Selling or buying a vehicle in Maine? A bill of sale is required for all private party transactions — and Maine requires vehicles to be registered before they can be operated on public roads.
This free template is formatted for Maine’s requirements and works alongside the Certificate of Title at your local municipal office or BMV branch.
Click Get This Template below to open it in Google Docs, then click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive.
For templates for all 50 states, visit the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Templates →
On this page:
- What Is a Maine Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
- Is a Bill of Sale Required in Maine?
- Maine-Specific Requirements
- Free Maine Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
- How to Fill Out the Template
- How to Transfer a Car Title in Maine
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Maine Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A Maine motor vehicle bill of sale is a written record of a private vehicle sale.
Maine requires a bill of sale signed by both buyer and seller for all private party vehicle transactions. It is submitted along with the assigned Certificate of Title and title application at the local municipal office or BMV branch.
Is a Bill of Sale Required in Maine?
Yes. Maine requires a bill of sale signed by both the seller and buyer for all private party vehicle purchases. It is submitted along with the Certificate of Title when the buyer applies for a new title and registration.
Maine requires titles on vehicles model year 1999 and newer. For vehicles older than 1999, additional documentation may be required — contact your local municipal office or BMV.
Maine-Specific Requirements
1. Register Before Operating
Maine requires vehicles to be registered before they are operated on public roads. Unlike most states that allow a grace period on a bill of sale, Maine buyers must register the vehicle at their local municipal office before driving it. There is no standard statewide grace period.
2. Where to Register
Vehicle registration in Maine is handled at the local municipal office (town or city office) in the buyer’s municipality of residence. If the municipal office does not process titles and registrations, they will direct you to the nearest BMV office. New residents have 30 days to register an out-of-state vehicle.
3. Title Fee
The standard Maine title transfer fee is $33. An expedited title service is available for an additional $10. Transferring a title to a surviving spouse is free.
4. Excise Tax
Maine charges an excise tax on vehicle registrations based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and the age of the vehicle — not the purchase price. Excise tax is paid at the municipal office at the time of registration.
5. License Plates
Maine license plates stay with the seller. Remove your plates before handing over the vehicle. The buyer receives new plates at the municipal office when they register.
6. Odometer Disclosure
Odometer disclosure is required and can be written on the back of the title or on a separate Odometer Information sheet (Form MVT-32). It is required for vehicles under 10 model years old (20 years for 2011 and newer models).
7. Notarization
Maine does not require notarization for a standard private party vehicle bill of sale. Notarization is optional but recommended for high-value sales.
Free Maine Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
This template opens in Google Docs. Click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive, fill it out digitally, or print and complete by hand.
How to Fill Out the Template
Enter the seller’s name exactly as it appears on the Certificate of Title. Enter the buyer’s name exactly as they want it on the new title.
In Section 3, copy the VIN character by character from the dashboard plate and the title. Complete the odometer disclosure — required for vehicles under 10 model years old.
Both parties sign Section 11. The seller also signs the assignment section on the back of the title.
For a complete field-by-field walkthrough of every section, see: How to Fill Out a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale →
How to Transfer a Car Title in Maine
For the Seller
Complete the title assignment section — signing over the title to the buyer. Remove your license plates before handing over the vehicle.
For the Buyer
Before operating the vehicle on public roads, visit your local municipal office with the assigned title, this bill of sale, Form MVT-2 (Application for Certificate of Title), odometer disclosure, proof of Maine insurance, valid Maine ID, and payment for the $33 title fee and excise tax.
Lost Title
Complete Form MVT-8 (Request to Re-Issue a Certificate of Title) and submit it to the BMV before proceeding with the sale. Contact the Maine BMV at maine.gov/sos/bmv.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Maine requires vehicles to be registered before they are operated on public roads. There is no standard statewide grace period. Register the vehicle at your local municipal office before driving it.
Yes. Maine requires a bill of sale signed by both buyer and seller for all private party vehicle transactions. It is submitted along with the assigned Certificate of Title when the buyer applies for a new title and registration.
At the local municipal office (town or city office) in the buyer’s municipality of residence. If the municipal office does not process titles and registrations, they will direct you to the nearest BMV office.
No. Maine does not require notarization for a standard private party vehicle bill of sale. Notarization is optional but recommended for high-value sales.
The standard Maine title transfer fee is $33. An expedited title service is available for an additional $10. Excise tax is also due at registration — calculated based on the vehicle’s MSRP and age, not the purchase price.
Yes. Maine does not require a specific state-issued bill of sale form. Any bill of sale signed by both the buyer and seller with the required information — vehicle description, VIN, purchase price, and date of sale — is acceptable.
This template and all information on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Contact your local municipal office or the Maine BMV at maine.gov/sos/bmv to confirm current requirements before completing your transaction.