Overview
Title transfer, sales tax, and excise tax typically all happen in the same town-office visit, so a late title also usually means excise tax and sales tax are overdue at the same time - worth settling all three the moment a sale closes rather than treating title transfer as a separate errand.
01 - Official fees
Maine title transfer fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title application fee | $33.00 | same everywhere in Maine |
| Duplicate or corrected title | $33.00 | |
| Late filing penalty (past 30 days) | $50.00 | flat, one time |
| Expedited issuance | +$10.00 | added to any title request |
| Title search (by name or VIN) | $5.00 |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with your town office (Maine BMV) - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to transfer a title in Maine
- 1
Seller signs the title's assignment section; for a private sale, both parties complete a bill of sale.
- 2
Bring the signed title (or bill of sale, if the vehicle is title-exempt) to your town office.
- 3
Pay the $33 title fee along with excise tax, sales tax, and registration in the same visit.
- 4
If it's been more than 30 days since the sale, the $50 late penalty is added automatically.
- 5
Your new title mails from the BMV; the town's receipt is your proof of ownership meanwhile.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Maine vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Maine title transfer FAQ
How much does a title transfer cost in Maine?
A flat $33, regardless of which town or county you're in - Maine doesn't tier the title fee like some states do. Budget separately for excise tax, sales tax, and registration, which are collected in the same visit but aren't part of the title fee itself.
What happens if I transfer the title late?
A flat $50 penalty is added once you're more than 30 days past the sale date - it doesn't climb further the longer you wait, unlike states with monthly-escalating title penalties. It's a one-time charge on top of the standard $33 fee.
Do all vehicles need a title in Maine?
No - Maine uses a rolling 25-model-year exemption. As of January 1, 2026, vehicles model year 2001 and newer need a title; anything older (model year 2000 and before) is exempt and transfers on a bill of sale alone. The cutoff advances by one model year every January.
Can I transfer a title without going to the town office in person?
Some towns accept title transfers by mail or through a BMV branch, but most Mainers handle it in person at the town office since excise tax, sales tax, and registration are settled at the same counter anyway.
Is there a rush option if I need the physical title fast?
Yes - pay an extra $10 for expedited issuance on top of the standard $33 title fee (or $33 duplicate/correction fee), and the state prioritizes processing.
What if the seller never signed the title over to me?
You'll need to get the seller to complete the assignment (or a replacement/duplicate title, at $33, if the original is lost) before your town can process the transfer - a bill of sale alone isn't sufficient for a titled vehicle.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.