Buying a Vehicle in Maine

Title Verification

Buyers should exercise due diligence by dealing with a reputable and licensed dealership. It involves verifying the active status of the dealer's license with the Maine BMV.

The BMV maintains a list of licensed vehicle dealers, which buyers can consult to confirm if their prospective dealer is included and authorized to operate. Access the lists through the links below:

• New Car Dealers
• Used Car Dealers
• Vehicle Recyclers

Additionally, buyers are advised to thoroughly research the dealer's reputation by examining reviews and feedback from previous customers. Dealers must provide transparent and accurate information about the vehicle's history, pricing details, and any warranties they offer. Knowing these details can help buyers make informed decisions and avoid potential issues.

Buyer's Guide

When purchasing a vehicle from a dealership, buyers should meticulously review the Buyer's Guide provided by the dealer. This Guide is a mandatory requirement imposed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and is a valuable resource for buyers.

Maine's version of FTC's Buyer's Guide is called the Used Vehicle Buyer's Guide. This Guide typically contains the following crucial information:

• The make, model, and year of the vehicle
• Details about the vehicle's prior usage, such as personal transportation, rental vehicle, or police car
• How the dealer acquired the vehicle, including whether it was purchased at an out-of-state auction or repossessed
• Any major mechanical issues with the vehicle, such as the engine or transmission, even if those issues have been repaired
• Disclosure of any prior significant damage caused by fire, flood, or collision that exceeded $2,000 in repair costs
• Information about any warranties offered by the dealer for the vehicle being purchased

The Guide is typically posted on each vehicle's window for buyers to review the information. Its purpose is to give buyers transparency and enable them to understand the full scope of costs and the vehicle's condition.

For more information about the Guide, visit the "A Used Car Buyer's Guide" page on the official Maine BMV website.

Transfer of License Plates

Some dealers may opt to handle the license plate transfer for the buyers as an added service. The buyer must inquire with the dealer first before proceeding.

If the dealer offers such a service, the buyer must acquire the registration document and properly sign the title from their previous vehicle. The buyer should notify the dealer upfront that they intend to transfer their existing plates to the newly purchased vehicle.

The dealer will provide the buyer with the application form, which can be obtained by contacting the Title Unit of BMV at 29 State House Station, Augusta, Maine, 04333. They can also get it from a branch office. The dealer may also ask the buyer to complete the Authorization for Registration (MV-39) form to process the registration on their behalf.

The buyer must complete the forms and give them to the dealer. The buyer must also pay the dealer the applicable title transfer fee (typically $33), registration fee, and other additional fees.

The standard registration fee for most passenger vehicles is $35. However, the specific license plate type can influence the registration fee amount. For instance, disability and regular passenger vehicle license plates carry a $35 fee. In contrast, municipal license plates are provided free of charge.

The dealer then mails all required documents with the appropriate fees to the Maine BMV Title Unit in Augusta or a branch office on the buyer's behalf.

Note that if the dealer doesn't assist in transferring the buyer's license plate, the buyer will have to process the transfer themselves during vehicle registration. For more information, check the "How to Register a Passenger Vehicle" page on the Maine BMV website.

Temporary Registration Plate

In Maine, licensed vehicle dealers can issue temporary registration plates to buyers at the time of purchase for a $1 fee per plate. This temporary plate allows the new owner to legally operate the vehicle immediately after buying it while the permanent registration is being processed.

These temporary plates are typically valid for a short period, often up to 30 days, giving the new owner sufficient time to complete the permanent registration process. During this 30-day window, new vehicle owners must have in their possession any of the following documents:

• The properly assigned title
• The bill of sale
• Proof of valid insurance coverage

If pulled over by law enforcement during this period, new owners can present these documents as evidence of their recent vehicle purchase.

Bill of Sale

Upon the sale of a vehicle, sellers must furnish the buyer with a detailed Bill of Sale document that officially records the transaction details and the transfer of ownership. This comprehensive document must contain the following information:

• The full names of both the seller and the buyer
• The final agreed-upon purchase price for the vehicle
• Specific details about the vehicle itself, including the year, make, model, body type, and color
• The vehicle identification number (VIN)
• A statement disclosing the current odometer reading
• Any relevant lien holder information, if applicable
• The signatures of both the seller and the buyer serve as a confirmation of the sale

Odometer Disclosure Statement

The Bill of Sale dealers provide buyers with a section for the odometer disclosure. The vehicle's title also usually has this section. However, if the vehicle's title doesn't contain a designated section for odometer disclosure, the seller must provide the buyer with a separate Odometer Information (MVT- 32) form.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently outlined updated requirements for disclosing odometer readings during vehicle sales transactions. Sellers can obtain more detailed information by downloading NHTSA's Odometer Disclosure Requirements - Final Rule document.

Vehicle Inspection

According to Maine's regulations, all motor vehicles must undergo an annual safety inspection. Furthermore, vehicles registered in Cumberland County must undergo an emissions test and safety inspection. These mandatory inspections are performed at licensed automobile dealerships, service stations, and garages throughout the state.

When purchasing a vehicle from an out-of-state seller, buyers can have their newly acquired vehicle inspected upon its arrival in Maine. This inspection must be conducted per the Maine Motor Vehicles Inspection Manual guidelines.

With the inspection, buyers can guarantee that their vehicle meets the safety and emissions standards set forth by the state, providing them with peace of mind regarding the vehicle's roadworthiness and compliance with Maine's regulations.

Title and Registration

Note that the out-of-state dealer is not responsible for registering the vehicle in Maine. The buyer must handle the vehicle registration and the title transfer themselves. They must process the registration within 30 days of the vehicle's purchase date. The buyer will need to secure the following documents:

• The prior out-of-state registration certificate for the vehicle
• The prior out-of-state title, if the vehicle is a 1995 model year or newer
• A completed Maine Use Tax Certificate form to avail of the sales tax exemption
• The bill of sale or purchase agreement from the out-of-state dealer (if applicable)
• Proof of insurance coverage (e.g., insurance ID card, insurance policy)
• The white and yellow copies of the registration application form and the excise tax receipt from the town office

Note that the sales tax exemption only applies if the individual can provide their out-of-state registration certificate for the purchased vehicle. Also, if there is an existing lien, the complete name and address of the lienholder must be in the title application.

For more information on registering an out-of-state vehicle moved to Maine, read the relevant section on the "How to Register a Passenger Vehicle" page on the Maine BMV website.

Transit Plate (Temporary Registration)

The Maine SOS holds the authority to issue transit plates, which serve as a temporary registration for moving vehicles that would typically require a regular registration. These transit plates can be obtained for either a one-way or round-trip and are valid for up to ten days only.

Transit plates are not intended to be used as a substitute for regular vehicle registration or to circumvent registration requirements. Instead, they are primarily utilized for transporting vehicles for specific purposes, such as:

• Moving a vehicle from one location to another for repair work
• Delivering a newly purchased vehicle to its new owner
• Transporting an unregistered vehicle to an inspection station

Suppose an out-of-state resident has purchased and registered a vehicle in another state and needs to transport it to Maine. In that case, the BMV can issue them a transit plate to facilitate the vehicle's relocation into Maine. If it's for a one-way trip, the transfer plate costs $12, while $25 for a round-trip.

For more detailed information on transit plates and the application process, individuals can visit the "Temporary Registration Permit (Transit Plate)" page on the official Maine BMV website.

Title Verification

The buyer must verify the seller's ownership of the vehicle. To do so, the buyer can do the following:

Title in Possession

Verify that the seller has the physical title document. If the vehicle is registered in Maine, the title should be a Maine Certificate of Title. The name listed on the title should match the seller's name. The seller must have signed the title in the designated area for the seller's signature.

Lien Check

Inspect the title for any indications of existing liens. If any liens are listed, check that they have been properly released before purchasing. A lien release document should be provided if the lien has been paid off.

VIN Verification

Buyers can check VIN-related information through the following means:

• Complete the Inspection of VIN by Authorized Person (MVT-10) form
• Use the following online services by BMV:
• Interactive Title Records (to get title information using VIN or title number)
• Interactive Registration Records (to get vehicle registration information by plate number)

These online services the Maine BMV provides allow individuals to access valuable information about vehicles, such as registration details, title information, and lien records. These services can be particularly useful for buyers, providing crucial data about their desired vehicle.

In addition to the dedicated free services offered by BMV, buyers can also take advantage of the free VINCheck Service of the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). This service lets buyers identify any major "brands" or titles, liens, thefts, or other ownership issues associated with the vehicle's VIN.

Vehicle History Reports

Buyers are strongly advised to obtain a vehicle history report before purchasing. Buyers can access this crucial information through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS).

The NMVTIS is a centralized database consolidating data from various state motor vehicle agencies nationwide. However, buyers must obtain vehicle history reports exclusively from NMVTIS-approved providers. These providers must adhere to strict standards for information accuracy and reliability.

These reports usually include the following details:

• Title details, including current status and previous ownership transfers
• Date of the most recent title issuance
• Any brands or remarks on the title history, such as "salvage" or "rebuilt."
• Odometer reading to track vehicle mileage
• Records of the vehicle being declared a total loss or salvage due to damage

Vehicle Inspections

Maine law requires vehicles to get an annual inspection. However, as added assurance, buyers can have the vehicle they plan to purchase inspected. Note that the inspection must follow the Maine Motor Vehicles Inspection Manual guidelines.

Bill of Sale and Odometer Reading

The seller must provide the buyer with a Bill of Sale as a record of the sale transaction. Usually, the Maine Bill of Sale already includes a section for the odometer disclosure statement.

However, if this section is not included, the seller must provide the buyer with a separate odometer disclosure document. Check this guide's "Odometer Disclosure Statement" section for more information.

Ownership Transfer

After purchase, the buyer has 30 days to register the vehicle under their name. They need to gather the released title, bill of sale, odometer disclosure statement, completed registration form, and any other required documents, then submit them to their local BMV branch office.

The buyer will pay the applicable fees during the registration process. To understand the exact fee amounts, refer to the "What Are the Fees for Buying a Car in Maine?" section of this guide.

If the seller misplaced the vehicle's title, they must obtain a replacement before transferring ownership. The seller can request a replacement title online through the Motor Vehicle Title Replacement portal on the Maine BMV website. The online transaction incurs a $46 fee, including the web portal maintenance fee.

Minimum Liability Coverage

• Bodily Injury Liability:
• $50,000 per person for bodily injury or death
• $100,000 per accident for bodily injury or death for two or more people
• Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident for property damage

The vehicle owner can also get a Combined Single Limit coverage of $125,000.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Bodily Injury:

• $50,000 per person for bodily injury
• $100,000 per accident for bodily injury for two or more people

Medical Payments Coverage

$2,000 per person for reasonable medical expenses resulting from an accident, regardless of fault.

Penalties

Drivers are required to carry proof of insurance in their vehicles at all times. Acceptable forms of proof include:

• An insurance ID card issued by the insurance company
• Digital proof of insurance, such as a mobile app provided by the insurer

Failure to comply with this insurance requirement can result in severe penalties, including:

• Financial fines
• Driver's license suspension
• Vehicle registration suspension
• SR-22 requirement or filing of financial responsibility