Just Sold My Car in Maine — What’s Next? (2026)
Need Maine bill of sale documentation?
If you haven’t generated a Maine-compliant bill of sale yet, do it now — your proof-of-sale window closes the moment the buyer leaves.
Start My Maine Car Bill of Sale →Maine car sale facts
| Titling agency | Maine DMV ↗ |
| Title transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Release of liability | File with Maine DMV within 5 days |
| Buyer’s sales / use tax | 5.5% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Title fee (buyer pays) | $33 |
| Car identifier | VIN |
Your Maine car post-sale checklist
- 1
Keep your signed Maine bill of sale
This is your proof that you sold the car on the sale date. If the buyer gets a ticket, is in an accident, or fails to transfer the title within 30 days from the sale date, the Maine bill of sale shields you from liability. Keep both your copy and a scan for at least 5 years.
- 2
File a release of liability with Maine DMV
Most Maine sellers file this online through Maine DMV within 5 days of the sale. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, tolls, or accidents become the buyer's responsibility, not yours. Maine requires the buyer to title the car within 30 days — your release filing protects you if the buyer misses that deadline.
- 3
Cancel or transfer your auto insurance
Contact your insurer the same day you hand over the keys. Maine does not require you to maintain insurance on a vehicle you no longer own, but you must not cancel before the sale is complete. If you are replacing the car with another, transfer the policy instead — many insurers offer a short grace period to bind coverage on the new vehicle.
- 4
Remove your license plates
In Maine, plates go with the seller — not with the car. Remove the plate(s) before the buyer drives or rides away. You can return them to Maine DMV or transfer them to your next vehicle.
- 5
Verify the 30-day title transfer window
Maine requires the buyer to retitle the car at Maine DMV within 30 days of the sale date. If you have not received confirmation that the title has been transferred by day 35, contact Maine DMV with your bill of sale and release-of-liability filing number to confirm the change of ownership.
- 6
Confirm your Maine tax obligations (seller's side)
Maine charges 5.5% sales/use tax on private-party car sales — the buyer pays this at Maine DMV when titling. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. Sellers generally do not owe Maine sales tax, but if the car sold for more than your original purchase price you may owe federal capital gains tax. Consult a tax advisor.
- 7
Watch for liens or loan payoff confirmation
If you had a loan on the car, confirm the lender received the buyer's payoff and has released the lien on the Maine title before you deliver the title. Maine uses Lienholder Statement as the lien release form — your lender will file this with Maine DMV to clear the title record.
Maine lien release procedure
- Lienholder provides a signed lienholder statement or completes the lien release section on the existing title.
- Owner submits the lien release with the existing title and title application at a Maine BMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Maine title.
Frequently Asked Questions — Maine
How long do I have to file a release of liability in Maine?▾
Maine sellers should file a release of liability with Maine DMV within 5 days of the sale. Most Maine sellers can file this online directly through Maine DMV. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, tolls, or accidents fall on the buyer.
What is the Maine title transfer deadline for a car?▾
Maine requires the buyer to title the car within 30 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Do I owe Maine sales tax on the car I just sold?▾
Maine charges 5.5% sales/use tax on private-party car sales. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The buyer typically pays this at Maine DMV when titling — sellers generally owe no Maine sales tax on the proceeds. You may owe federal capital gains if you sold for more than the original purchase price.
Does Maine require a notary on the car bill of sale?▾
No. Maine does not require notarization for a private car bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' full names, addresses, signatures, and the date is sufficient for Maine DMV.
How does the buyer register the car in Maine?▾
The buyer brings the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Maine DMV, pays the title fee (~$33) plus 5.5% sales/use tax, and receives a new Maine title in their name. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
What if the buyer hasn't transferred the title yet?▾
In most states this is the buyer's responsibility, not yours. Filing a release of liability with your state DMV is the seller-side protection — it removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, accidents, or tolls fall on the buyer regardless of when the title is actually transferred.
Do I need to keep the bill of sale after the sale is complete?▾
Yes — keep your signed bill of sale for at least 5 years. If a parking ticket, toll, or accident occurs after the sale but before the buyer transfers the title, the bill of sale is your proof that the car was sold on the sale date. Store a scan and the original.
Used BillOfSaleNow for your sale?
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Source: Maine DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07