How to transfer a car title in Maine
For private sellers and buyers in Maine. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Maine, the seller signs the title with the mileage when handing over the car, and gives the buyer the title and any lien release. The buyer pays the excise tax before registering, then applies for the title. In Bangor, that is City Hall, then Griffin Road. The title fee is $33.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Maine?
Seller
- When you hand over the car, sign the assignment on the title, including the mileage.
- Give the title to the buyer. If there was a loan, also give the buyer the released lien certificate.
- Once you have handed over the car and the signed title, you are not liable for what happens with it later.
Buyer
- Get a title in your name before you sell the car to anyone else.
- Pay the excise tax before you register the car.
- In Bangor, bring the signed title if the car is 25 years old or newer, a dated bill of sale with the VIN, both names and the price, proof of insurance and the mileage.
- In Bangor, pay the excise tax at City Hall, then go to the state office on Griffin Road to fill out the title application and a sales form.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles before you go: maine.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Maine?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the title over.
Add the mileage when you hand over the car.
Step 2 · Seller
Give the buyer the papers.
The signed title, and the lien release if there was a loan.
We have not confirmed whether Maine requires a bill of sale. Check with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles before you sell.
How do I put a car title in my name in Maine?
Step 1 · Buyer
Pay the excise tax first.
It is due before the car is registered.
legislature.maine.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Then apply for the title.
In Bangor, pay the excise tax at City Hall, then fill out a title application and a sales form at the state office on Griffin Road.
Maine title applicationbangormaine.gov checked
After the Maine BMV processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
How much does a title transfer cost in Maine?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $33 | Buyer | legislature.maine.gov Checked |
| Late penalty (if it applies) | Being checked | Buyer | legislature.maine.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees | $33 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Maine are being checked.
Common questions
What does Bangor ask for in a private sale?
The signed title for a newer car, a dated bill of sale with the VIN, both names and the price, proof of insurance and the mileage.
bangormaine.gov checked
Can I sell the car before it is in my name?
No. Get a title in your name first.
legislature.maine.gov checked
Is the seller liable after the sale?
Not once the car and the signed title are handed over.
legislature.maine.gov checked
Sources for this page
- legislature.maine.gov/statutes/
29-A/ Checkedtitle29-Ach7.pdf - legislature.maine.gov/statutes/
29-A/ Checkedtitle29-Asec603.html - legislature.maine.gov/statutes/
29-A/ Checkedtitle29-Asec662.html - bangormaine.gov/510/
Register-a-Vehicle-Boat-Trailer Checked - legislature.maine.gov/statutes/
36/ Checkedtitle36sec1482.html
About this page
This page summarizes official Maine sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.