What You Need to Register a Trailer in Maine

Trailer registration in Maine is handled by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), and the process depends on whether your trailer is new, used, or being registered for the first time in the state. You will need proof of ownership, your Social Security number, and a completed process form. The BMV charges a registration fee based on the trailer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and registration is valid for one year from the date of issue.

Maine requires all trailers to be registered before they can be legally towed on public roads. This includes utility trailers, boat trailers, and enclosed trailers. The only exception is a trailer with a GVWR of 750 pounds or less, which does not require registration. If your trailer exceeds that weight, you must complete the registration process before operating it.

Key Takeaways

  • Maine requires registration for all trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating over 750 pounds, and the process is completed through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
  • You will need a title or proof of ownership, your Social Security number, and a completed process form to register a trailer.
  • Registration fees vary based on your trailer's weight and are valid for one year from the date of issue.
  • You can register a trailer in person at any BMV office, by mail, or online through the Maine BMV website for certain transactions.

Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these documents before visiting a BMV office or submitting your registration by mail. You will need the title or bill of sale showing you own the trailer. If the trailer is new and has never been registered, the dealer will provide a manufacturer's statement of origin (MSO) instead of a title. If you are registering a used trailer purchased from a private seller, a bill of sale signed by both parties works as proof of ownership.

You also need a completed process for Registration of Motor Vehicle (Form 2-R). This form is available on the Maine BMV website or at any BMV office. Bring your Social Security number and a valid form of identification. If someone else will be listed as a co-owner, that person must also provide their Social Security number and sign the process.

If your trailer was previously registered in another state, bring the out-of-state registration or title. The BMV will use this to verify the trailer's history and determine if any back fees or liens exist. If the trailer has a lien on it (meaning a lender has a claim to it), the lienholder's name must appear on the Maine title.

How to Register in Person at a BMV Office

The fastest way to register is to visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in person. Maine has BMV locations in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland, plus several satellite offices in smaller towns. Bring your completed process form, proof of ownership, your Social Security number, and a valid ID. The staff will verify your documents, calculate the registration fee based on your trailer's GVWR, and issue your registration and plate on the spot.

Bring your trailer's vehicle identification number (VIN) with you. You can find this on the trailer's frame, usually stamped on the tongue or the frame itself. If you cannot locate it, the BMV staff can help you find it, but having it ready speeds up the process. The entire transaction typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Payment is due at the time of registration. The BMV accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. Once you pay, you will receive your registration certificate and license plate. Maine trailer plates are white with blue lettering and display your registration number. Attach the plate to the back of your trailer before towing it on public roads.

Registering by Mail or Online

If you cannot visit a BMV office, you can register by mail. Complete the process for Registration form, include copies of your proof of ownership and ID, and mail the packet to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 101 Hospital Street, Augusta, Maine 04330. Include a check or money order for the registration fee. Processing by mail takes two to three weeks, and the BMV will mail your registration certificate and plate to your address.

The Maine BMV website offers online registration for certain transactions, including renewal of existing registrations. However, new trailer registrations and registrations for trailers new to Maine generally require in-person or mail submission. Check the BMV website to see if your specific situation qualifies for online registration before you start the process.

If you register by mail, do not tow your trailer on public roads until you receive your registration certificate and plate. Operating an unregistered trailer is a violation and can result in a fine. If you need to move the trailer before your registration arrives, you can request a temporary permit from the BMV, though this is not always granted for new registrations.

Understanding Registration Fees and Weight Classes

Maine registration fees are based on your trailer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not its actual weight. The GVWR is the maximum weight the trailer is designed to carry, including the trailer itself. You can find this number on a label attached to the trailer frame, usually near the VIN. Trailers under 750 pounds GVWR are not required to register. Trailers from 750 to 3,000 pounds GVWR pay one fee; trailers from 3,001 to 6,000 pounds pay a higher fee; and trailers over 6,000 pounds pay the highest fee.

Fees do not vary by trailer type — a utility trailer, boat trailer, and enclosed cargo trailer with the same GVWR pay the same registration fee. The registration is valid for one year from the date of issue, not from January 1. If you register on March 15, your registration expires on March 14 of the following year. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before expiration.

Renewing Your Trailer Registration

Maine trailer registrations expire one year from the date of issue. About 30 days before expiration, the BMV will mail you a renewal notice to the address on file. You can renew by mail, online (if your registration qualifies), or in person at a BMV office. Renewal by mail requires the same process as initial registration: complete the renewal form, include payment, and mail it to the BMV office.

If you renew online, you will need your registration number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Online renewal is faster and you can complete it from home, though not all registrations are may be able to access. If your trailer's information has changed — such as a new owner or a different address — you may need to renew in person or by mail instead.

Do not let your registration expire. Operating a trailer with an expired registration is a violation. If your registration has been expired for more than 30 days, you may need to re-register rather than straightforward renew, which can involve additional paperwork and fees.

What Happens If Your Trailer Information Changes

If you sell your trailer, the new owner must register it in their name. The title transfers to them, and they follow the same registration process as a new owner. You should notify the BMV that you no longer own the trailer to avoid receiving renewal notices or being held responsible for violations.

If you move to a new address in Maine, you can update your registration address by mail or in person without re-registering the trailer itself. If you move out of Maine, you will need to cancel your Maine registration and register the trailer in your new state. Contact the BMV to cancel your registration and return your plate.

If your trailer is damaged or destroyed and you no longer intend to use it, you can request a refund of your registration fee. The BMV will issue a pro-rated refund based on the time remaining on your registration. Contact your local BMV office for the process to request a refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a small utility trailer?

No, if your trailer has a gross vehicle weight rating of 750 pounds or less, it does not require registration in Maine. Check the manufacturer's label on the trailer frame to find the GVWR. If it is 750 pounds or under, you can tow it without registering.

Can I register a trailer if I do not have a title?

If the trailer is new and has never been registered, the dealer provides a manufacturer's statement of origin instead of a title. If you bought a used trailer from a private seller and do not have a title, a bill of sale signed by both the seller and you works as proof of ownership. The BMV will issue a Maine title once you register.

How long does it take to get a registration plate?

If you register in person at a BMV office, you receive your plate and registration certificate the same day. If you register by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing and delivery. Online renewal is faster, typically processing within a few business days.

What if I lose my registration plate or certificate?

Contact your local BMV office to request a replacement. You will need to provide your registration number and pay a replacement fee. The BMV can issue a duplicate certificate when ready if you visit in person, or mail it to you if you request by mail.

Can I register a trailer that is titled in another state?

Yes. Bring your out-of-state title or registration to the BMV, and they will issue a Maine title and registration. The BMV will verify the trailer's history and check for any liens or outstanding fees in the other state before completing the registration.