License plates in Maine offer vehicle owners several ways to display personal interests, affiliations, military service, organizations, and causes through specialized plate designs. Maine Specialty License Plates cover a broad range of options, with eligibility, fees, application requirements, and renewal rules varying by plate type. Some specialty plates support charitable or organizational programs, while others recognize specific groups or interests. Knowing which plates are available, who qualifies, and what costs apply can help vehicle owners select an option that fits their registration needs.
License plates with specialty designs can add a distinct identity to a registered vehicle while supporting approved organizations, programs, or causes in Maine. Specialty plate choices may include special interest, organizational, conservation, military, and other recognized categories. Each option can have its own eligibility standards, additional fees, required documentation, and renewal conditions. Maine vehicle owners can review the available plate categories and related requirements before submitting an application, helping them choose a specialty registration option that matches their interests and eligibility.
How to Get a Maine Specialty License Plate
Maine specialty license plates offer vehicle owners different plate options based on eligibility, military service, organizations, causes, and other approved categories. The process to apply or purchase a plate depends on the type selected, with some options handled through BMV branches, participating town offices, or online BMV services. Applicants may need vehicle registration details, proof of eligibility, and supporting documents. A plate lookup can also help identify relevant registration information before submitting an application, but requirements, fees, and availability should be checked for the selected plate and application route.
- Maine Specialty License Plates — Official Maine BMV:
- https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/vehicles/specialty-plates
- Select the Plate Type: The Maine BMV specialty plates page lists different specialty plate options, helping applicants identify the category that fits their needs.
- Check Eligibility: Eligibility rules and qualification requirements can vary by specialty plate. Review the requirements for the selected plate before starting the application.
- Review Application Requirements: Some plates may require supporting documents or proof of eligibility. Check the BMV information for the documents required for the specific plate.
- Confirm the Application Location: Depending on the plate type, the application or purchase process may be handled through a BMV branch, town office, or another designated process.
- Check the Vanity Option: If the selected specialty plate permits personalized text, check vanity availability and review any separate application requirements or fees.
- EMS and Wabanaki Plates: These plates may have additional documentation requirements. Review the individual requirements for these plate types before submitting an application.
Sportsman Plate
The Maine Sportsman plate is a specialty license plate that reflects Maine’s strong connection with wildlife, conservation, fishing, hunting, boating, and outdoor recreation. Its design gives vehicle owners an option to show support for programs that protect wildlife and maintain outdoor resources across the state. The plate is available to eligible vehicle owners through approved Maine registration channels, with a vanity option available for those who want personalized plate characters. This website provides informational content only and does not issue or process Maine Sportsman plates.
Maine Sportsman Plate Design and Purpose
The Maine Sportsman plate is a specialty registration plate connected with Maine’s outdoor and wildlife interests. Its design reflects the state’s sportsman and conservation themes, giving vehicle owners an option to support programs connected with wildlife, fishing, boating, and outdoor resources. The plate is available as an optional specialty plate in addition to regular registration requirements.
Maine Sportsman Plate Fee and Renewal Cost
The Sportsman specialty plate costs $20 in addition to the regular registration fee at initial issuance. The same $20 specialty fee applies at renewal. A vanity version carries an additional $25 fee. These charges are separate from the standard vehicle registration costs, so the total amount depends on the vehicle and registration transaction.
Where Sportsman Plate Funds Go
Revenue from the Maine Sportsman plate supports several state programs connected with wildlife and outdoor resources. Funds go to the Fish Hatchery Maintenance Fund, Boat Launch Facilities Fund, Maine Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund, and Support Landowners Program. This makes the plate a way for registrants to contribute to programs involving fish hatcheries, boat launch facilities, endangered wildlife, and landowner support.
Maine Sportsman Vanity Plate
A Maine Sportsman vanity plate can be requested for applicants who want personalized characters. The vanity version allows up to six characters, with a space or dash permitted within the character limit. It carries an additional $25 fee. Applicants can use Maine’s vanity search process to check whether a requested combination is available before submitting the vanity plate application.
Where to Purchase a Maine Sportsman Plate
The Maine Sportsman plate can be purchased through Maine BMV branch offices and many town offices. The exact transaction route can depend on the applicant’s registration circumstances and selected option. The BMV handles the state plate process, while participating town offices can process eligible motor vehicle transactions. This website provides informational content only and does not issue, sell, or process Maine Sportsman plates.
Wabanaki License Plate
The Maine Wabanaki license plate is a recognition plate connected with the Wabanaki tribes in Maine. It is available to qualifying members of the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Maliseet, and Micmac Tribes, with tribal membership certification required as part of the application. The Wabanaki Recognition plate provides an official plate option for eligible tribal members and has specific requirements that differ from many other Maine specialty plates. Applicants can review the required certification and registration information before requesting the plate.
Who Can Get a Wabanaki License Plate?
The Maine Wabanaki license plate is a Wabanaki Recognition plate available to members of the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Maliseet, and Micmac Tribes in Maine. Applicants must provide certification of tribal membership signed by a tribal official from a federally recognized tribe within the Wabanaki Confederacy. The Maine BMV requires the appropriate membership certification with a first-time Wabanaki plate request. This requirement means tribal membership must be documented as part of the application process; the plate is not a general specialty option available to every Maine vehicle owner.
Wabanaki Plate Cost and Vanity Options
The Wabanaki license plate costs $35 for vehicles registered up to 6,000 pounds and $37 for vehicles registered from 6,001 to 10,000 pounds. The BMV states that there is no additional specialty plate fee for this plate. A Wabanaki vanity plate is available with a maximum of seven characters, and the vanity option carries an additional $25 fee. The requested combination cannot duplicate a vanity plate already issued in another class. Applicants can search and order an available vanity combination through the Maine BMV.
University of Maine License Plate
The University of Maine license plate is a specialty plate associated with the University of Maine System. It provides a collegiate plate option for vehicle owners who want to support higher education through their vehicle registration. The plate is connected to the University of Maine System Scholarship Fund, with a portion of the specialty plate revenue directed to scholarships. The plate features University of Maine System branding and is available through Maine’s approved motor vehicle registration process.
University of Maine Plate Fees
The University of Maine System plate has an additional $20 fee at initial issuance and an additional $15 fee at renewal, separate from regular vehicle registration charges. According to the Maine BMV, $14 from each University of Maine System plate purchased or renewed goes to the University of Maine System Scholarship Fund. This contribution supports the scholarship purpose associated with the plate.
University of Maine Vanity Plate
A vanity plate option is available for the University of Maine System plate. Personalized text is subject to Maine BMV rules and availability, with a five-character limit for this plate. Applicants can check available vanity combinations before submitting their request. Any applicable vanity charge is separate from the standard University of Maine System plate and registration costs.
Where to Purchase the Plate
The University of Maine System plate can be purchased through Maine BMV branch offices and participating town offices. Applicants can request the plate as part of an eligible registration transaction and provide the required vehicle information. This website provides informational content about Maine university plates and does not issue plates, process applications, or collect BMV registration fees.
Black Bear License Plate
The Maine Black Bear plate is a specialty license plate connected with the University of Maine Black Bears. Its design features Black Bear branding associated with the university, giving vehicle owners a collegiate plate option. The plate supports the Maine Black Bears Scholarship Fund, linking vehicle registration with scholarship support for students connected with the University of Maine.
Maine Black Bear Plate Fees and Scholarship Contribution
The Black Bear specialty plate costs $20 in addition to regular registration at initial issuance and $15 at renewal. From each Black Bear plate purchased or renewed, $10 is contributed to the Maine Black Bears Scholarship Fund. Regular vehicle registration costs remain separate from the specialty plate charges, so the total amount depends on the applicant’s registration transaction.
Maine Black Bear Vanity Plate
A vanity option is available for the Maine Black Bear plate for applicants who want personalized characters. The vanity combination can contain up to six characters, subject to Maine BMV requirements and availability. Applicants can check whether their preferred combination is available before submitting a vanity plate request. Any applicable vanity charge is separate from the regular registration and Black Bear plate fees.
University of Maine Black Bears Connection
The plate provides a direct connection to the University of Maine Black Bears and its scholarship program. The funds generated through eligible Black Bear plate purchases and renewals contribute to the designated scholarship fund, making the plate both a collegiate identification option and a way to support student scholarships.
Agriculture License Plate Maine
The Agriculture Specialty Plate is a Maine license plate option connected with agricultural education and related programs. The Maine Agriculture plate is offered in both passenger and commercial & farm versions, giving eligible vehicle owners a choice based on how the vehicle is registered. The commercial agriculture plate is available for vehicles registered at 10,001 pounds or more. The plate provides a distinct agricultural design while supporting educational efforts connected with Maine agriculture.
Agriculture Plate Fees and Education Fund
The Agriculture plate has an additional specialty fee at initial purchase and renewal, separate from the vehicle’s regular registration costs. According to the Maine BMV, $10 from each Agriculture plate purchased or renewed is contributed to the Maine Agriculture Education Fund. These funds support agricultural education and related educational programs in Maine. The amount paid for a complete registration transaction can vary based on the vehicle and registration requirements.
Agriculture Vanity Plate
A vanity option is available for the Maine Agriculture plate, subject to BMV requirements and character availability. Applicants can request personalized text within the applicable character limit and check whether a preferred combination is available. Vanity requests may carry an additional charge separate from the Agriculture Specialty Plate fee and regular registration costs.
Passenger and Commercial Agriculture Plates
The passenger and commercial versions are distinguished by the vehicle’s registered weight. Vehicles registered below the commercial threshold can use the applicable passenger version, while vehicles registered at 10,001 pounds or more qualify for the commercial version. The Maine BMV handles the plate transaction through its approved registration channels.
Lobster and Conservation Specialty Plates
license plates in Maine include specialty options that reflect the state’s connection with its coastal heritage, wildlife, environmental programs, and natural resources. The Maine Lobster plate represents the state’s well-known lobster industry, while the Conservation plate supports programs related to wildlife, parks, and environmental protection. Both plates give vehicle owners an option to display a cause-based design on their vehicle while contributing to programs connected with their respective purposes. The requirements, design features, and available personalization options can vary between these two specialty plates.
Lobster Specialty Plate
The Maine Lobster Specialty Plate features imagery connected with Maine’s lobster industry and is available as a passenger specialty plate. It gives vehicle owners an option to display Maine lobster imagery while supporting programs connected with the state’s lobster sector. The plate costs $20 in addition to regular registration at initial issuance and $15 at renewal. From each Lobster plate purchased or renewed, $10 goes to the Lobster Research, Education and Development Board. A vanity option is available for eligible applicants, subject to Maine BMV character and availability requirements.
Conservation Plate
The Maine Conservation plate supports environmental programs involving state parks, wildlife, and endangered and nongame species. It carries an additional $20 fee at initial issuance and $15 at renewal, separate from regular registration costs. A portion of the plate revenue supports the Maine Environment Trust Fund, which helps fund environmental programs in Maine. The Conservation plate can include a vanity option with a five-character limit, subject to BMV requirements and availability. Applicants can check the current vanity requirements before submitting a request. The plate provides a way to connect vehicle registration with conservation, wildlife protection, state parks, and other environmental programs.
Lighthouse, Animal Welfare, and Other Specialty Plates
Maine offers several specialty and recognition plates connected with lighthouse preservation, animal welfare, healthcare, children’s services, and military support. These plate options give eligible vehicle owners different ways to represent a cause or organization through their vehicle registration. The Maine BMV specialty plate catalog includes these designs along with their specific application, registration, fee, and personalization requirements.
Maine Lighthouse Trust Plate
The Maine Lighthouse Trust plate supports lighthouse restoration and preservation efforts across the state. It provides a specialty plate option for vehicle owners who want to represent Maine’s lighthouse heritage. The plate has a $20 initial specialty fee and $15 renewal fee. A vanity option is available for owners who want personalized characters.
Animal Welfare Plate
The Animal Welfare plate supports animal welfare efforts in Maine, including programs related to companion animal sterilization. It provides a way for vehicle owners to represent support for animal care through their registration plate. The specialty fee is $20 at initial issuance and $15 at renewal. A vanity option is available for eligible registrations.
Breast Cancer Support Plate
The Breast Cancer Support plate is connected with Maine’s Breast Cancer Services Special Program. Its purpose is to support services associated with breast cancer assistance and related programs. This specialty plate gives vehicle owners an option to represent support for breast cancer services through their registered vehicle.
Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital Plate
The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital plate supports children’s healthcare and recognizes the hospital’s role in providing medical services for children. The plate serves a fundraising and recognition purpose, allowing eligible vehicle owners to display a specialty design associated with pediatric healthcare in Maine.
Support Your Troops Plate
The Support Your Troops plate recognizes Maine National Guard and Reserve members and their families. It provides a specialty plate option connected with military support and recognition. The plate includes a specialty fee, and a vanity option is available for eligible vehicle registrations. Current BMV information should be checked for application and personalization requirements.
Emergency Medical Services Plate
The Maine Emergency Medical Services plate, often called the EMS plate, is a specialty registration plate reserved for licensed emergency medical services persons in Maine. The Maine BMV states that only licensed emergency medical services persons may be issued this plate, making EMS eligibility a specific requirement for applicants. The plate provides recognition for people who serve in emergency services and offers a distinct registration option connected with their professional role.
EMS Plate Fees and Vanity Option
The Maine EMS license plate has a $5 one-time initial fee. There is no additional EMS plate fee on subsequent renewals, although regular registration costs still apply. A vanity option is available for eligible applicants who want personalized characters. The vanity format allows up to six characters, with one space or dash permitted within the character limit.
How to Apply for an EMS Plate
Eligible applicants can purchase the EMS plate through Maine BMV branch offices. The MVR-17 application is used for the EMS plate request and helps establish the applicant’s eligibility as a licensed emergency medical services person. Applicants should provide the information required on the current form and follow the BMV application process. This website provides informational content only and does not issue Maine EMS plates, process applications, or provide official BMV services.
Can Specialty License Plates Be Personalized?
Many Maine specialty plates can be personalized with a vanity combination, but vanity plate availability differs by plate type. Each series has its own character limit and formatting rules. A personalized specialty plate request must meet the requirements for the selected plate series and pass BMV review.
Specialty Vanity Plate Character Limits
The Maine specialty vanity plate character limit depends on the specific plate series.
Current Maine vanity instructions include these examples:
- Agriculture: Up to 6 characters, plus one space or dash.
- Black Bear: Up to 6 characters, plus one space or dash.
- Sportsman: Up to 6 characters, plus one space or dash.
- Wabanaki Recognition: Up to 7 characters, plus one space or dash.
- No Tree: Up to 7 characters, plus one space or dash.
- University of Maine: Up to 5 characters, plus one space or dash.
Vanity Plate Availability
A requested vanity combination must be available before it can be issued. Duplicate combinations cannot be assigned to another vehicle when the combination is already in use or otherwise unavailable. Availability can change as plates are issued, renewed, or released. The Maine vanity search lets applicants check a desired combination online. A search result does not replace BMV review, since the BMV determines whether the requested personalized combination meets its requirements and can be issued. Applicants should check availability and review the applicable plate-series rules before requesting a vanity plate.
Specialty License Plates vs Pine Tree and No Tree Plates
License plates in Maine fall into different categories, and the Pine Tree, No Tree, and specialty designs do not serve the same purpose. The Pine Tree plate is Maine’s current general-issue design, while the No Tree plate provides an alternative general-issue option for eligible PC-class registrations. Specialty plates are separate optional designs connected with causes, organizations, recognition programs, or specific groups. Knowing these differences can help clarify searches for the Maine no tree plate design, new Maine flag license plate, and specialty registration options.
| Feature | Pine Tree Plate | No Tree Plate | Maine Specialty Plates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plate category | General-issue | General-issue alternative | Optional specialty |
| Current status | Maine’s current standard plate | Alternative general-issue design | Separate specialty plate category |
| Design purpose | Standard Maine registration design | Standard design without the tree graphic | Cause, organization, recognition, or special-purpose design |
| Pine tree graphic | Yes | No | Depends on plate |
| PC class | General-issue standard | Available only to PC class | Depends on plate type |
| Plate class change | Standard general-issue classification | PC changes to NT | Depends on selected specialty plate |
| Specialty fundraising category | No | No | Many plates support specific programs or causes |
| Additional specialty fee | No specialty fee for the standard design | No specialty fee simply for choosing No Tree | Often applies, depending on the plate |
| Eligibility requirements | Standard registration requirements | PC-class eligibility | Some plates have specific eligibility rules |
| Vanity option | Subject to Maine vanity rules | Available under its applicable rules | Availability and character limits vary by plate |
Frequently Asked Questions
License plates in Maine include general-issue, specialty, and recognition options, which can create questions about available designs, eligibility, fees, and personalization. The Pine Tree plate and No Tree plate belong to the general-issue category, while specialty plates are connected with specific causes, organizations, programs, or groups. These questions cover the main details people may want to check before choosing a Maine specialty plate, including available plate types, the No Tree design, Pine Tree status, and specialty plate costs.
What specialty license plates are available in Maine?
Maine offers specialty and recognition plates connected with different causes, organizations, programs, and groups. Current options include Agriculture, Animal Welfare, Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, Breast Cancer Support, Conservation, Lighthouse Trust, Lobster, Maine Black Bear, Sportsman, Support Your Troops, University of Maine, Wabanaki Recognition, and Emergency Medical Services plates. Availability, eligibility, fees, and vanity options vary by plate type.
What is the most common Maine specialty plate?
Maine does not need to be described through a subjective ranking of specialty plates. The state offers multiple specialty and recognition categories, each serving a different purpose. Some support healthcare, wildlife, conservation, agriculture, education, military recognition, or other programs. The Pine Tree plate is separate from these specialty categories because it is Maine’s general-issue plate.
Is the Pine Tree plate a specialty plate?
The Pine Tree plate is Maine’s current general-issue plate. It became the general-issue design on May 1, 2025, replacing the Chickadee plate. It is the standard registration design rather than a specialty fundraising plate.
What is the Maine No Tree plate?
The Maine No Tree plate is an alternative general-issue design without the pine tree graphic. It is available only to registrations in the PC plate class. When a qualifying registration selects the No Tree design, the plate class changes from PC to NT. It is not a specialty plate and does not carry a specialty fee simply for choosing the No Tree design.
How much does a Maine specialty plate cost?
There is no single Maine specialty plate cost that applies to every plate. The total amount can include the regular registration fee, specialty plate fee, renewal specialty fee, vanity fee, and vehicle-specific charges. Some plates have different initial and renewal fees, while others have special eligibility-based fee structures.