If you aren’t a fan of Maine’s standard-issue “Chickadee Plate,” the state has over a dozen other specialty plates that you can consider. These specialty plates include options for conservationists, veterans, and college students.

License plates serve as proof of registration and as an identification card for cars, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. Many states offer a wide range of specialty plates for drivers to choose from if they want to customize their ride, and Maine is no exception.

We're taking a look at what types of license plates are available to drivers in Maine—from

Augusta

Portland

—and how you can get your hands on new ones today.

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What are Maine license plates and why do I need them?

With so many of the same car makes and models on the road, it can be difficult to tell them all apart. That’s where license plates come in, as they act as an identification number to help distinguish vehicles from one another.

Since you can only receive your license plates after your

register your vehicle

, and you need car insurance to do so, they are also a great way to ensure drivers have fulfilled Maine’s minimum requirements. If your car is ever

missing or stolen

, law enforcement will also use your license plate information to attempt to find it.

According to Maine’s Motor Vehicle and Traffic

legislature

, you have to have visible license plates attached to both the front and back of your vehicle at all times. Failing to follow these rules could mean paying a fine or facing more serious consequences.

MORE:

Maine car seat law

What license plates does Maine have?

There are two different types of

license plates available

if you live in Maine:

Standard plates: This is the standard “Chickadee Plate” that has been used since 1999. If you don’t want to pay extra and have no reason to receive a specialty plate, this is what you’ll have on your car. These can be used by vehicles of a special classification such as commercial, motor homes, or buses.

Specialty plates: Maine features over two dozen specialty plates, many of which either cost extra or can only be obtained if you meet certain criteria. For example, the conservation plate simply costs $20 more, while the purple heart plate requires you to have received that medal during your time serving the U.S. army.

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Standard license plate

Before 1999, Maine’s standard-issue license plate featured a red lobster, Maine’s most famous export. Although the lobster has been moved to a specialty plate, the state’s slogan—Vacationland—remains today.

The “Chickadee Plate,” in use now and since 1999, features the “Vacationland” slogan across the bottom of the plate within some trees. To the left of the plate, you can see a Black-capped Chickadee, Maine’s state bird, standing on a pine branch and pinecone.

Specialty license plates

Although Maine only has one standard-issue license plate, there are plenty of specialty plates to choose from. Here is a look at some specialty plates that may be available to you:

Maine Lobster: Nothing says Maine quite like a bright red lobster, and this plate just so happens to be a throwback to the old standard design. If you opt for this plate, some of your funds will go to future lobster research.

Breast Cancer: Breast cancer accounts for

about 30%

of all new cancer found in women each year, and by rocking this plate you can spread awareness as well as contribute to organizations that support people battling the disease.

Purple Heart: Purple Hearts are given to members of the U.S. military who are wounded or killed during their service. Having a purple heart plate allows those around you to know the sacrifices you’ve made during your time with the military.

Wabanaki: These plates are meant to recognize members of some of the most prominent indigenous tribes in Maine including the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Micmac, and Maliseet.

Agriculture: If you want to support the growth of agriculture within Maine, you can proudly do so by purchasing this plate. Part of the proceeds for buying this plate will go towards the

Maine Agriculture Education Fund

Disabled Veteran: These plates are available to former members of the U.S. military who are disabled as a direct result of their service. Like many of the service-related specialty plates, drivers with this plate are exempt from registration fees.

University of Maine: If you’re a proud alumnus of the University of Maine or you just want to support higher education in the state, this plate is a great way to do so. Purchasing this plate means contributing to a scholarship fund that helps bright young students attend the school.

Conservation: If you want to keep Maine healthy and beautiful one of the best things you can do is support conservation efforts across the state. Part of the proceeds for purchasing this plate go directly to the

Maine Environment Trust Fund

The full list of specialty license plates in Maine also includes variations of these plates and additional organizations that you can support. If you have something relevant to the state of Maine that you care deeply about, chances are you can find a plate for it.

MORE:

Car loans in Maine 2022

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How do I get a Maine license plate?

In general, there are two different places where you can

. The more popular option is the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), but many town offices can also register your vehicle and supply you with specialty plates.

If you’re buying a car from a dealer, they’ll likely go through the BMV to register you. If you’re buying a car from a private seller or coming from

out of state

and need a Maine license plate, it’s best to get in contact with the town office where you live.

While you’re choosing whether to go with standard or specialty plates, you could also consider customizing it further. Vanity plates in Maine cost $25 and you can use this

Maine government search service

as a license plate lookup.

If you need to replace your plates at any point, you can do so by mail or at a BMV office for the price of $5.

MORE:

How to check available custom license plates

How to customize your car insurance savings in Maine

It’s worth it to take some time and figure out which specialty license plate works best for your car. It’s also worth it to find the best

car insurance

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The average Jerry user saves over $800 on their car insurance each year, so you can purchase some specialty plates and still have plenty leftover.

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FAQs

How many license plates does Maine have?

Maine has over two dozen plates when you consider their wide variety of specialty plates, although many are only available based on your vehicle type or service with the U.S. Military.

Do I need a front license plate in Maine?

Yes. Maine requires all of its drivers to have visible license plates on both the front and the rear of their vehicles.

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