Buying A Car In Maine Guide

: Dealers typically handle the title application and collect the 5.5% state sales tax . They also provide a 30-day temporary plate, allowing you time to finalize permanent registration.

Buying a car in Maine involves a unique two-step administrative process: paying to your local municipality before completing registration at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) . Whether purchasing through a dealer or a private sale, understanding these distinct local requirements is essential for a legal and smooth transaction. 1. Choosing Your Purchase Path buying a car in maine

Maine is unique because registration begins at your rather than a state-run DMV branch. Register A Passenger Vehicle | SOS - Maine.gov : Dealers typically handle the title application and

: You are responsible for obtaining a signed bill of sale and the vehicle's title (for models 1995 or newer, or 2001+ as of January 2026). You must pay the 5.5% sales tax directly when you register the vehicle at your town office or BMV. Whether purchasing through a dealer or a private

The paperwork and initial costs differ based on how you acquire the vehicle.

: If you buy a car in a state without sales tax (like New Hampshire), you must still pay Maine’s 5.5% use tax when you bring it home for registration. 2. The Two-Step Registration Process