Private-party transfer in Maine: closing the sale without surprises
Steps for buyer and seller, documents, payment and state-specific plate conditions.
A private sale calls for checking the title, payment, plate and applicable state procedures. This guide is written for both sides of the table, with Maine's rules.
The place and the moment
Ask the titling office (First at your town or city office, where you pay the excise tax. If that office does not do registrations, take the receipt to a BMV branch. The title application (MVT-2) is only available at the town office or a BMV branch) in advance about accepted signatures, documents, appointments and payments. Where available, coordinate the handover with that office and verify payment with the issuing bank before releasing the car or documents.
Step by step
| # | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm the title is in your name and lien-free. If there is a loan, get the bank's release before listing. | Ask for the VIN and check title, recalls and history before seeing the car. |
| 2 | Allow an independent inspection. Agree in writing how and when it will take place. | Pre-purchase inspection with your own mechanic. |
| 3 | Agree the total price in writing on a bill of sale: VIN, year, make, model, price, date, names, signatures. Two copies. | Same. The bill of sale is your proof of price for the tax. |
| 4 | On the title: your signature, the buyer's name and address, price, date and the applicable odometer disclosure, including exemptions and any required mileage-discrepancy indicators. Odometer statement on the title and on the BMV bill of sale (federal law, 49 CFR 580; form MVT-32 when needed). | Check that the VIN on the title is the car's and that the person signing is the titled owner. |
| 5 | Receive payment: cashier's check verified at the issuing bank, confirmed transfer, or cash inside the bank. | Pay only when the signed title is in your hand. |
| 6 | Handle the seller's plate. Follow the state conditions below for removal, transfer or return. | Confirm the registration, permit and plate you need before driving; do not assume you can use the seller's. |
| 7 | Confirm the applicable sale notice, plate return or registration cancellation; keep written proof of the handover. | Confirm the required documents, fees, taxes and deadline with the agency, including the event that starts the deadline. Bring the applicable insurance or financial-responsibility documents. |
| 8 | Ask your insurer when to cancel or transfer coverage, and first confirm the registration and plate conditions. | Confirm the coverage or proof of financial responsibility required for your transaction and before driving. |
The plate in Maine
When the car is sold, the seller's registration expires. The seller removes the plates: they can be reassigned to another car in the seller's name or, if not used within 6 months, returned with the registration certificate to the Secretary of State. The buyer cannot drive on the seller's plates: register the car at the town office, or buy a transit permit for up to 10 days ($12 one-way, $25 round trip) with insurance and a valid inspection, or tow it.
What each one must bring
Seller
- Title (or printout of the electronic one)
- Photo ID
- Lien release, if any
- Signed bill of sale
- A screwdriver for the plate
Buyer
- State forms (MVT-2, Bill of Sale, MVT-10)
- Photo ID
- Insurance card
- Payment for fees and tax
- If out of state: whatever VIN verification the state requires
Three special situations
- Lost title. The seller requests a duplicate before selling. Don't accept "I'll send it later."
- Two owners on the title. If the names are joined by "and," both sign. With "or," one is usually enough.
- The seller is an heir or holds a power of attorney. Extra documentation is needed (estate papers or POA). Confirm at the office before paying.
Keep the records; check the official process
Sources
- Maine BMV — Title fees
- Maine BMV — Titles
- Maine BMV — Register a passenger vehicle
- Maine BMV — Registration fees
- Maine BMV — Replacing a title / Are title applications (MVT-2) online?
- Maine BMV — Types of title certificates
- Maine BMV — Temporary registration permits (transit plates)
- Maine BMV — MVT-10 VIN Inspection
- 29-A M.R.S. § 603 — Title fees and penalty
- 36 M.R.S. § 1482 — Excise tax
- Maine Bureau of Insurance — Insurance required by law
- Maine Revenue Services — Sales and Use Tax Rates & Due Dates (5.5% general, column effective 01/01/2026)
- 36 M.R.S. § 1765 — Trade-in credit (motor vehicles)
- 36 M.R.S. § 1952-A — Tax on vehicles paid at the time and place of registration
- 29-A M.R.S. § 453 — Vanity registration plates ($25 annual administrative fee)
- 29-A M.R.S. § 502 — Transfer of registration ($8) and prorated fee
- 29-A M.R.S. § 503 — Miscellaneous registration fees (replacement plate $5 each)
- 29-A M.R.S. § 652 — Exempted vehicles (vehicles more than 25 years old)
- 29-A M.R.S. § 501(7) / Maine BMV — Temporary registration permit fees ($12 one trip, $25 round trip)
- US Census Bureau — Annual county population estimates, Maine (Vintage 2024, released March 2025)
- 49 CFR Part 580 — Federal odometer disclosure requirements
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.