Maine BMV Fees
Maine BMV fees vary by transaction type, applicant age, and vehicle category. This guide breaks down the most common fees you will encounter. Confirm exact amounts with the BMV before your visit, since fees can change.
Transaction Type
Fee Amount
Driver License (Under 65)
$30 Standard / $55 REAL ID
Driver License (65+)
$20 Standard / $40 REAL ID
License Renewal
$30
State ID Card
$5
Duplicate/Replacement ID or License
$5
Vehicle Registration (Passenger)
$35
Title Application
$33
Vanity Plates (Annual)
$25
Specialty Plates (1st Year)
$20
Driving Record Request
$7
Driver License Fees
As shown in the summary table above, license costs depend on age and document type. Applicants under 65 pay $30 for a standard Class C license or $55 for REAL ID. Those 65 and older pay $20 for standard or $40 for REAL ID. These licenses remain valid for six or four years respectively.
License Renewal Fees
Renewal costs $30 regardless of whether you choose standard or REAL ID. This fee applies whether you renew online or in person. Online renewal requires a digital license and no major information changes. In-person renewal is required if you need a new photo or information update.
Learner Permit Fees
A learner's permit carries its own separate application fee. This fee is typically lower than a full license fee. Confirm the current permit fee before your BMV visit. Driver education costs are separate from this permit fee.
Provisional License Fees
Drivers under 21 pay a provisional license fee during their graduated licensing stage. This fee is generally around $30. Confirm the exact current amount with the BMV. This fee applies before you qualify for a full license.
State ID Card Fees
A standard Maine state ID card costs $5 for both new applications and replacements. Refer to the Fees Recap table for a comparison between standard and REAL ID-compliant options, which may carry different fee structures. Confirm your final cost based on the specific card type you select.
Duplicate and Replacement Fees
Replacing a lost or damaged license or ID card costs $5, as noted in the summary table. This base fee applies across all application methods. Keep in mind that additional charges for expedited processing may apply depending on your specific request needs.
Commercial License Fees
Commercial driver license fees differ from standard Class C license fees. Class A and B applicants typically pay higher fees due to added testing. Medical certification and endorsement fees may also apply. Contact the BMV for current commercial license fee details.
Vehicle Registration Fees
The standard registration fee for passenger vehicles up to 6,000 pounds is $35 (see summary table). Heavier vehicles like trucks and motor homes follow separate weight-based schedules. Note that municipal plates for qualifying government vehicles are issued without a state fee.
Title Application Fees
A title application fee of $33 applies to vehicles 25 years old and newer. This fee is separate from your standard registration cost. Older vehicles may not require this title fee. Confirm your vehicle's specific requirement with your town office.
Disability Plate and Placard Fees
Disability plates and placards typically carry no additional state fee. A physician's signature is required instead of a payment for eligibility. Standard registration fees still apply to the underlying vehicle. Confirm current details with your local BMV branch.
Vanity and Specialty Plate Fees
Vanity and specialty plates require additional payments as outlined in the Fees Recap. Vanity plates carry a $25 annual fee, while specialty plates generally cost $20 for the first year and $15 for subsequent renewals. Fees are additive if you choose to personalize a specialty plate.
Sportsman Plate Fees
Sportsman vanity plates carry an additional $20 annual charge. This is added on top of the standard $25 vanity fee. Confirm your total cost before submitting a Sportsman plate application. This fee structure differs slightly from other specialty categories.
International Registration Plan Fees
Commercial vehicles traveling across state lines may need IRP registration. Fees are prorated based on the distance traveled in each jurisdiction. Contact the BMV commercial section for IRP-specific fee calculations. This fee structure differs from standard passenger vehicle registration.
Excise Tax
Maine requires an annual municipal excise tax before registration. This tax is based on your vehicle's manufacturer suggested retail price. The minimum excise tax is $5 for any motor vehicle. Rates decrease each year as your vehicle ages.
Late Fees and Penalties
Late vehicle registration can result in fines beyond the standard fee. Driving with expired registration also risks a traffic citation. Renewing promptly after your expiration date limits your total penalty exposure. Contact your town office if you have questions about a specific late fee.
License Suspension Reinstatement Fees
Reinstatement fees vary depending on the reason for your suspension. A base reinstatement fee of $50 applies to many standard suspensions. OUI-related suspensions typically involve higher fees and additional program requirements. Check your suspension notice for your specific reinstatement amount.
Driving Record Request Fees
A copy of your Maine driving record costs $7 online. Payment is made by credit card at the time of your request. Faxed copies of certain records may carry an additional $2 fee. Processing for online record requests is typically fast.
Fees Waived for Certain Groups
Some government-owned vehicles qualify for a fee-free municipal plate. Certain veteran and military plates may carry reduced fees. Check specific eligibility rules before assuming a waiver applies. Contact the BMV to confirm any fee reduction you may qualify for.
Fees for New Residents
New residents pay standard registration and title fees when transferring a vehicle. A use tax exemption form may reduce or eliminate Maine's sales tax. Bring your out-of-state registration to help calculate applicable fees. Contact a BMV branch for guidance specific to your situation.
Ways to Pay BMV Fees
Checks and money orders should be made payable to the Secretary of State. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express are accepted at most locations. Online transactions require a valid credit card. Confirm accepted payment methods at your specific branch beforehand.
Plan for Your Maine BMV Fees Today
Budget for both state fees and your local municipal excise tax. Confirm your exact registration or license cost before your visit. Fees can change, so check the BMV website for current rates. Contact your local BMV branch or town office with specific fee questions.