Title Check: what a Maine car title really says
No brand, salvage, rebuilt, flood and the other brands this state uses. Each word changes what the car is worth and what you can do with it.
The title is the document that says who owns the car and what serious things have happened to it. Brands and disclosures depend on the issuing jurisdiction’s rules; also review available records from previous states. A branded car can be the right buy at the right price; the problem is paying a no-brand price for one that has a brand.
Title brands and disclosure information in Maine
| Brand or condition | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No brand | An unbranded title does not establish that there were no accidents, flooding or repairs. Review available records and the car’s condition. | Check odometer and listing history, and get a pre-purchase inspection. |
| Salvage | An insurer or the owner declared it a total loss, or it went to a recycler or salvage dealer (§ 602(13)). The title carries the word "salvage". It can only be registered or sold for the road after it is repaired and passes the VIN and parts inspection (§ 667(4)). Maine law sets no damage percentage for this brand: per the BMV the title is branded salvage when the salvage value plus the cost of repairing the car for legal road use exceeds its fair market value before the damage. | Not a car to drive; a project. Only at a project price. |
| Rebuilt salvage | Salvage repaired by joining two or more vehicles with different frames, replacing 5 or more major parts (engine, transmission, frame, doors, hood, fenders, airbags, etc.) or with a front or rear clip (§ 667(5)). | Ask for the parts receipts and the donor cars' titles; the rebuilder must produce them (§ 667(4)). Independent inspection before you pay. |
| Rebuilt | Salvage repaired by replacing 1 to 4 major parts. Airbags do not count toward this number (§ 667(5)). | Can be a good buy if the repair was serious. Ask in writing what was repaired; the repairer must tell you (§ 667). |
| Repaired | Salvage fixed without replacing major parts (§ 602(12) and § 667(5)). | Ask what the damage was and ask for photos and repair receipts. |
| Junk | According to the BMV, it generally means the car is not roadworthy; it is issued when repairs cost more than 75% of the pre-damage value. | Never as a road car. Parts only. |
| Lemon Law Buyback | The maker bought it back under the Maine lemon law. This title and every later one carry the "Lemon Law Buyback" brand (§ 670). | Ask what the defect was and whether it was corrected. It must be given to you in writing (10 M.R.S. § 1163(7)). |
| Brands from another state (e.g., Flood) | Maine has no flood brand of its own, but it copies onto the new title the brands that came on another state's title (§ 667(5)). | Read the previous title in full and check the history in NMVTIS. A water-damaged car, for most buyers: no. |
The law protects you, if you use it
The dealer must post a sheet on the car stating prior use (police, rental, taxi, rideshare), known mechanical defects, known damage (fire, water, major collision), whether it was returned to the maker and whether it was repossessed; you sign it (10 M.R.S. § 1475). That sheet must also say if the maker bought the car back under a lemon law, and "substantial collision damage" there means repairs over $3,000 (§ 1475). None of these dealer duties apply to a motorcycle, a vehicle built to carry more than 14 people or a truck over 10,000 lb gross weight (10 M.R.S. § 1471(4)). If the car does not pass inspection, it must carry the "UNSAFE MOTOR VEHICLE" notice (§ 1474(4)). Whoever repairs a salvage car must tell you in writing that it was salvage and what was repaired (29-A M.R.S. § 667). Violating § 667 is a Class D crime.
How to review the title and available history
- Check the History of a Vehicle (Maine BMV → NMVTIS): check the service coverage, costs and access requirements; not every service displays title-brand history.
- NMVTIS: the federal title-history system. Consumer access is through approved providers; report prices and limitations depend on the service.
- NICB VINCheck: thefts and total losses reported by insurers.
- The paper: ask to see the physical title (or the printed electronic one) before handing over money. The VIN on the title must be the car's, and the name the seller's.
Odometer: the other brand
Where an odometer disclosure is required, review the mileage and any notation of unknown mileage or counter limits. Exemptions exist; check current requirements and compare the odometer with maintenance and inspection records.
How much it changes the price
This guide sets no fixed discount and recommends no individual vehicle price. Consider condition, documented repairs, insurance terms and market context, supported by an independent inspection.
From a guide to the individual vehicle
Sources
- 29-A M.R.S. § 667 — Salvage vehicles
- 29-A M.R.S. § 602 — Definitions (salvage vehicle, component part, repair)
- 29-A M.R.S. § 670 — Maine Lemon Law vehicle
- Maine BMV — Types of title certificates
- 10 M.R.S. § 1475 — Used car disclosure of information
- 10 M.R.S. § 1474 — Dealer warranty
- 29-A M.R.S. § 603 — Title fees, dealer charges and the 30-day / $50 penalty
- BMV — Check the History of a Vehicle (Maine BMV → NMVTIS)
- NMVTIS — National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
- NICB — VINCheck
- NHTSA — Odometer Fraud
- FTC — Buying a Used Car From a Dealer
This guide informs; it is not legal or financial advice, nor an offer, quote or appraisal. Every figure carries its source and date; check it is still current before you decide.