Maine License Plate Lookup
How To Lookup Maine License Plates
Maine license plate searches are an excellent way for parties to conduct due diligence on vehicles they want to purchase or want to know more about. The comprehensive report generated by the platform yields information concerning vehicle records and histories. Government databases and reputable third-party sites such as GoodCar maintain these files. There are two ways to check these records: license plate numbers and VINs.
License Plates
Maine license plate checks provide parties with complete reports on vehicles registered within the state. Free plate checks are possible, though they are only suitable for plate matching. You must pay a small amount to access a vehicle’s full report. The full report will provide vehicle specifications, odometer readings, accident histories, warranties, pricing, and more results. Navigate to the GoodCar home page and access the report using the License Plate search tab. You will need to input the license plate number and select the state of registration, which, in this case, would be Maine. Fortunately, these searches can be implemented from any location.
VIN
The VIN is a 17-character code the manufacturer assigns, unique to every vehicle. It shows where and when the vehicle was made, along with its specifications, such as engine size, styling, and production number. VINs are located on the driver-side door jamb, the engine’s firewall, and on the dashboard where it meets the windshield. VIN searches are implemented in the same way as license plate checks. The search tab for the VIN is adjacent to the license plate section.
However, you do not need to include the state of registration. VIN searches, though, are less convenient by comparison, considering the trouble associated with getting the VIN from the vehicle. Users are also more likely to input a VIN character improperly, given its greater length when compared to a plate number.
Why Run a License Plate Search in Maine?
Plate searches in Maine initiate accountability during transactions with private parties. The potential buyer can access information about specifications, previous damage, and classifications. The specifications show engine or transmission type, interior, or safety features. Buyers can use this information to determine if the vehicle is within their set preference parameters. Maine license plate checks also show accident history and collision records. Some unscrupulous sellers often try to mask prior damage during sales or alter odometer readings, leaving the new owner with liabilities.
Similarly, License plate checks provide information on titling for registration confirmation and insurance. Insurance firms may utilize the data with law enforcement records to confirm theft checks or other titling issues.
What Can You Get Out of a Maine License Plate Lookup?
License plate searches offer comprehensive data files on vehicles operating in Maine. This information is sourced from various public and private databases. The platform is also an accredited NMVTIS data provider.
Vehicle Records
Vehicle records concern manufacturer information, including vehicle specifications, NHTSA recalls, previous odometer readings, crash test ratings, and applicable warranties. Interested parties searching vehicle records can also access title information, which includes registration, odometer records, and mileage. Pricing is also available, detailing the market price, trade-in, and private-party options.
Title Brands and Problem Checks
Title brands provide information on previous issues, events, or significant vehicle classifications. Requesters may view if the vehicle has incurred fire, flood, or hail damage. You may also determine if the vehicle has been crashed, reconstructed, or rebuilt; previous police or taxi classifications are also available.
Why Choose GoodCar for Maine Plate Lookups?
Requesters can benefit from extensive vehicle records and reports as they obtain information from accredited data providers like the NMVTIS. GoodCar also illustrates theft checks, collision records, recalls, flood, hail, or fire damage, and pricing.
Maine License Plates
Maine started providing license plates to citizens in 1905. The design and shape of these plates have changed significantly over the years. Initial plates had completely red, yellow, or blue background font. The serials were yellow or blue. 1918 was the first time the state name was illustrated, though the completely green, yellow, or blue background fonts persisted until the 1930s. Over the 50s and 60s, Maine had dull grey plates with the state name on top and the moniker, ‘Vacationland,’ at the bottom. No significant changes were made until the 90s, when the background became white, and the state adopted blue serials. An image of a lobster is set in the middle behind the serials, and Vacationland is embossed at the bottom. Current Maine plates have serials in black over a white and nature-green gradient.
Standard Issue License Plates
The Chickadee Plate is the state’s standard plate. It has a natural background with black serials. Standard issue plates are obtained during registration of the vehicle within the state. They can also be issued when the vehicle owner surrenders their vanity plates. The cost for standard issue plates depends on the owner's designation. By rule of thumb, though, the fee for a regular passenger vehicle is $35.
Personalized License plates
Personalized plates are issued according to the vehicle owner's preference. That is, if they would like to provide particular writings. The text must be pre-approved by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Requesters may use the website to search and order vanity plates. The process is easy, and payments are made via credit card. It takes 30 calendar days to process the plates. The personalized plates service is only available to registrants with a current vehicle registration. It costs $25 to order a personalized plate in Maine. This is aside from registration fees.
Specialty License Plates
Specialty plates are issued to individuals who want to identify with specific causes or agendas. Maine issues specialty plates for breast cancer, agriculture, educational institutions, sports, and the military. Specialty plates follow the same regulations as with personalized options. Parties are required to have current registrations before applying for one. It also costs $20 to order the plate. A portion of the plate fee goes to the organizations behind the cause. To obtain a specialty plate, requesters must visit the Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch office or mail a copy of their registration.
How to Get a
License Plate in Maine
To obtain a license plate in Maine, applicants must first pay excise tax at their town office. This municipal tax varies according to the vehicle's value and age. It may range from $4 to $24 for every 1,000. Requesters must also provide a signed bill of sale, evidence of insurance, a copy of registration applications, and excise tax receipts. These are submitted at the town branch office. Registrants must also pay the application fee of $3 5.5% Maine sales tax on the vehicle purchase and the registration fees according to the type of plates preferred.
ME License Plate Renewal
Registration of plates is done after every year. Vehicles are registered annually and expire one year from the month they were issued. Typically, vehicle owners are not sent a notice reminder for registration renewal. It is up to the owner to remember the renewal at the appropriate time. It is possible to renew registration in person, but some areas provide a Rapid Renewal alternative. If your town does not participate, you must head to the town office and follow the prescribed steps.
The first step is to pay excise tax at the town office. Provide proof of insurance, white and yellow copies of the registration application, and tax receipts. The renewal cost depends on the vehicle's retail price, year of manufacture, and plate type. For example, a vehicle valued at $35,000 with a 2019 or older model year will require $178 to renew a standard plate. To renew a vanity plate, the same vehicle would require $203.
ME License Plate Replacement
License plates must be replaced if lost, damaged, or defaced. Similarly, if the plate begins to fade or is no longer reflective and can be viewed from a distance, you must replace the plate. To replace the plate, visit your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch. Provide the current registration and appropriate documentation.
The application for another license plate can typically be completed at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. License Plate costs are $5 for the plates only. If you require the plates and validation stickers, it will be $5.50.
Maine residents will also be required to replace their plates by May 2026 because the state has declared the phasing out of the standard ‘Chickadee’ plates. The new plates will have a dark green pine tree design accompanied by the North Star. Replacement processes are set to start by May 2025 to update 900,000 Maine passenger vehicles to the new design by the 2026 deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Maine License Plate Lookups
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Can I Lookup ME License Plates for Free?
GoodCar vehicle lookup services allow interested parties to conduct a license plate search for free to view basic vehicle features. To obtain full access to a vehicle’s report, a person will pay a small fee of $2.95.
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Can I Use Maine License Plate Lookup Services to Find Out About a Vehicle’s Accident History?
Yes. The GoodCar license plate lookup provides a comprehensive vehicle history, including prior accidents, car issues, recalls, or salvage status. It also includes information on whether the vehicle was reconstructed, rebuilt, or previously a police car, taxi, or other specialized vehicle. It can also be used to check the status of vehicle warranties.
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How Can I Register a Vanity License Plate in Maine?
Applicants of vanity license plates in Maine can complete the application in person or online. Please fill out the MV-45A form and attach a copy of your current registration. There is also a $25 annual fee. Plate orders can be subject to final approval before being placed. Delivery takes four to six weeks.