Maine lets you register your vehicle online through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, but only for renewals — not for first-time registrations or title transfers
If your vehicle registration is expiring and you want to renew it without visiting an office, you can do this online at maine.gov/bmv. You will need your current registration card, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new registration arrives by mail within two weeks.
Online renewal works only if your vehicle already has a Maine title and registration in your name. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Maine, transferring a title from another state, or adding a new owner to the title, you must visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office or use their mail-in process instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available only for current Maine registrations that are expiring — not for new registrations or title changes.
- You need your registration card, VIN, and a debit or credit card to renew online at maine.gov/bmv.
- Your new registration card arrives by mail, usually within two weeks of approval.
- If you cannot renew online, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles accepts mail-in renewals and processes them in about three weeks.
What you need before you start
Gather your current registration card before you go to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website. You will also need your vehicle's VIN, which appears on your registration card, your insurance card, and the driver's side dashboard of your vehicle. Have a debit card or credit card ready to pay the renewal fee.
Check that your registration is actually expiring soon. If it expired more than a few months ago, the online system may not accept it, and you will need to contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles office by phone or visit in person to find out what steps come next.
Steps to renew your registration online
Go to maine.gov/bmv and look for the online renewal option on the homepage. Click the link to start a renewal. Enter your vehicle's VIN and your registration card number when the system asks for them. The system will pull up your current registration details.
Review the information on the screen to make sure it is correct — your name, address, vehicle make and model, and expiration date. If anything is wrong, stop and contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles before paying, because submitting incorrect information can delay your new card. If everything looks right, proceed to payment.
Enter your debit or credit card information and complete the payment. The system will show you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. You will receive a confirmation email at the address on file with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
How long it takes and what happens next
After you pay online, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles processes your renewal within a few business days. Your new registration card is mailed to the address on your account. Standard mail delivery usually takes one to two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.
You can drive legally on your old registration card until the new one arrives. If you need proof that you have renewed before the card arrives, you can print your confirmation email or call the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to ask for a temporary registration document.
When you cannot renew online
The online system will not let you renew if your registration has been expired for more than a certain period, if there are outstanding violations or fines on your account, or if your vehicle information has changed. In these cases, you must visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in person or use their mail-in renewal process.
To renew by mail, read the renewal form from maine.gov/bmv, fill it out, and mail it with your payment and current registration card to the address listed on the form. Mail-in renewals take about three weeks to process. This route is slower than online renewal but does not require a trip to an office.
If your registration card does not arrive
If more than three weeks have passed since you renewed online and you have not received your new registration card, contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Have your confirmation number ready. They can check the status of your card and remail it if it was lost in transit.
Do not assume the card was lost right away — mail delivery times vary by location and season. If you need to drive before the card arrives and cannot wait, visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office with your confirmation email and they can issue a temporary registration document on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration online if I just moved to Maine?
No. If you moved from another state and are registering your vehicle in Maine for the first time, you must visit a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office or use the mail-in process. Online renewal works only for renewals of existing Maine registrations. You will need your out-of-state title, proof of residency, and insurance information.
What if I need to change my address on my registration?
The online renewal system updates your address automatically if you change it in your Bureau of Motor Vehicles account before you renew. If you have not updated your address yet, do that first by calling the Bureau of Motor Vehicles or visiting an office. Then you can renew online.
Do I have to renew online, or can I still go to an office?
Online renewal is one option, not a requirement. You can still renew in person at any Bureau of Motor Vehicles office or by mail if you prefer. In-person renewal is faster if you need your new card right away, since you receive it before you leave the office.
What payment methods does the online system take?
The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles online renewal system accepts debit cards and credit cards. It does not take cash, checks, or money orders. Make sure your card has enough available balance to cover the renewal fee before you start.
Can I renew someone else's vehicle registration online?
No. You must be the registered owner to renew online. If you are a family member or caregiver handling registration for someone else, you will need to visit an office in person with a power of attorney document or contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to ask about other options.