Your driver’s license.
• The original title.
• Odometer reading.
• Proof of insurance.
• Proof of payment of excise tax.
• Payment for the title transfer fee.

Title Transfer Fees

Now you are wondering how much is a title transfer. While the fee for the title is a simple $33, if you just bought the car, there are registration fees, 5.5% sales tax, and excise taxes that must be paid as well.

Visit your city or town hall to register the vehicle and pay the taxes. The clerk will be able to provide a more accurate number when you ask how much does it cost to transfer a car title.

How To Transfer Ownership Of A Car Without A Title In Maine

There is no straight answer on how to transfer a car title without an original document issued by a state agency. If you buy the car in Maine it is actually illegal to sell a car without a title. The purchase can be declared invalid.

If you purchased it outside the state, give the Title Unit in Augusta a call to find out what kind of additional fees, VIN searches, and surety bonds might be required to get the vehicle titled in Maine.

If the seller says that they are simply missing the original title, they must request a duplicate title before selling the car.

Requesting A Duplicate Title In Maine

Download the Application for Replacement Certificate of Title by clicking here. You can drop off the application at your BMV branch or mail it in with payment.

Maine Duplicate Title Fees

The fee is $33 and will take 10 to 12 days to receive the replacement in the mail. If you wish to receive it sooner, there is a $10 Rush fee.

My Car Title Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?

So, you followed all the directions and was told your title would come in the mail, but it never did. First, check your facts to make sure all information entered on the car title was and is accurate.

It can take up to 2 months for the Title Unit to mail out your new title. It is possible to put a rush on it, but you must request rush status when you first apply.

If you used an auto loan to buy the car, the title will be mailed to the lien holder. You receive the title once the loan is paid off.

If it seems that it is lost in the mail, call the Title Unit and have them research its status.

How To Transfer A Car Title To A Family Member

It is possible to give your old car to your teenager and transfer the title into their name.

You will complete the back of the original title just like you are selling the car, but list the purchase price as $0. All other fees will apply for registration, taxes, and title transfer.

How To Transfer A Car Title When Owner Is Deceased

As the surviving spouse, you can transfer jointly owned vehicles into your sole name by completing the Application for Certificate of Title and supplying the Affidavit of Surviving Spouse. No title transfer fee will be charged. The affidavit must be notarized.

As the executor of an estate, you can sell vehicles as authorized by the probate court when you provide notarized proof as the executor. The notarized paperwork must accompany any Application for Certificate of Title.

Maine DMV Hours And Contact Information

Should you have any more questions about transferring a car title in Maine, contact your local branch office or the Title Unit in Augusta at (207) 624-9000, extension 52138.

For more information on questions specific to your title transfer scenario, clarification on the title transfer process in the state of Maine, or for ME DMV hours and to find the DMV location nearest to you, visit the official Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website by clicking here.

Common Questions About Maine Title Transfer

Are there any questions about transferring a car title that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of Maine.