Maine Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
A vehicle bill of sale in Maine serves as the official record of a private party vehicle transaction. The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) requires a bill of sale to verify the purchase price and process the title transfer. Maine handles vehicle registration at the municipal level — you register at your town or city office, not at a centralized DMV.
One important detail that sets Maine apart is its titling policy: Maine only titles vehicles from model year 1995 and newer. If you are buying a vehicle from 1994 or earlier, there is no title involved — the bill of sale and previous registration serve as your proof of ownership. This makes the bill of sale especially critical for older vehicle transactions in Maine.
Maine also requires statewide emissions testing for gasoline-powered vehicles 1996 and newer, and charges a municipal excise tax based on the vehicle's MSRP and age. Understanding these requirements before completing your transaction will save time and avoid surprises at the town office.
5.5%
State sales tax
No Limit
Transfer deadline
No
Notarization required
Yes
Emissions test
Maine BMV Requirements
Maine's vehicle transfer process involves both the BMV and your local municipal office. Here is what you need to know to complete a smooth private party vehicle transaction in Maine.
Important: Maine Titles 1995 and Newer Only
Maine only issues titles for vehicles with a model year of 1995 or newer. For 1994 and older vehicles, the bill of sale is the primary ownership document. If you are purchasing an older vehicle, make sure your bill of sale is thorough and includes all vehicle identification details, as it will serve as your proof of ownership.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Vehicle Title: For 1995 and newer vehicles, the seller must sign the title and complete the buyer assignment section including sale date, sale price, and odometer reading
- Bill of Sale: A completed bill of sale with both parties' information, vehicle details, VIN, price, date, and signatures
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement — must state the mileage and its accuracy on the title or separate form
- Lien Release: If the vehicle had a loan, a lien release from the financial institution is required
What the Buyer Must Bring to the Town Office / BMV
- Signed Title: With seller's signature and all fields completed (1995+ vehicles only)
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both parties
- Valid Photo ID: Maine driver's license or state ID
- Proof of Insurance: Maine minimum liability coverage ($50,000/$100,000/$25,000)
- Payment: Title fee ($33), excise tax (paid to municipality), sales tax (5.5%), and registration fee (based on vehicle age/weight)
How to Fill Out a Maine Vehicle Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Maine vehicle bill of sale. Our template includes all fields required by the Maine BMV and municipal offices.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name as it appears on the vehicle title (or registration for pre-1995 vehicles), current Maine mailing address including town, and phone number. If the title lists multiple owners, both must sign if the title reads "and."
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name as it should appear on the new title, current Maine address, and municipality of residence. The municipality is important because the excise tax is paid to the buyer's town or city, and registration often happens at the local town office.
Describe the Vehicle
Enter the year, make, model, body type, and exterior color. Record the full 17-character VIN from the dashboard or door jamb. Verify the VIN matches the title exactly. For pre-1995 vehicles without a title, the VIN on the bill of sale must match the previous registration. Include the current license plate number if applicable.
Record the Odometer Reading
Document the current odometer mileage at the time of sale and indicate whether the reading is accurate, has exceeded mechanical limits, or is not the actual mileage. This is a federal requirement under NHTSA regulations. Vehicles 20 years old or older and those with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs may be exempt.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Maine's 5.5% sales tax is calculated from this amount. If the vehicle is a gift, write "$0 — Gift" and note that Maine may still charge sales tax based on the vehicle's fair market value for transfers between non-family members.
Sign and Date
Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. Print at least two copies — one for each party. Maine does not require notarization. Take the bill of sale, signed title, and other documents to your municipal town office to pay the excise tax and complete the registration.
Maine Title Transfer Process
After completing the bill of sale and signing the title, the buyer must visit their local municipal office (town or city hall) to pay the excise tax and register the vehicle. The BMV processes the title transfer separately.
Complete the Sale
Sign the bill of sale and title, exchange payment and keys
Get Insurance and Inspection
Obtain Maine liability insurance and pass the required emissions and safety inspection
Pay Excise Tax at Your Town Office
Visit your local municipal office to pay the excise tax based on the vehicle's MSRP and age
Register the Vehicle
Bring the title, bill of sale, insurance, inspection, and excise tax receipt to register and pay sales tax
Receive Your New Title and Plates
Maine issues a new title (for 1995+ vehicles) and provides registration and license plates
Maine Vehicle Sales Tax & Fees
Maine's vehicle costs include a flat 5.5% sales tax with no local additions, plus a municipal excise tax that varies by vehicle age. Here is a full breakdown of the fees you can expect:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 5.5% of sale price |
| Municipal Excise Tax | Based on MSRP and vehicle age (paid to municipality) |
| Title Fee | $33 (1995 and newer vehicles only) |
| Registration Fee | Based on vehicle age and weight |
| License Plates | $5 (or transfer existing plates) |
| Emissions / Safety Inspection | $12.50 (annual) |
| Duplicate Title | $33 |
Sample Maine Vehicle Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Maine-specific vehicle bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by the Maine BMV and municipal offices.
STATE OF MAINE
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Maine Address]
Town: [Town/City]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Maine Address]
Town: [Town/City]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Maine Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Maine vehicle bills of sale, title transfers, and BMV requirements.
Official Maine Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify requirements, find forms, and access government information for your Maine vehicle transaction.
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Title transfers, registration, and forms
Maine BMV — Title Information
Title requirements and processes for Maine vehicles
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
Maine Revenue Services — Sales Tax
Sales and use tax information for Maine
Other Maine Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Maine? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Maine Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Maine Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Maine Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Maine Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Maine General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Maine ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Maine Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Maine Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Maine Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Maine-compliant document in minutes. Accepted at every Maine municipal office and BMV branch.
No account required. Free to create and preview.