Maine License Plate Types & Classes

License Plate types in Maine vary by vehicle purpose, registration status, and eligibility requirements. Drivers can choose from standard passenger plates, specialty plates, military and veteran plates, disability plates, commercial plates, motorcycle plates, and other registration options. Each type can have its own eligibility rules, fees, markings, and documentation. Maine’s current plate offerings reflect different vehicle uses and personal qualifications, making it useful to identify the correct category before completing registration. Knowing the available choices can help drivers select a plate that matches their vehicle and registration needs.

License Plate options can differ based on whether a vehicle is used for personal transportation, business activity, recreation, or a special qualifying purpose. Maine provides several categories that serve these needs, including personalized plates, specialty designs, antique and historic plates, temporary plates, and plates for motorcycles and snowmobiles. Some categories have specific age, ownership, documentation, or registration requirements. Reviewing each plate type can help vehicle owners identify applicable fees, eligibility conditions, renewal details, and display requirements before applying for or changing a Maine registration.

How to Choose the Correct Maine License Plate Type

Choosing the right Maine license plate type depends on the vehicle and how it is used. Maine registration codes identify categories such as passenger, motorcycle, trailer, commercial, and farm vehicles. The Secretary of State’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles sets these classifications, fees, and registration requirements. Local municipal offices may handle registration transactions, and some residents complete registration through a BMV branch. Maine does not use county treasurers as the standard registration authority, so check with your town office or BMV for the correct transaction location.

If You Drive a Regular Car

A regular passenger car normally uses the PC (Passenger) registration classification. This applies to standard personal vehicles used to transport people. Maine lists PC as the passenger plate type, with a current registration fee of $35. If the vehicle has a different use or qualifies for another classification, such as commercial or combination registration, the appropriate category can change.

If You Drive a Pickup Truck

Pickup truck registration can depend on registered weight and vehicle use. Maine lists different registration fees for pickups at 6,000 pounds or less and those above 6,000 pounds up to 10,000 pounds. A pickup used for commercial, farm, or combination purposes can fall under another registration classification. Review the vehicle’s weight and intended use before selecting the plate type.

If You Operate a Motorcycle

Motorcycles use the MC (Motorcycle) registration classification. Maine lists MC as a separate plate type from passenger vehicles, with a current registration fee of $21. Antique motorcycles use MQ, so an older motorcycle that qualifies for antique registration can have a different classification from a standard motorcycle.

If You Own a Trailer

A standard trailer uses the TL (Trailer) classification. Maine’s fee schedule separates trailers by registered weight, with different amounts for trailers up to 2,000 pounds and those at 2,000 pounds or more. Other trailer classifications can apply to conservation or commercial equipment, so the trailer’s type and registered weight matter before registration.

If You Need to Move an Unregistered Vehicle

A transit plate, officially called a temporary registration permit, can be used for certain trips involving a vehicle that otherwise needs registration. Maine allows a transit plate for a specified one-way or round trip, with validity of up to 10 days. The permit is intended for moving the qualifying vehicle between stated points rather than replacing regular registration.

If the Vehicle Is Used for Commercial or Farm Purposes

Commercial and agricultural use can place a vehicle in a different registration category. CO identifies Commercial, FM identifies Farm, AF identifies Agriculture Farm, and AC identifies Agriculture Commercial. The correct classification depends on the vehicle and its use. Maine lists commercial and farm registration fees by chart, so the municipal registration office or BMV can confirm the applicable category.

License Plate Types by Vehicle

Maine license plate types vary by vehicle classification, registered weight, and how a vehicle is used. A passenger vehicle, pickup truck, motorcycle, trailer, motor home, or specialized vehicle can have a different registration class and plate code. The right category can affect registration requirements and fees. Use the vehicle type and key details below to identify the relevant Maine registration classification.

Maine Truck License Plate

A Maine truck license plate can apply to pickup trucks and other trucks based on their weight and use. The GVW (gross vehicle weight) and registered weight can affect the applicable registration category. Trucks over 6,000 pounds GVW generally fall under commercial or farm registration rules, with specific provisions for pickup trucks and vehicle combinations.

Key truck plate details:

• Truck plate: Used for qualifying trucks and pickup trucks.
• Commercial plate: Applies to vehicles meeting Maine’s commercial registration requirements.
• Farm plate: Available for qualifying agricultural vehicles and uses.
• GVW: Gross vehicle weight can affect the registration category.
• Registered weight: Weight classification can affect registration fees and requirements.
• Pickup truck: Classification can vary based on weight and intended use.

Maine Motorcycle Plate

A Maine motorcycle snowmobile plate uses the MC class code for standard motorcycle registration. Motorcycle registration is separate from passenger vehicle registration and has its own plate and fee requirements. Motorcycle plates are intended for rear mounting, making the plate format different from standard passenger vehicle arrangements.

Key motorcycle plate details:

• Class code: MC
• Vehicle: Standard motorcycle
• Registration: Separate motorcycle registration is required.
• Plate position: Motorcycle plates are mounted at the rear.
• Plate form: Motorcycle plates use a format intended for motorcycle mounting.
• Fee: Motorcycle registration has its own fee category.

Maine Trailer Plate

A Maine trailer plate uses the TL class code for standard trailer registration. This classification can apply to different trailer types, including utility, camper, and boat trailers. Registered weight is an important factor, since Maine’s registration fee schedule separates trailers into weight-based categories.

Trailer types include:

• TL: Standard trailer registration classification
• Utility trailer: Used for transporting equipment, materials, or personal property
• Camper trailer: Used for recreational or camping purposes
• Boat trailer: Designed to transport boats
• Semi-trailer: May have separate registration requirements based on its configuration and use
• Registered weight: Can affect the applicable trailer registration fee

Motor Home, Moped and Other Vehicle Plates

Maine has additional registration classifications for vehicles that do not fit standard passenger, truck, motorcycle, or trailer categories. These codes help identify specialized vehicles according to their construction and intended use.

Maine vehicle class codes include:

Combination Plate Explained

A Maine combination plate is a registration category for certain automobiles and sport utility vehicles used to carry passengers or property. Maine law defines an automobile or SUV used for the conveyance of passengers or interchangeably for passengers or property as a combination vehicle. The CM class code identifies combination registration in Maine’s current fee schedule, with a listed registration fee of $35. A qualifying vehicle may receive a special plate displaying “Combination” instead of “Vacationland.” This classification relates to the vehicle’s registration use, rather than being a separate type of driver’s license.

When Is a Vehicle Registered as Combination?

Combination registration can apply when an eligible vehicle is used for both passenger and property transportation. Maine law includes specific rules for automobiles and SUVs, with SUV registration depending on the vehicle’s characteristics and use.

Key situations include:

• Passenger/property use: An automobile or qualifying SUV used to convey passengers or property can fall under combination registration.
• Qualifying vehicles: The registration category applies to vehicles meeting Maine’s statutory definition.
• School/student transportation: A passenger vehicle operated under contract with the State, a municipality, or a school district to transport students must be designated as combination. Vehicles owned or operated by parents or legal guardians are exempt from this provision.
• SUVs: Maine permits an SUV to be registered as an automobile or truck in applicable circumstances. An SUV above 10,000 pounds GVW or combined GVW used commercially must be registered as a truck.
• CDL distinction: A combination plate is a vehicle registration classification. It is not the same thing as a CDL or a CDL vehicle classification.

Combination Plate vs Passenger Plate

The main difference between a passenger plate and a combination plate is the registration category assigned to the vehicle.

• PC: Passenger registration classification.
• CM: Combination registration classification.
• Passenger plate: Used for vehicles registered in the passenger category.
• Combination plate: Used for qualifying vehicles registered for applicable passenger/property use.
• Vehicle use: The way an automobile or SUV is used can affect its registration category.
• Registration category: The CM designation is a registration matter, not a driver’s license or CDL designation.

Commercial and Truck Plate Classes

Maine commercial and truck plate classes depend on the vehicle’s type, registered weight, and how it is used. The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles lists separate CO (Commercial), FM (Farm), AF (Agriculture Farm), and AC (Agriculture Commercial) classifications. Weight thresholds can affect which registration category applies, particularly for trucks and pickups.

Commercial Plate

A commercial plate in Maine is associated with the CO registration class. Commercial registration applies to qualifying trucks and other vehicles based on their registration characteristics and use. Maine’s BMV states that a truck over 6,000 pounds GVW generally needs a commercial or farm registration when applicable. A truck towing a trailer can reach the commercial or farm threshold when the combined gross weight exceeds 8,000 pounds.

Key points:

• Class code: CO
• Registration type: Commercial
• Vehicle: Qualifying truck or commercial vehicle
• 6,000-pound threshold: Relevant to truck GVW
• 8,000-pound threshold: Relevant to certain truck-and-trailer combinations
• Registered weight: Must cover the applicable vehicle and load

Farm Plate

A Maine farm plate uses the FM registration class for qualifying farm trucks. Farm registration is intended for a truck used primarily in connection with operating a farm and for the farmer’s private transportation. A farm-plated truck cannot be used for certain activities, such as retail delivery, timber harvesting, or for-hire work.

Key points:

• Class code: FM
• Purpose: Qualifying farm registration
• Vehicle: Farm-use truck
• Agriculture: Must meet Maine’s definition of farming
• Use: Primarily connected with farm operations
• Restrictions: Certain commercial activities do not qualify

Agriculture Commercial Plate

The AC class code means Agriculture Commercial. This category is separate from the standard farm classification and relates to commercial agricultural vehicle registration. Maine’s current registration fee schedule identifies AC as Agriculture Commercial, with fees determined by the applicable chart.

Key points:

• Class code: AC
• Meaning: Agriculture Commercial
• Use: Commercial agricultural vehicle
• Related class: AF for Agriculture Farm
• Fees: Determined by Maine’s registration fee chart

Truck Weight and Registration Class

Truck registration in Maine is closely connected to GVW, GVWR, registered weight, and combined weight. The BMV states that a truck over 6,000 pounds GVW must be registered for the maximum weight of the truck and its load. If a truck is towing a trailer and the combined gross weight exceeds 8,000 pounds, registration must cover the combined truck, trailer, and load. The 10,000-pound level is relevant to additional commercial motor-vehicle rules and certain registration situations.

Weight points to keep in mind:

• 6,000 lbs: Key truck GVW threshold
• 8,000 lbs: Important combined truck-and-trailer threshold
• 10,000 lbs: Relevant to additional commercial vehicle requirements
• GVW: Actual gross vehicle weight
• GVWR: Manufacturer-rated gross vehicle weight
• Registered weight: Weight for which the truck is registered

Motorcycle and Snowmobile License Plates

A Maine motorcycle plate is issued under the MC class code for standard motorcycle registration. Motorcycle registration is separate from passenger-vehicle registration, and Maine uses a motorcycle-specific plate intended for rear mounting. The registration plate carries the motorcycle registration information, while inspection and registration stickers are placed on the plate as required. Maine’s current fee schedule lists MC (Motorcycle) at $21. Motorcycle owners can complete registration through a participating municipal office or a Maine BMV branch when required.

Key Maine motorcycle plate details:

• Class code: MC
• Vehicle type: Standard motorcycle
• Registration: Motorcycle-specific registration
• Plate: Motorcycle-specific plate format
• Placement: Rear plate
• Registration fee: $21 for the MC classification
• Inspection: Motorcycle inspection sticker is placed on the registration plate
• Renewal: Motorcycle registrations follow Maine’s motorcycle-specific expiration rules.

Antique Motorcycle Plate

An antique motorcycle is registered separately from a standard MC motorcycle. Maine uses the MQ class code for an antique plate motorcycle, with a current registration fee of $15. To qualify, the motorcycle or motor-driven cycle must be more than 35 years old and meet Maine’s antique-vehicle requirements. Antique motorcycles are intended primarily for exhibitions, club activities, parades, and similar public-interest functions rather than serving as the owner’s primary transportation.

• MC: Standard motorcycle
• MQ: Antique motorcycle
• Age requirement: More than 35 years old
• Use: Primarily exhibitions, clubs, parades, or similar activities

Disability and Veteran Motorcycle Plates

Maine provides several motorcycle classifications for disability and veteran status. MX identifies a Disability Motorcycle, VM identifies a Special Veteran Motorcycle, and XV identifies a Disabled Veterans Motorcycle. PM is the Purple Heart Motorcycle classification. These categories are separate from the standard MC registration class and have their own eligibility requirements.

• MX: Disability Motorcycle
• VM: Special Veteran Motorcycle
• XV: Disabled Veterans Motorcycle
• PM: Purple Heart Motorcycle

Does Maine Have a Snowmobile License Plate?

A Maine snowmobile license plate should not be confused with the regular motor-vehicle plate classifications used for motorcycles, passenger vehicles, or trucks. Snowmobiles use a separate registration system administered through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW). A snowmobile receives a registration number in the form of stickers that must be displayed on both sides of the machine. Maine law sets separate resident, nonresident, and antique snowmobile registration categories.

Snowmobile registration details:

• Registration authority: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
• Display: Registration-number stickers on both sides
• Resident annual registration: $55 plus applicable agent fee
• Nonresident options: 3-day, 10-day, and seasonal registrations
• Antique snowmobile: Separate registration category
• Ordinary motorcycle plate: Not used as the snowmobile registration

Transport Plate vs Transit Plate

People searching for a Maine transport plate may be referring to Maine’s official Temporary Registration Permit (Transit Plate). This permit is intended for temporary movement of certain vehicles that would otherwise require registration. A transit plate is different from the temporary registration plate that a licensed dealer may attach after selling or exchanging a vehicle. Knowing the difference helps avoid using the wrong temporary plate for a vehicle movement.

Trailer and Specialty Vehicle Plate Classes

Maine uses separate registration classes for trailers and several specialty vehicles. The correct class can depend on the vehicle’s construction, registered weight, and intended use. Standard trailers, camper trailers, semi-trailers, motor homes, special equipment, and low-speed vehicles each have their own registration classifications. Knowing the relevant class code can make it easier to identify the correct Maine license plate category.

Trailer Class

The TL class is used for standard trailer registration in Maine. A trailer plate can apply to common trailer types used for transporting property or recreational equipment. Registration fees can vary based on the trailer’s registered weight.

Examples include:

• TL: Standard trailer class
• Utility trailer: Used to carry equipment, materials, or personal property
• Boat trailer: Used to transport a boat
• Registered weight: Can affect the applicable registration fee
• Trailer plate: Assigned through the applicable Maine registration process

Camper and Semi-Trailer Registration

Maine provides separate registration information for camper trailers, semi-trailers, and other trailer configurations. A camper trailer is generally used for recreational or temporary living purposes, while a semi-trailer is designed to connect to a truck tractor or another qualifying towing vehicle. Trailer registration can depend on the type, weight, and intended use.

Important distinctions:

• Camper trailer: Recreational trailer designed for camping or temporary accommodation
• Semi-trailer: Trailer designed to be connected to a qualifying towing vehicle
• Long-term trailer: May require continuing registration based on its use and status
• Trailer registration: Requirements and fees can differ by trailer category and weight
• Boat and utility trailers: Follow their applicable Maine registration requirements

Motor Home

A motor home uses the MH registration class in Maine. This category covers qualifying recreational vehicles built for travel and living purposes. Maine’s registration schedule identifies MH (Motor Home) separately from passenger vehicles and trailers. A conservation motor home can have a distinct registration treatment under Maine’s specialty registration provisions.

Key details:

• MH: Motor home class
• Motor home: Self-propelled recreational vehicle
• RV: Common term for a recreational vehicle
• Conservation motor home: Separate specialty registration category where applicable

Special Equipment and Low-Speed Vehicles

Maine also has registration classes for vehicles that operate differently from ordinary passenger cars and trucks. SE identifies Special Equipment, while LS identifies a Low-Speed Vehicle. These classifications help separate specialized equipment and low-speed vehicles from standard road vehicles.

Key details:

• SE: Special Equipment
• LS: Low-Speed Vehicle
• Special equipment: Specialized vehicles covered by Maine’s applicable registration classification
• Low-speed vehicle: Vehicle meeting Maine’s requirements for the LS category
• Registration: Class and applicable fees depend on the vehicle’s characteristics and use.

Specialty and Eligibility-Based Plate Types

Maine has many specialty and eligibility-based license plate types beyond its standard passenger, motorcycle, truck, and trailer classifications. These plates may be connected to veteran status, disability eligibility, antique vehicles, organizations, causes, or Maine-related interests. Since these categories can have different eligibility rules, fees, documentation, and registration requirements, the applicable requirements depend on the specific plate. They are best treated as a separate part of Maine’s broader plate system rather than as the primary vehicle classification.

Disability and Veteran Plates

Maine offers several plates connected to disability and military or veteran eligibility.

Examples include:

• Disability: Plates available to qualifying applicants with disabilities.
• Disabled Veteran: Available to eligible veterans who meet Maine’s requirements.
• Veteran: Specialty registration for qualifying veterans.
• Purple Heart: Available to eligible Purple Heart recipients.
• Gold Star Family: Recognizes qualifying Gold Star families.
• Support Your Troops: Military-support specialty plate.

Antique and Specialty Vehicle Plates

Maine also has plates connected to older and specially constructed vehicles:

• Antique: For qualifying older vehicles registered under Maine’s antique-vehicle provisions.
• Street Rod: For qualifying modified vehicles meeting Maine’s street-rod definition.
• Horseless Carriage: Associated with qualifying historic vehicles.
• Firefighter: Specialty plate for eligible firefighters.

Interest, Organization and Cause Plates

Other Maine specialty plates represent organizations, activities, causes, and state-related interests.

Examples include:

• Sportsman
• Lobster
• Agriculture
• Conservation
• Wabanaki
• University of Maine
• Support Your Troops

Frequently Asked Questions

Maine license plate types can vary based on the vehicle, registration class, intended use, and eligibility requirements. Questions often involve passenger plates, combination registration, truck classifications, motorcycle plates, trailer plates, and temporary transit permits. The questions in clear terms and explain common Maine plate codes such as PC, CM, MC, TL, and CO.

What license plates are available in Maine?

Maine has several license plate categories based on vehicle type, registration class, eligibility, and use. Common categories include passenger, combination, commercial, motorcycle, trailer, motor home, moped, antique, disability, veteran, agriculture, and other specialty plates. The appropriate category depends on the vehicle and applicable registration requirements.

What is the most common Maine license plate type?

The passenger category is the standard registration classification for qualifying passenger vehicles. Maine identifies this category with the PC class code. A regular car used for personal transportation will generally fall under passenger registration when it does not qualify for another classification, such as combination, commercial, or specialty registration.

What is a combination plate in Maine?

A combination plate Maine registration uses the CM class code. Combination registration applies to qualifying automobiles and SUVs used for passenger or property transportation under Maine’s rules. The CM classification concerns vehicle registration and is separate from commercial driver’s license terminology. The applicable category depends on the vehicle and its qualifying use.

What is a Maine transport plate?

A Maine transport plate commonly refers to what Maine officially calls a Temporary Registration Permit (Transit Plate). It permits an eligible vehicle to make an authorized temporary movement, such as a specified one-way or round trip. A transit plate can be valid for up to 10 days and does not replace regular vehicle registration.

What type of plate does a truck need in Maine?

A Maine truck license plate depends on the truck’s classification, weight, and use. A qualifying truck may require a commercial plate or farm plate. Maine’s rules consider GVW and, in certain situations, combined weight when determining registration requirements. Pickup trucks can have different registration treatment depending on their weight and how they are operated.