Title Transfer Maine
To complete a title transfer in Maine, you will need to collect several documents and visit the most convenient branch office of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Written by Russell Tobkin
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
Table of Contents
- What is a title transfer?
- Car title transfer in Maine
- Registering a car in Maine
- Finding insurance for your vehicle
- FAQs
Load full table of contents
You’ll need to complete a title transfer if you’re changing the ownership of a vehicle in the state of Maine. You can do this at your local BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) or through the mail for a base fee of $33.
If you just bought a car from a private seller, there are a few steps you’ll need to take before you can drive your newly purchased vehicle. You must first transfer the title and register the vehicle in your name, which usually involves filing some paperwork, visiting the BMV, and paying some taxes and fees.
The process and paperwork for a title transfer can be rather tiresome, but finding the car insurance you need for your new ride doesn’t have to be! Use the broker app
Jerry
for a paperless and stress-free process to get car insurance quotes online
.Read on for everything you need to know about title transfer in Maine.
RECOMMENDED
Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
What is a title transfer?
A car title is what determines the ownership of a vehicle. When the title of a car is transferred from one person to another, the ownership of the car is transferred.
Two things need to happen for a title transfer to take place:
- The seller signs the title to pass on ownership
- The buyer signs the title and takes it to the DMV/BMV with other relevant documents to obtain a new title and registration
Different states have different requirements. In many places, you’ll need to provide basic vehicle information like the current odometer information and the value of the sale.
Who does the title transfer?
The task of completing the title transfer depends on whether the purchase is taking place at a dealership or if it’s a private sale.
In the case of dealership purchases, the dealership staff will likely manage the title transfer, and you’ll simply receive your new title in the mail. With private purchases, the responsibility will fall on the buyer and seller.
Reasons for a title transfer
There are several reasons why you might need to transfer a title of a vehicle. The most common include a change of state residency or buying or selling a car.
Here are some other reasons for a title change:
- Donating a vehicle
- Gifting a vehicle
- Inheriting a vehicle
- Paying off a vehicle loan
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Car title transfer in Maine
In Maine, title transfer application forms can be found at
BMV branch offices
. An application and the requisite fees
must be completed and turned in to your local branch office or mailed to the Title Unit in Augusta at the following address:Title Examination & Information Unit
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029
Turn in the application within 10 days of the sale to avoid additional fees or suspension of the certificate of title.
As of November 2021, transferring a title online is not possible in Maine.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Pay your town’s excise tax and bring proof of payment to the BMV
- Retrieve your Maine Certificate of Title—if you don’t have one, you’ll need torequest to reissue a certificate of title, which can take between 5-8 business days
- Collect the necessary documentation to bring to the BMV, including your odometer information sheet, proof of insurance, and proof of payment
- Include the following information on the title transfer section of the Maine certificate of title and fill out the title transfer application (only necessary for vehicles from 1995 and newer):
- Name and address of the buyer and sellerDate of saleOdometer reading (if necessary)Signatures of the buyer, seller, and, if applicable, the lienholder
- Include the following information on the title transfer application:
- Buyer and seller information
- Vehicle description
- Odometer reading (if necessary)
- Purchase price
- Signatures
- Pay 5.5% sales tax on your vehicle purchase at the BMV.
After you’ve properly submitted your application, you’ll have to wait up to six weeks for the BMV to issue a new title.
Rush titles can be provided in three to five business days for an additional $10 fee.
Registering a car in Maine
After transferring your title, the next step is to register your car at the BMV. Registration is the legal proof that you are authorized to drive that vehicle. Maine residents need to register their cars every year
To register your vehicle in Maine, you’ll have to pay a fee at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Registration fees vary depending on the vehicle and plate type.
In Maine, residents must pay the following fees to register a vehicle:
Fee | Amount | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
Excise tax | Determined by age and MSRP | Annually |
Title transfer fee | $33 | Paid once |
Rushed title transfer fee | Additional $10 | Paid once |
Sales tax | 5.5% of vehicle value | Paid once after purchase |
Registration fee | Determined by plate selected | Annually |
Finding insurance for your vehicle
Before transferring your title, you’ll need car insurance. Considering all the documentation you’ll need at the BMV, use a car insurance app that takes just 45 seconds to sign up.
Jerry
gives you the best prices with none of the hassles.Jerry searches over 50 quotes from the
best insurance companies
and provides you with the best policies that meet your needs.After you pick a plan, Jerry fills out all the forms so you don’t have to. Plus, it automatically checks your rates every six months to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.
The average Jerry user saves $879 per year on their insurance!
“I was a new driver looking for insurance and scared about expensive payments. But then I foundJerry! They saved me almost $150/month.” —Garret I.
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
FAQs
Can you transfer a title on a car with a loan?
Vehicles with outstanding loans will be more difficult to transfer titles on. The seller will need to contact their lender and ask how the transaction should be handled.
Where do I sign to transfer the title?
If the vehicle in question is the model year 1995 or newer, you’ll need to have a title and sign it. The title will have a line that says “seller’s signature.” If two people are on the title, then both will need to sign on the same line. The buyer will have a separate place to sign.
How do I register a vanity plate in Maine?
You’ll need to register your vehicle as described above, but expect an additional yearly fee of $25. You can check online to see if your desired vanity plate is available.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7You might also be interested
.webp&w=384&q=75)
