What Is a Temporary License Plate in Maine?
The state of Maine issues several short-term vehicle permits that allow driving on public roads until permanent registration. The Secretary of State manages all classes through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Licensed dealers attach a temporary registration plate at the time of sale. The BMV Registration Division and authorized municipal agents issue temporary registration permits (transit plates) for one-time vehicle transports. Law enforcement officers may provide a separate permit for towing unregistered vehicles.
Dealer-issued plates are paper tags affixed to the rear of the vehicle, with the expiration date marked in indelible ink. Transit plates are paper permits carried inside the vehicle during transport.
What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Maine?
| Class | Official Name | Trigger | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dealer Sale | Temporary Registration Plate | Sale or trade of a vehicle | Licensed Dealer |
| Vehicle Transit | Temporary Registration Permit (Transit Plate) | One-time movement of an unregistered vehicle | BMV or Municipal Agent |
| Towing Unregistered | Temporary Towing Permit | Towing an unregistered vehicle | Law Enforcement or Designated BMV |
| Military Return | Temporary Registration Permit for Armed Forces | Return from overseas deployment | Secretary of State |
A dealer-issued temporary registration plate may be extended for 20 days at no cost if the buyer cannot yet meet permanent registration requirements. Transit plates and towing permits are not extendable. Only one transit plate may be issued per vehicle; a second permit is allowed only for a return trip.
When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Maine?
- A licensed Maine dealer must attach a temporary registration plate to any car or trailer sold or traded, according to Section 29-A, §954-A.
- An out-of-state buyer purchasing a vehicle in Maine may obtain a temporary registration permit (transit plate) from the BMV to drive the vehicle home.
- A dealer moving unregistered inventory between locations or to an auction may use dealer plates or request a transit plate from the BMV Registration Division.
- A returning armed forces member without current registration may apply for a 30-day permit under Section 29-A, §462-A.
- A vehicle that has failed inspection or needs to reach an inspection station may obtain a movement permit from the BMV, State Police, or local police.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Maine?
- Gather your bill of sale or title, proof of insurance, and valid ID.
- Choose the line: a dealer-seller processes the temporary registration plate at the time of sale; the BMV Registration Division or an authorized municipal agent processes transit plates.
- Submit your request in person at a BMV branch or the appropriate town office; the BMV also accepts phone inquiries at (207) 624-9000 ext. 52149.
- Pay the applicable fee described in the next section.
- Receive the paper plate or permit at the counter; dealers mark the expiration date in indelible ink on the rear tag.
Dealers order stock plates from the Secretary of State using Form MVD-408.
How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Maine?
| Class | Fee | Automation / Additional Costs | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Registration Plate | $2 per plate | $1 funds the electronic plate program | Buyer via Dealer |
| Transit Plate (One Way) | $12 | None | Vehicle Owner |
| Transit Plate (Round Trip) | $25 | None | Vehicle Owner |
| Temporary Towing Permit | No statutory fee | None | Vehicle Owner |
| Military Permit | No statutory fee | None | Service Member |
Authorized municipal agents who can issue transit plates may charge up to $1 in addition to the required permit fee according to Section 29-A, §201.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Maine?
No. The state of Maine does not offer online processing for any temporary plate or transit permit.
The BMV manages Rapid Renewal for registration renewals, but this portal excludes new registrations and temporary permits. Transit plates require an in-person visit to a BMV branch or an authorized municipal office in your town.
The Secretary of State may adopt an electronic temporary registration plate program under §954-A(1-A), but dealer participation is optional. A consumer self-service portal does not exist.
For vehicle purchases, the dealer line at the seller remains the only immediate path to obtaining a temporary registration plate.
How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Maine?
| Class | Duration | Geographic Restriction | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Registration Plate | 30 consecutive days | None | 20 days, free |
| Transit Plate (One Way) | Up to 10 days | Route only as permitted | None |
| Transit Plate (Round Trip) | Up to 10 days | Route only as permitted | None |
| Temporary Towing Permit | 3 days | Not specified | None |
| Military Permit | 30 days | None | None |
Operating after the expiration of a dealer-issued plate is a traffic violation under Section 29-A, §351(5), with fines up to $50 if expired less than 150 days. Expiration over 150 days elevates the offense to a Class E crime. Deviating from the transit plate route incurs fines ranging from $25 to $200.