Maine Title Transfer Guide (2026)
| Titling agency | Maine DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 5.5% · Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · |
| Lien release form | Lienholder Statement |
Maine title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (Lienholder Statement) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Maine requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Complete VIN inspection — Maine requires VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Schedule with Maine DMV or a licensed inspector.
- 5Buyer files at Maine DMV — within 30 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Maine DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 5.5% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Maine DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Maine DMV the same day as the sale.
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.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Maine estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Maine DMV.
Need a Maine bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Maine DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Maine Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Maine
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Maine?▾
Maine requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 30 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Maine title transfer cost?▾
Maine charges 5.5% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Maine?▾
Yes — Maine requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Maine DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Maine?▾
In Maine, the lender must complete Lienholder Statement confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Maine DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Maine?▾
Maine inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Maine DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: Maine DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07