Yes, in many cases, you can re-register a Maine-registered car online through the official Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website. This process, known as online renewal, is designed for standard situations where your vehicle information and your personal details remain unchanged. However, this convenience comes with specific eligibility requirements that you must meet to complete the transaction successfully.
Eligibility for Online Re-registration
The online system is primarily for renewals, not initial registrations. To be eligible, you typically need to have received a renewal notice from the Maine BMV. Your vehicle must pass its required safety and emissions inspections (if applicable) before you begin. Crucially, there should be no changes to your personal information, such as your address, or to the vehicle's title, like adding or removing a lienholder. Any outstanding fines or taxes with the state will also prevent you from completing the renewal online.
Required Information and Process
You will need your current vehicle registration certificate and the renewal notice, which contains a specific PIN number for secure access. The BMV's online portal will guide you through the steps, which involve verifying your details, paying the registration fees, and potentially paying any applicable local excise taxes. Major credit cards are commonly accepted. After payment, you will receive a confirmation and your new registration documents and sticker will be mailed to the address on file.
| Common Requirements for Online Re-registration in Maine | Details / Examples |
|---|
| Renewal Notice | Must have the PIN from the mailed notice. |
| Valid Insurance | Proof of continuous Maine-based insurance. |
| Passed Inspections | Up-to-date safety sticker; emissions test for certain counties. |
| No Data Changes | Same address, owner name, and title status. |
| Outstanding Obligations | No unpaid parking tickets, tolls, or property taxes. |
| Payment Method | Credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover). |
| Processing Time | New documents typically arrive by mail in 7-10 business days. |
If your situation does not meet these standard criteria—for instance, if you've recently moved or the vehicle was recently purchased—you will almost certainly need to handle the re-registration in person at a BMV branch.
