Maine car registration renews every year or every two years, depending on your vehicle type and when you last registered it

Your Maine car registration is the official document that proves your vehicle is registered with the state. It expires on a date printed on your current registration card — usually on your birthday or the anniversary of when you first registered the car in Maine. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office. Most people renew online or by mail because it takes less time than going to an office.

The state sends renewal notices to the address on file about 30 days before your registration expires. If you do not receive one, you can still renew — the notice is a reminder, not a requirement. You will need your current registration card, proof of a passing vehicle inspection (if your car is over four years old), and proof of insurance. The renewal fee varies based on your vehicle's weight and type.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at a BMV office.
  • You must have a current vehicle inspection and proof of insurance before you renew, or your renewal will be rejected.
  • The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type, and you pay it when you submit your renewal.
  • Online renewal usually takes a few minutes and your new registration arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Renewing online through the Maine BMV website

The fastest way to renew is through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles online portal at maine.gov/bmv. You will need your current registration card and your vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your registration and on the dashboard of your car. You will also need to enter your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

During the online process, you will confirm your address, confirm that your vehicle has a current inspection, and confirm that you have insurance. You do not upload documents — you just confirm that you have them. If any of this information is wrong or missing, the system will tell you before you pay. Once you submit and pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new registration card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can renew by mailing it back with a check or money order for the renewal fee. The notice shows the fee amount and the mailing address. Fill out the back of the notice with your current information, sign it, and include your payment. Mail it to the address shown on the notice.

Processing by mail takes longer than online — usually two to three weeks from when the BMV receives your envelope. To avoid delays, make sure your vehicle has a current inspection and that your insurance is active before you mail the notice. If either is missing, the BMV will return your renewal and you will have to start over. Keep a copy of the notice for your records.

Renewing in person at a BMV office

You can renew at any Bureau of Motor Vehicles office in Maine. Bring your current registration card, proof of a passing vehicle inspection, and proof of insurance. You will also need to bring a form of identification such as a driver's license. The office staff will verify your information, collect your renewal fee, and give you a temporary registration receipt. Your permanent registration card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Going in person takes longer than online or mail because you have to travel to an office and wait. However, if you have questions about your renewal or if something on your registration is wrong, an office staff member can help you fix it on the spot. BMV offices are open during regular business hours, and some offices are busier than others — calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you plan your visit.

Vehicle inspection requirements before you renew

Maine requires a vehicle inspection every year if your car is more than four years old. The inspection checks that your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and emissions systems are working. You must have a passing inspection before you can renew your registration. If your inspection is expired or failed, you cannot complete your renewal online or by mail — you will have to get a new inspection first.

You can get an inspection at any state-approved inspection station, which includes many gas stations, repair shops, and tire shops. The inspection costs about $30 and takes 15 to 30 minutes. Once you pass, the station gives you a sticker to put on your windshield and records the inspection with the state. You do not need to bring the sticker or a paper receipt when you renew — the BMV can see your inspection record in their system.

Insurance proof and what the BMV checks

You must have active auto insurance on your vehicle to renew your registration. The BMV does not require you to submit a copy of your insurance card or policy — instead, they verify your insurance electronically by checking with insurance companies. This means you do not need to bring anything to prove you have insurance, but you do need to make sure your policy is active on the date you renew.

If your insurance has lapsed or if you switched insurance companies recently, there can be a delay while the BMV's system updates. If your renewal is rejected because the system shows no insurance, contact your insurance company to make sure they have reported your policy to the state. Once they do, you can try renewing again.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type. A passenger car typically costs between $35 and $50 to renew, while a truck or SUV may cost more. The exact fee is shown on your renewal notice or on the BMV website before you pay. You pay the fee when you submit your renewal — there are no additional fees or hidden charges.

If you renew online or by mail, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, or card, depending on the office. The BMV does not accept payment plans or partial payments — you must pay the full fee to complete your renewal.

What to do if your registration expires before you renew

If your registration expires and you have not renewed it, you cannot legally drive your vehicle on public roads in Maine. If you are pulled over with an expired registration, you can receive a ticket. However, you can still renew your registration after it expires — there is no grace period, but there is also no penalty fee for renewing late.

If your registration has been expired for more than a few months, contact the BMV before you renew to make sure there are no other issues with your vehicle record. You can call the BMV at 207-624-9000 or visit a local office. Once you renew, your new registration is valid for one or two years from the date you renew, not from the date your old registration expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my inspection is expired?

No. You must have a current passing inspection before you renew. If your inspection has expired, get a new one at an approved inspection station first, then renew your registration. The inspection takes about 30 minutes and costs around $30.

How long does it take to get my new registration card after I renew online?

The new card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. You will receive a confirmation number when you complete your online renewal. If you need to drive before the card arrives, you can print your confirmation number and carry it with you as proof of renewal.

What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?

You can update your address during the online renewal process or when you renew in person at a BMV office. If you are renewing by mail, write your new address on the renewal notice before you mail it back. The BMV will update your address and send your new registration to the correct location.

Do I have to renew every year, or can I renew for two years at once?

Most vehicles renew annually. However, some vehicle types may have different renewal periods. Check your current registration card to see your expiration date, or contact the BMV at 207-624-9000 to ask about your specific vehicle.

What happens if I renew online but my payment does not go through?

The online system will tell you when ready if your payment fails. You can try again with a different card or contact the BMV to renew by mail or in person instead. Your registration is not renewed until payment is successfully processed.