License plates in Maine feature recognizable colors, symbols, lettering, and themes that reflect the state’s identity. The current Maine plate designs include standard passenger plates, specialty options, veteran plates, disability plates, and other selections issued through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Clear images can help vehicle owners identify the correct plate style, compare available designs, and recognize differences between standard and specialty plates. This page covers current Maine license plate designs, visual features, plate categories, and key details associated with each available option.
License plates issued in Maine come in several designs, each with distinct colors, graphics, wording, and registration details. The familiar Pine Tree plate is among the state’s current general-issue options, alongside specialty and veteran plates created for qualifying motorists and organizations. Maine license plate images make it easier to compare these choices before selecting or identifying a plate. This page presents current plate designs and their visual characteristics, including standard, specialty, military, disability, vanity, and other Maine license plate options available through state motor vehicle services.
Current Maine License Plate Designs
Maine’s current general-issue plate options include the Pine Tree Plate and the No Tree Plate. Both designs share a similar overall color scheme and retain the Vacationland slogan, but their central artwork differs. The Pine Tree Plate features the pine tree and blue star, while the No Tree Plate provides a simpler appearance without those graphics. These designs became the current standard options after the previous Chickadee Plate was replaced beginning May 1, 2025.
Pine Tree Plate Current Standard Design
The Pine Tree Plate is Maine’s current general-issue standard plate. It was introduced on May 1, 2025, replacing the previous Chickadee design. The new Maine license plate design takes inspiration from Maine’s original 1901 state flag, bringing the historic pine tree and blue star into the current registration plate artwork.
White Background and Green Maine Lettering
The Pine Tree Plate uses a white background with the word “MAINE” displayed in green lettering. This creates a clean contrast between the state name, background, artwork, and identification characters. The green lettering is one of the most noticeable visual features when viewing current Maine license plate designs & images.
Pine Tree and Blue Star Graphics
The central artwork consists of a pine tree accompanied by a blue star. These graphics connect the current plate to Maine’s historical identity and the state’s original 1901 flag. The pine tree represents a familiar Maine symbol, while the blue star is a historical feature carried into the modern design.
Blue Serial Characters and Vacationland
The vehicle identification characters appear in blue, creating a clear contrast against the white background. The word Vacationland remains near the bottom of the plate, continuing Maine’s long-standing plate slogan. The combination of blue identification characters, green state lettering, Vacationland, and historical graphics gives the Pine Tree Plate its current visual identity.
No Tree Plate Plain Alternative Design
The No Tree Plate is a plain alternative design available for the applicable PC class. It follows the same general color scheme as the Pine Tree Plate but removes the central pine tree and blue star. This creates a simpler presentation for drivers who use the alternative standard plate option.
Identifying the Current Maine Plates
When viewing Maine license plates images, the easiest way to distinguish the current designs is to look at the central portion of the plate. A pine tree and blue star indicate the Pine Tree Plate, while their absence points to the No Tree Plate. Both are current general-issue design options, with the No Tree version specifically associated with the applicable PC class.
What Was the Maine Chickadee License Plate?
The Chickadee Plate was Maine’s previous general-issue license plate design and remained in use for roughly 25 years before the state began replacing it in 2025. The design became one of the most recognizable examples of Maine license plate styles, which is why it still appears frequently in searches for Maine license plates images. The plate featured a black-capped chickadee surrounded by Maine-inspired natural imagery, including pine trees, a pine cone, and forest scenery. It should now be identified as a previous Maine license plate, rather than the current general-issue design.
What Did the Chickadee Plate Look Like?
The Chickadee Plate used several visual elements associated with Maine’s forests and wildlife. Its central bird was the black-capped chickadee, a familiar species in the state. Pine imagery appeared around the bird, creating a distinctly Maine-themed background.
Key design elements included:
- Black-capped chickadee: The main wildlife graphic
- Pine trees: Forest imagery surrounding the central design
- Pine cone: A recognizable Maine-inspired element
- Pine cone and tassel details: Decorative botanical graphics
- Pine forest silhouette: Added depth to the background
- Vacationland: Maine’s long-standing plate slogan appeared near the bottom
- General-issue status: It served as the previous standard plate design
When Was the Chickadee Plate Replaced?
Maine began replacing the Chickadee Plate with the new Pine Tree Plate on May 1, 2025. Maine’s official information states that the plate replacement was connected to the age of the existing plates and the loss of reflectivity over time. The change applied to the general-issue plate design. For people researching Maine license plates images, the date is useful when identifying which design is shown. A Chickadee Plate in an older photograph is generally a historical reference to Maine’s previous standard design, while the Pine Tree Plate represents the current general-issue design.
Maine License Plate Pine Tree vs No Tree
Maine license plate styles changed in 2025 when the state began replacing the older Chickadee plates with the new general-issue designs. The Pine Tree Plate is the primary new Maine license plate design, while the No Tree Plate provides an alternative appearance for eligible registrations. These are two current standard design variants, rather than two unrelated plate programs.
| Feature | Pine Tree Plate | No Tree Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics | Includes a Pine Tree and blue star | No Pine Tree or other side graphic |
| Pine tree | Eastern white pine representation appears on the side | Pine Tree graphic is omitted |
| Blue star | Blue star representing the North Star appears beside the tree | No tree/star graphic |
| Colors | Buff neutral background with blue identification numbers and letters | Same buff neutral background with blue identification numbers and letters |
| Vacationland | Shown at the bottom for applicable private-use plates | Shown at the bottom for applicable private-use plates |
| Serial characters | Blue plate numbers and letters | Blue plate numbers and letters |
| General appearance | Traditional Maine imagery with the Pine Tree and North Star | Cleaner appearance without the side graphic |
| Availability | New general-issue design | Alternative design for eligible PC registrations |
| Who can select it? | Standard option for applicable new general-issue plates | Registrants with the PC class code can request the No Tree design |
License Plate Design History
Maine license plate designs have changed several times since the state began issuing registration plates in 1905. Early plates served mainly as vehicle identification, while later designs incorporated recognizable Maine imagery and the state’s “Vacationland” slogan. The general-issue design moved from the historic lobster image to the Chickadee design and then to the Pine Tree and No Tree options introduced in 2025. This timeline helps place older Maine license plates images in the correct period and makes it easier to distinguish a historical plate from a current general-issue design.
Early Maine License Plates
Maine began issuing registration plates in 1905, marking the start of the state’s formal plate system. Early Maine license plates were primarily identification plates, with designs, colors, numbering formats, and production methods changing over time. The state gradually developed plates that identified Maine vehicles through standardized registration numbers and state markings. Maine’s Secretary of State records that the “Vacationland” slogan first appeared on a Maine plate in 1936, becoming a long-running part of the state’s plate identity. These early designs form the foundation of Maine’s later license plate styles and design changes.
Lobster Plate Era
The red lobster design was an important chapter in Maine license plate history. Before the Chickadee design, the general-issue passenger plate displayed a red lobster at the center. Maine’s Secretary of State identifies this as the general-issue design used before July 1, 1999. The lobster image connected the plate directly with one of Maine’s best-known coastal industries and became a recognizable historical plate style. Older vehicles, photographs, collector materials, and Maine license plates images may still show this lobster design today, but it is a previous general-issue plate, not the current standard.
Chickadee Era
The Chickadee Plate became Maine’s general-issue design in 1999 and remained in use until the 2025 replacement. Its artwork featured a black-capped chickadee perched among Maine-inspired pine imagery, with a pine cone, forest silhouette, and “Vacationland” wording. The design became one of the most recognizable Maine license plate styles and was used for roughly 25 years. Maine required replacement of the general-issue Chickadee plates beginning May 1, 2025, after the plates had aged and lost reflectivity.
Pine Tree Era
The Pine Tree Plate became a current general-issue option beginning May 1, 2025, replacing the Chickadee design for new general-issue plates. Maine also introduced a No Tree Plate, giving registrants in the applicable general-issue class a choice between the Pine Tree and No Tree designs. The new issuance applies to the standard general-issue system rather than creating a separate specialty program. The Pine Tree design represents the state’s current plate identity, while the No Tree option provides another current standard appearance.
What Is the License Plate Slogan?
Vacationland is the official Maine license plate slogan and Maine’s first and only plate slogan. The Maine Secretary of State dates its first appearance to 1936. The phrase became closely linked with Maine license plates and reflects the state’s long-standing identity as a destination for vacations, outdoor recreation, forests, lakes, and coastal travel. People often search for Maine license plate motto when looking for this wording, but “slogan” is the established term used by Maine officials. On standard plates, Vacationland appears as part of the printed plate text.
Where Does “Vacationland” Appear on a Maine License Plate?
On Maine’s general-issue plates, Vacationland is placed near the bottom of the plate, below the main registration number and artwork. Its appearance has changed as plate designs have been updated, but the slogan has remained a recognizable part of Maine’s standard plate identity.
- First appearance: Vacationland first appeared on a Maine license plate in 1936.
- Official terminology: Maine identifies Vacationland as its first and only plate slogan.
- Common search term: “Maine license plate motto” is frequently used when people search for the phrase, though slogan is the official description.
- Plate location: Vacationland appears as plate text near the bottom of the standard design.
- Earlier designs: The lettering style, colors, artwork, and placement have changed across different generations of Maine plates.
- Chickadee plate: The former general-issue Chickadee design included Vacationland along its lower section.
- Current Pine Tree plate: The current general-issue Pine Tree design continues to display Vacationland at the bottom.
- Current role: The slogan remains part of the visual identity of Maine’s standard registration plate.
License Plate Format and Serial Numbers
The Maine license plate format uses a combination of numbers and letters to identify a registered vehicle. The current general-issue Pine Tree plate uses a 123·ABC-style serial format, with three numbers followed by three letters and a centered dot between the two groups. The serial is displayed prominently on the registration plate and is separate from other printed elements such as “Maine,” the Vacationland slogan, and the plate artwork.
Current Maine Plate Number Format
The current serial format follows a simple number-and-letter arrangement. The numbers appear first, followed by a centered dot and three letters. The complete combination forms the assigned Maine plate number used to identify the vehicle.
- Current format: 123·ABC
- Numbers: Three numerical characters
- Separator: One centered dot
- Letters: Three alphabetical characters
- Serial sequence: Numbers followed by letters
- Purpose: Vehicle identification within the registration system
- Placement: Displayed prominently on the face of the registration plate
- Other plate text: Separate from “Maine” and “Vacationland”
Historical Maine Serial Formats
Maine has used several serial formats throughout its license plate history. Older registration plates can contain different combinations of numbers and letters, with variations in spacing, character arrangement, separators, and placement. These earlier formats reflect the plate systems used during different periods. An older Maine plate may therefore have a plate number that looks very different from the current 123·ABC arrangement. A different-looking serial does not by itself mean that a historical plate is invalid or unofficial. The format needs to be considered in relation to the period and plate design.
Plate Design vs. Serial Number Format
The visual design of a Maine license plate and its serial number format are separate features. The design includes elements such as colors, artwork, the state name, and the slogan. The serial format refers specifically to the numbers, letters, separator, and sequence used for the vehicle’s identification number.
This distinction explains why Maine plates from different periods can have very different appearances and still contain recognizable registration information.
- Plate design: Artwork, colors, state name, and slogan
- Plate number: Assigned identification characters
- Serial format: Arrangement of numbers and letters
- Historical plates: May use earlier serial arrangements
- Current plates: Use the present 123·ABC-style arrangement
What Do the Pine Tree and Blue Star Mean?
The pine tree and blue star on the new Maine license plate design connect the plate to Maine’s historical identity. The current Pine Tree Plate draws visual inspiration from the 1901 Maine flag, which featured a pine tree and a blue star. These two graphics give the Maine license plate design a historical reference while creating a distinct appearance for the current general-issue plate.
Meaning of the Pine Tree
The pine tree has a long association with Maine and appears in the state’s historical imagery. Maine is widely associated with its extensive forests and white pine, making the tree a recognizable state symbol. On the current plate, the pine tree serves as a prominent graphic rather than part of the vehicle’s identifying number.
Meaning of the Blue Star
The blue star comes from the design of Maine’s original 1901 state flag. It represents a historical element carried into the current plate artwork. The star is positioned with the pine tree to reference the earlier flag design and give the plate a connection to Maine’s visual history.
Key elements include:
- Pine tree: A longstanding Maine state symbol
- Blue star: A feature drawn from the 1901 Maine flag
- 1901 Maine flag: Historical source for the current plate’s visual concept
- North Star: The blue star is associated with the northern position represented in Maine’s historic flag design
- Graphic elements: Decorative artwork rather than vehicle identification characters
- New Maine license plate design: Uses these historical features as part of its overall appearance
Graphics vs. Identification Characters
The pine tree and blue star are decorative graphics on the registration plate. They do not form part of the assigned plate number or vehicle identification characters. The numbers and letters printed separately on the plate serve the identification function. This distinction helps separate the historical artwork from the registration information while showing how the current Pine Tree Plate connects Maine’s modern plate design with its historical design roots.
License Plate Styles Beyond the Standard Designs
Maine license plate styles extend beyond the standard general-issue designs. The state uses different plate classifications for vehicles and purposes that have distinct eligibility or identification requirements. Some classifications can use a general issue design, while specialty plates have their own artwork or identifying features. This creates a broader range of Maine plates that can differ in appearance even when they share the same basic registration format.
Specialty Plate Styles
A specialty plate uses a specific theme, organization, cause, or visual treatment that differs from a standard general issue plate. These designs add variety to Maine’s plate collection and may feature unique graphics, colors, or identifying text.
Military-Related Plates
Maine offers military and veteran-related plate classifications. These plates can contain military-specific graphics or wording that identifies the associated service or recognition category. Their appearance may differ from a standard general issue plate.
Disability Plate Styles
Disability plates form another classification within Maine’s plate system. Their identifying features distinguish them from ordinary passenger plates. The classification relates to disability plate parking privileges rather than simply representing another decorative design.
Commercial Plate Classifications
Commercial plates identify vehicles registered under a commercial classification. Their appearance and identifying information can differ from ordinary passenger plates, making the classification useful when distinguishing different vehicle categories.
Antique and Historic Plates
Antique and historic classifications provide another group of Maine license plate styles. These plates are associated with qualifying older vehicles and can have distinctive identification or historical styling. Their appearance may differ from the current general issue design.
Other Special Classifications
Maine also has other plate classifications that serve particular vehicle types or purposes. Some classifications may use the general issue design with classification-specific identification, while others have distinctive plate artwork.
Key categories include:
- General issue: Standard plate design used across applicable classifications
- Specialty: Themed plates with distinct graphics or wording
- Military: Plates connected with military service or recognition
- Disability: Plates associated with qualifying disability classifications
- Commercial: Plates for vehicles in commercial classifications
- Antique: Plates associated with qualifying older vehicles
- Historic and other classifications: Specialized categories with their own identifying features
Frequently Asked Questions
Maine license plates include several design details that can raise questions about their appearance, symbols, slogans, and current status. The Pine Tree Plate is the current general-issue design, while the No Tree Plate provides a simpler appearance. The former Chickadee Plate is still visible in older photos and searches, but it is no longer the current standard design.
What Is the Current Maine License Plate Design?
The current general-issue Maine license plate design is the Pine Tree Plate, introduced on May 1, 2025. It replaced the previous Chickadee Plate as the standard general-issue design. The plate has a white background, green “MAINE” lettering, blue identification characters, a pine tree, a blue star, and the Vacationland slogan.
What Does the New Maine License Plate Look Like?
The new Maine license plate features a white background with a prominent pine tree and blue star. The word “MAINE” appears in green, while the vehicle identification characters are blue. Vacationland remains near the bottom of the plate. The design draws inspiration from Maine’s original 1901 state flag, giving the current plate a historical visual connection.
What Is the No Tree Plate in Maine?
The No Tree Plate is a plain alternative plate available for the applicable PC class. It follows the general color scheme of the current Maine plates but does not include the pine tree or blue star graphics. It retains the green “MAINE” lettering, blue identification characters, and Vacationland slogan, making it visually simpler than the Pine Tree Plate.
Is the Chickadee Maine Plate Still Current?
The Chickadee Plate is the previous general-issue Maine plate design. Maine began replacing it with the Pine Tree Plate on May 1, 2025. The Chickadee design may still appear in older photographs, vehicle images, historical references, and archived material, but it should be identified as the previous standard design rather than the current general-issue plate.
What Is Maine’s License Plate Slogan?
Maine’s license plate slogan is “Vacationland.” Maine identifies it as the state’s first and only plate slogan, with its first appearance dating to 1936. The wording remains part of the current Pine Tree Plate and appears near the bottom of the design. People sometimes refer to it as the Maine license plate motto, though “slogan” is the established official terminology.