Maine
How to Renew a Car Registration in Maine
Applying for car registration renewal in Maine is one of the processes you must complete as a registered vehicle owner. Driving with invalid license plates or registration is unlawful in the state and can lead to paying costly traffic fines.
Before applying for a BMV registration renewal, you must visit your town office to pay excise taxes on your motor vehicle. If the town in which you live participates in the state’s Rapid Renewal program, you may pay your excise taxes and complete the entire application process online.
If online tag renewal is not available to you, you must visit a local branch of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) after paying excise taxes at your municipal office.
To discover the steps you must take to renew your BMV credentials before they expire, review the information below.
Applying for a License Plate Renewal in Maine
You can renew your registration online or in person, depending on the town in which you live. Learn more about the different application methods that may be available in your municipality by reading the sections below.
Renewing Online
Once you check your vehicle registration status online and see that you are eligible for an online renewal you must access the BMV’s Rapid Renewal website. You must complete this step to pay your excise taxes and eventually renew your registration credentials.
However, you must have access to your vehicle’s current mileage, an automobile insurance card and a valid certificate of registration.
Download our free guide for helpful instructions on completing this process quicker and easier.
In Person
You can perform your car reg check and renewal in person. If the town where you live does not participate in the state’s Rapid Renewal program, you must do so in person.
An in-person renewal entails visiting your town office to pay excise taxes on your vehicle. After paying excise taxes on your vehicle, you may be able to renew your registration credentials at your town office. Otherwise, you will need to visit your local BMV branch to complete the application process.
Regardless of where you are renewing your Maine registration, there are certain documents you must present.
When you first register a vehicle in Maine, you must purchase an insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements and is valid for the upcoming year. And one of the requirements for a renewal is submitting proof of a valid insurance policy that still meets the state’s requirements.
Additional documents you will have to provide for a ME DMV car registration renewal include:
- A completed registration application.
- Your excise tax receipt.
- Payment for the required fees.
Want more tips on how to perform a car registration check and renewal? Download our free guide.