Maine Title Transfer Guide: It’s Easy as 1-2-3

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A title transfer is required in Maine to prove ownership if you bought a new or used car. The title transfer is required if you sold, donated, or gifted your car, too.

The title transfer process is easy in the state of Maine requiring a few steps filing info, paying fees, and submitting paperwork. You will do this at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles local branch office. Find a local office by visiting our state of Maine directory.

How to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Maine

Selling your vehicle or buying one through a private sale?

This is the process (including both parties):

  1. Retrieve the vehicle’s title, MCO, or request a duplicate title
    1. Note: You may need a lien release from the current owner
  2. Fill the title transfer section on the Maine certificate of title – including:
    1. Full legal name and address of the purchaser and current owner
    2. Date of sale (month, day, and year)
    3. Odometer reading (if applicable)
  3. Complete the title application form
    1. Owner/applicant information
    2. A vehicle, mobile home, or vessel description
    3. Odometer declaration (if applicable)
    4. Application signatures
  4. Bring the necessary, personal documents:
    1. Proof of identification
    2. Proof of insurance
    3. Documents stating any liens have been paid
    4. Proof of payment of excise tax
    5. A bill of sale (if applicable)
  5. Pay the taxes and fees
    1. Title: $33 + registration fees
    2. Sales tax: 5.5% + excise taxes

Complete these requirements and ownership of the vehicle are transferred.

Alternative Title Transfers in Maine

Maine wants to know when titles are transferred outside of private sales whether buying from a car lot or passing the vehicle & title around family and friends.

Buying from Dealerships

Dealerships will process your title & registration, sending documents to their appropriate locations. If they don’t, request the forms and deliver them to an ME DMV. They will complete the titling form and do the process as noted in the section above.

Out-of-state Vehicles

Transferring your out-of-state title requires you to file the title application. You’ll also need to provide proof of insurance, ownership/lien, and the out-of-state registration/title. You’ll pay the titling fees and excise taxes. Then, complete the process and receive a Maine title.

Inheriting a Vehicle

Vehicles can transfer between family surviving members. This involves filing an Affidavit of Surviving Spout or Personal Representative (MVT-22) form. You will provide a copy of the death certificate, current title and registration, and personal documents. Then, submit them to the DMV.

Gifted/Donated Vehicles

The process of gifting or donating your vehicle is largely the same as passing it to a family member. You will complete the process much like transferring a title through private sales. Except, you’ll write in the sale price of the vehicle as “$0”. This process takes place at the BMV.