License Plate information in Maine covers standard plates, specialty designs, personalized options, and plates for different vehicle types. Maine vehicle owners can choose from several plate categories based on vehicle use, eligibility, and registration status. The current standard plate features the state’s pine tree imagery and reflects Maine’s strong connection with its natural identity. Plate requirements can vary for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, veterans, and other categories. Knowing the available plate types, registration requirements, fees, renewal rules, and display requirements can help vehicle owners keep their registration current.
License Plate requirements in Maine include proper registration, correct display, renewal, and compliance with state vehicle laws. Maine offers several plate choices for residents who qualify for specialty, vanity, disability, military, antique, historic, or other registration categories. The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles provides rules covering plate applications, replacements, transfers, renewals, and vehicle-specific requirements. Plate owners may need different documents or fees based on their vehicle and selected plate type. Reviewing these details can help motorists identify the appropriate plate category and follow Maine’s registration requirements correctly.
How to Get a Maine License Plate
A Maine license plate is issued as part of the vehicle registration process. To get a Maine license plate, the vehicle owner first completes Maine registration through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Maine BMV) or an applicable municipal or town office. For many vehicles, the process starts with payment of the local excise tax, followed by the registration fee and required documentation. Proof of valid insurance, ownership documents, and other registration paperwork may be required based on the vehicle and transaction.
- Maine BMV — Register a Passenger Vehicle:
- https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/vehicles/register-a-passenger-vehicle
- Vehicle Registration Provides the Plate: In Maine, a passenger vehicle must be registered before the applicable license plate can be issued. The owner follows the vehicle registration process and pays the required registration fee.
- Pay the Excise Tax First: The vehicle owner must pay the municipal excise tax at the local town or municipal office before completing the registration process.
- Register at a Municipal Office or Maine BMV: If the local municipal office provides registration services, the owner can complete the registration there. If the town does not issue registrations, the owner can pay the excise tax first and then complete the registration at a Maine BMV branch office.
- Proof of Insurance Is Required: The vehicle owner must provide valid proof of insurance as part of the vehicle registration process.
- Provide Purchase Documents: For a vehicle purchased from a Maine dealer, the required bill of sale or sales agreement and registration documents may be needed. For a private sale or an out-of-state dealer purchase, a signed bill of sale and applicable title documents may be required.
- Pay the Registration Fee: The applicable registration fee must be paid as part of the registration process. The amount can vary based on the vehicle and plate type.
- Select an Applicable Plate: The Maine BMV page states that vanity plates are available at BMV branch offices for an additional $25 fee. Disability plates require a separate application and eligibility requirements.
- Registration Certificate and Documents: The registration process involves registration paperwork and an excise tax receipt. For new Maine residents, an out-of-state registration certificate is specifically listed among the applicable documents.
What Does a Maine License Plate Look Like?
The Maine plate design features a light-colored background with Maine displayed across the top and the state’s familiar pine tree and star imagery. The standard registration plate carries the slogan “Vacationland” and includes a unique serial number identifying the registered vehicle. The current plate series uses a 123·ABC format, combining three numbers with three letters separated by a centered dot. The plate number is displayed prominently as the vehicle’s registration identifier.
Pine Tree, Star, and Vacationland
The current standard plate has a clean appearance centered on Maine’s pine tree imagery, with the tree and star forming recognizable state symbols. Vacationland appears along the lower portion of the plate as Maine’s established slogan. The registration plate contains required identifying elements, including the serial number and state name. These visual features help distinguish the standard plate from other registration plate designs issued by the state.
Standard and Specialty Plate
Specialty plates provide additional design choices for qualifying vehicles or applicants. Their appearance can include organizations, causes, recreational themes, military affiliations, or other approved designs. Specialty plates may use different colors, graphics, or themes, but they still display identifying registration information and a unique plate number. The standard plate provides the primary Maine design, while specialty options offer different approved visual themes for eligible vehicle owners.
Specialty Plates
Support environmental and community causes.
Temporary Plate
Short-term transit tags for new purchases.
Vanity & Personalized
Custom letter & number combinations.
Veteran Plate
Honoring military service members.
Maine License Plates & Categories
Antique Plate
Special registration for vintage vehicles.
Commercial & Farm
Tags for business & agriculture transport.
Disability Plate
Accessible parking & mobility tags.
Motorcycle & Snow
Compact tags for bikes & recreational gear.
Method: Online or Mail-In
Process:- Browse available environmental and community causes.
- Choose sequential or personalized characters.
- Submit application online or via state processing form.
- Pay initial surcharge and annual renewal fees.
Method: In-Person or Online Service
Process:- Ensure vehicle purchase or transfer paperwork is filed.
- Submit required identification and temporary request form.
- Pay applicable short-term permit fees.
- Receive transit tags for immediate lawful driving.
Method: Online Ordering Portal
Process:- Access the state plate configuration tool.
- Check availability for custom letter and number combinations.
- Ensure chosen text complies with state guidelines.
- Complete online application and pay custom fees.
Method: Mail-In or In-Person
Process:- Select military branch, campaign, or service medal category.
- Obtain official military service verification (DD-214).
- Fill out specialized veteran plate application forms.
- Submit verified documentation and registration fees.
Method: Mail-In Application
Process:- Confirm vehicle age eligibility criteria (vintage status).
- Complete historic vehicle registration forms.
- Provide proof of ownership and vehicle inspection if required.
- Mail application and processing fees to special division.
Method: In-Person or Commercial Portal
Process:- Determine weight rating and commercial classification.
- Complete business transport or agricultural declaration forms.
- Provide commercial insurance and company verification.
- Pay applicable weight fees and register plates.
Method: Mail-In or In-Person Only
Process:- Have an authorized medical professional sign certification.
- Complete accessible parking and mobility plate application.
- Submit forms directly to DMV office or via mail.
- Receive accessible plates or placards (fee exemptions apply).
Method: Online or In-Person
Process:- Provide vehicle title or bill of sale for bikes/gear.
- Complete compact registration paperwork.
- Pay registration and safety decal fees.
- Receive specialized compact tags for recreational transport.
Method: Online or In-Person Service
Process:- Select the classic or pine tree design option.
- Verify existing vehicle registration details.
- Submit standard plate swap or replacement paperwork.
- Pay applicable reissue and state fees.
License Plate Codes and Serial Numbers Explained
Maine license plate codes identify the registration class connected with a vehicle, while the plate or registration number identifies the individual registration. These terms can appear together during registration and renewal, so knowing the difference helps readers identify the information shown on their Maine registration documents.
What Is a Maine License Plate Class Code?
A class code identifies the registration category assigned to a vehicle. Maine BMV uses two-letter class codes for different vehicle and plate classifications. The code appears on the registration and can be required when completing certain renewal transactions.
Maine license plate codes include:
- PC — Passenger
- MC — Motorcycle
- AQ — Antique Auto
- CO — Commercial
- TL — Trailer
- SR — Street Rod
Plate Number, Serial Number, and Registration Number
The plate number is the identifying combination displayed on the physical license plate. The registration number is listed on the Maine registration document and is used with the class code during Rapid Renewal. The term serial number may refer to the unique number assigned to a plate, but it should not be treated as the same thing as a class code.
These terms can be separated as follows:
- Class code: Identifies the vehicle or registration category.
- Plate number: Identifies the combination displayed on the license plate.
- Registration number: The number shown on the registration record/document.
- Serial number: A unique identifying sequence associated with the plate.
PC Passenger Classification and Specialty Class Codes
PC is the class code for passenger registration. It is relevant to standard passenger vehicles and the No Tree plate option. Maine BMV identifies several other codes for specialty and specific registration categories.
Examples include:
- PC — Passenger
- AG — Agriculture Passenger
- DX — Disability
- VT — Special Veteran
- LB — Lobster
- SW — Sportsman
Why Maine License Plate Codes Matter
Maine license plate codes connect a vehicle’s physical plate with its registration classification. The code can be relevant when checking registration information, renewing a registration, identifying a plate category, or determining which plate design is available.
Maine license plate codes matter because they can help identify:
- The vehicle’s registration class
- The applicable plate category
- The registration information needed for renewal
- Certain specialty plate classifications
- Plate design options available for a specific class
- Information requested during Maine BMV transactions
Vanity and Personalized License Plates
A Maine vanity plate lets a vehicle owner request a personalized combination of letters and numbers instead of accepting a standard plate number. Maine law allows vanity registration plates with a maximum of seven characters, but the exact limit depends on the plate type. The Maine BMV also permits certain spaces, dashes, and ampersands under specific rules. Plate availability can be checked before submitting a request, and the requested combination must meet BMV requirements before approval.
What Is a Maine Vanity Plate?
A vanity plate is a personalized registration plate containing a requested combination of letters and numbers. Maine law permits vanity plates for several vehicle and registration classes, subject to eligibility and character restrictions. The overall legal maximum is seven characters, but individual plate types can have lower limits.
Points include:
- Letters and numbers can be combined.
- Seven-character sequences may mix letters and numbers in different positions.
- A sequence with fewer than seven characters must begin with a letter.
- A vanity plate cannot begin with zero or with the letter “O” followed only by numbers.
- Requested combinations cannot duplicate a vanity plate already issued in another class code.
Maine Vanity Plate Character Limits
The maximum number of characters depends on the plate type.
Maine BMV instructions separate plates into several character-limit groups:
- Up to 7 characters: No Tree, Trailer, Wabanaki
- Up to 7 characters: Passenger, Motorcycle, Commercial, Antique Auto, Street Rod and several other classes
- Up to 6 characters: Agriculture, Black Bear, Lobster, Sportsman and other specialty plates
- Up to 5 characters: Firefighter and several specialty classes
- Up to 4 characters: Special Veterans Disability
Letters, Numbers, Spaces, Dashes, and Ampersands
Maine vanity plates can use letters and numbers, with additional rules for spaces, dashes, and ampersands. A blank space or dash may be permitted depending on the plate class. An ampersand is available on vanity plates containing 2 to 6 characters, but it cannot be used in a seven-character vanity sequence.
The BMV gives examples such as:
- A123456 — seven-character combination
- 1234A56 — letters and numbers mixed
- A1 — shorter combination beginning with a letter
- A&71B — ampersand example
- AB&C-2 — ampersand and dash example
Maine Plate Availability and Approval
Before requesting a personalized license plate, the desired combination can be checked through the Maine BMV’s vanity plate availability system. Availability does not mean automatic approval. The requested combination must comply with Maine’s vanity plate rules and cannot duplicate an existing vanity plate in another class code. Maine law permits the Secretary of State to refuse or recall plates that meet certain prohibited conditions, including duplicative, obscene, threatening, or discriminatory language.
Specialty License Plates
Maine specialty license plates offer vehicle owners plate designs connected with conservation, agriculture, wildlife, organizations, education, military support, and other causes or groups. Current Maine BMV listings include Conservation, Agriculture, Animal Welfare, Lighthouse Trust, Lobster, Sportsman, University of Maine System, Support Your Troops, and Wabanaki plates. Each specialty plate has its own design and may have separate eligibility or registration requirements. The specialty plate fee is charged in addition to the regular vehicle registration fee.
Conservation, Agriculture, and Lobster Plates
Maine offers specialty designs connected with the state’s natural resources and major industries.
These include:
- Conservation Specialty Plate — supports Maine state parks and endangered and nongame wildlife.
- Agriculture Specialty Plate — available for passenger and qualifying commercial vehicles and supports agricultural education.
- Lobster Specialty Plate — supports lobster research, education, and development.
Animal Welfare, Lighthouse, and Sportsman Plates
Other Maine plate options represent animal welfare, historic landmarks, and outdoor activities.
- Animal Welfare Specialty Plate — supports designated animal welfare programs.
- Maine Lighthouse Trust Plate — supports lighthouse restoration and preservation.
- Sportsman Specialty Plate — supports wildlife, fish hatchery, boat launch, and related programs.
University, Military, and Organization Plates
Maine also has specialty and recognition categories connected with education, military support, and organizations. The University of Maine System plate supports the university scholarship fund, while Support Your Troops plates provide funding for qualifying military and family assistance. The BMV’s current specialty-plate list includes several organization and recognition designs, including Breast Cancer Support, Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, Wabanaki Recognition, and other categories.
How Much Does a Maine License Plate Cost?
The Maine license plate cost varies based on the vehicle classification, registration type, and plate selected. A standard passenger plate has a base registration fee, while motorcycles, antique vehicles, trailers, commercial vehicles, and other classes have different fees. Specialty plates and vanity plates can add extra charges, and municipal excise tax is calculated separately. The final amount can include registration fees, plate-specific charges, excise tax, and other applicable costs, so there is no single price for every Maine vehicle.
| Cost / Plate Type | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger plate | $35 |
| Motorcycle | $21 |
| Antique Auto | $30 |
| Antique Motorcycle | $15 |
| Autocycle | $21 |
| Moped | $9 |
| Trailer up to 2,000 lbs. | $10.50 / $21 |
| Trailer 2,000 lbs. and over | $20 / $40 |
| Low-Speed Vehicle | $25 |
| Street Rod | $30 |
| Horseless Carriage | $15 |
| Special Equipment | $10 / $15 / $20 |
| Vanity plate | +$25 |
| Many specialty plates | $35 / $37 or additional specialty fee |
| Excise tax | Varies by vehicle & municipality |
| Title application | $33, when applicable |
| Maine sales tax | 5.5%, when applicable |
Plate Rules for Front and Rear Display
Maine license plate display rules vary by vehicle type and determine where registration plates must be mounted. Standard vehicles may require both front and rear plates, while motorcycles, trailers, semitrailers, and truck tractors have different display requirements. Plates must be positioned correctly and kept plainly visible and legible. Covers, frames, or other objects must not block the plate number or required lettering. Knowing the correct placement for each vehicle category helps owners display their Maine license plate according to state requirements.
Front and Rear Plate Requirement
Maine vehicles that require two registration plates generally display one plate on the front and one on the rear. The plates must be mounted horizontally and remain plainly visible and legible. The exact display requirement depends on the vehicle classification, so the same front-and-rear rule does not apply to every registered vehicle.
Motorcycle License Plate Display
A motorcycle has a different plate-display requirement from a standard passenger vehicle. Its registration plate is displayed at the rear rather than on the front. Motorcycle owners should mount the plate in a position where the registration number and required lettering remain visible and readable.
Trailer and Semitrailer Plates
Trailers and semitrailers generally display their registration plate at the rear. They do not follow the standard two-plate arrangement used for vehicles that require both front and rear plates. The plate should be securely mounted and positioned so the identifying information can be clearly seen.
Truck Tractor Plate Display
A truck tractor has its own plate-display rule. Its registration plate may be attached only to the front of the vehicle. This is different from passenger vehicles that require front and rear plates.
Plate Visibility and Legibility
Maine registration plates must remain plainly visible and legible. The plate number, letters, and required wording should not be blocked by a cover, frame, mounting equipment, or another object. A plate should remain readable under normal viewing conditions.
Proper License Plate Display
Proper display means placing the registration plate in the location required for that vehicle category and keeping it clearly visible. Owners should avoid mounting methods that cover any part of the plate or make the plate number difficult to read. The correct position depends on whether the vehicle is a passenger vehicle, motorcycle, trailer, semitrailer, or truck tractor.
How to Replace a License Plate
A Maine license plate may need replacement if it is lost, stolen, damaged, mutilated, or removed by law enforcement. The Maine BMV uses a specific replacement process for these situations. The current MV-9 form, “Notice of Loss of Number Plates and Request for New Plates,” records the plate number, vehicle information, reason for replacement, and whether validation stickers are needed. A replacement request can be handled through a Maine BMV branch or an authorized municipal agent, depending on the registration service available in your area.
Identify Why the Plate Needs Replacement
Maine’s replacement form includes several reasons:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Mutilated or damaged
- Removed by law enforcement
Gather Your Registration Information
Have the information needed to identify your vehicle and registration before submitting a Maine plate replacement request.
The MV-9 form asks for details such as:
- Plate number
- Plate class or type
- Name and date of birth
- Current address
- Registration expiration information
- Number of replacement plates needed
Report a Stolen Plate When Appropriate
If your Maine license plate was stolen, select “Stolen” on the MV-9 form. This distinguishes a stolen plate from one that was simply lost or damaged. Reporting the correct status helps the BMV record the reason for the replacement.
Complete the Required Replacement Request
Complete the MV-9 Notice of Loss of Number Plates and Request for New Plates when applicable. The form includes your personal information, plate details, replacement needs, and signature.
Pay the Applicable Replacement Fee
The current MV-9 form lists these fees:
- $5.00 per replacement plate
- $5.50 per plate when validation stickers are included
Submit the Request Through the Appropriate Maine Office
A Maine plate replacement request can be submitted through the appropriate BMV branch or municipal agent. Maine BMV materials identify municipal agents as locations that can handle certain registration and plate transactions.
Receive the Replacement Plate
Once the request is processed, the replacement plate and any requested validation stickers can be issued. The MV-9 form provides space for the BMV or municipal agent to record the new plate number and issuance details.
Install and Display the Replacement Correctly
After receiving the replacement license plate, attach it to the vehicle in the required location. Maine’s motor vehicle materials state that issued registration plates must be attached to the vehicle and easy to read. Make sure the replacement plate is securely mounted and its identifying information remains visible.
Can You Reserve a License Plate Number?
Maine allows certain existing license plate numbers to be reserved, but not every possible number can be selected or held. The 2025 plate transition created a specific reservation option for qualifying registrants who wanted to keep an existing Chickadee plate number. This included certain vanity and low-digit numbers under the program rules. A reservation fee applied, and eligible registrants could use Rapid Renewal or other approved BMV options to complete the process.
2025 Maine License Plate Number Reservation
The 2025 reissue program allowed qualifying registrants to reserve an existing Chickadee plate number when moving to a replacement plate. This was especially relevant for people who wanted to keep an established vanity or low-digit registration.
Key points included:
- Existing Chickadee plate numbers could qualify for reservation.
- Vanity and low-digit numbers were included when they met the program requirements.
- The reservation fee was $25.
- The reserved number could be carried onto the replacement plate.
- The program applied during the 2025 transition to the new plate designs.
- Reservation did not mean that every possible plate number was available.
Can You Reserve an Existing Plate Number?
The reservation process focused on existing registration numbers, rather than allowing motorists to freely select any combination they wanted. Eligibility depended on the registration and the applicable BMV rules. A person seeking to keep an existing number should check whether that registration qualified for reservation and whether the required fee applied.
Does Rapid Renewal Reserve a Plate Number?
Rapid Renewal is primarily a Maine vehicle registration renewal service. For eligible registrations, it was connected with the 2025 plate-number reservation process.
- Rapid Renewal could be used by eligible registrants.
- The reservation option applied to qualifying existing numbers.
- A $25 reservation fee applied under the 2025 program.
- Rapid Renewal did not make every plate number available for selection.
- Other BMV methods were available for qualifying reservation requests.
What About Vanity and Low-Digit Numbers?
Vanity and low-digit registrations received specific treatment during the 2025 Chickadee plate transition. Qualifying registrants could reserve their existing number rather than automatically receiving a different number on the replacement plate. A reservation should not be confused with choosing a new number from every possible combination. Maine has separate rules and fees for vanity registrations, and availability depends on the applicable registration requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maine license plates, including plate types, designs, costs, registration codes, personalized options, display requirements, and replacement procedures. These answers provide quick information for Maine vehicle owners looking for details about license plate rules and registration requirements.
What Does a Maine License Plate Look Like?
The current standard Maine license plate features a light-colored background with a pine tree and star design. It displays Maine across the top and includes the Vacationland slogan. A unique plate number identifies the registered vehicle, while specialty plates may feature different graphics, organizations, causes, or themes.
How Much Does a Maine License Plate Cost?
The Maine license plate cost depends on the vehicle type, registration class, and plate selected. A standard passenger plate has a base registration fee, while motorcycles, antique vehicles, trailers, commercial vehicles, and other categories have separate fees. Vanity and specialty plates may add additional charges to the regular registration cost.
What Are Maine License Plate Codes and Serial Numbers?
Maine license plate codes identify the registration class associated with a vehicle, while the plate number identifies the registration displayed on the physical plate. Examples of Maine class codes include PC for Passenger, MC for Motorcycle, AQ for Antique Auto, CO for Commercial, and TL for Trailer.
Can You Get a Vanity or Personalized Maine License Plate?
Yes, eligible vehicle owners can request a Maine vanity or personalized license plate with a selected combination of letters and numbers. Maine vanity plates can have up to seven characters, although some specialty categories have lower limits. Certain spaces, dashes, and ampersands may also be permitted depending on the plate type.
Does Maine Require Front and Rear License Plates?
Maine license plate display requirements depend on the vehicle classification. Vehicles that require two plates generally display one registration plate on the front and one on the rear. Motorcycles, trailers, and semitrailers have different display requirements, while a truck tractor may display its plate only on the front.