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    • Maine License Plate Types

    Maine offers several categories of license plates for different vehicles and purposes. This guide breaks down each type, its fees, and its specific rules.

    Standard-Issue Plates

    Standard plates are the default option for most registered vehicles. They carry a randomly assigned combination of letters and numbers. The base fee for a passenger vehicle is $35 (view our Maine BMV fees guide). This applies to vehicles weighing up to 6,000 pounds.

    Vanity Plates

    Vanity plates let you choose your own combination of letters and numbers. Maine allows up to 7 characters, with the first character always a letter. Vanity plates cost an additional $25 each year. Apply online or in person once you have a current registration.

    Specialty Plates

    Maine currently offers nine types of specialty plates. These support causes, organizations, and interests across the state. Specialty plate fees are added to your standard registration cost. Some specialty designs also allow personalization for an extra fee.

    Popular Specialty Plate Categories

    Options include Agriculture, Barbara Bush Children's Hospital, and Black Bear designs. Breast Cancer, Conservation, and Lobster plates are also available. Maine Lighthouse Trust, Support Animal Welfare, and University of Maine round out common choices. A We Support Our Troops plate is available for military supporters.

    Specialty Plate Fees

    Most specialty plates cost an additional $20 for the first year. Renewal typically costs $15 annually after the first year. Add the $25 vanity fee if you personalize your specialty plate. Sportsman plates carry a separate $20 annual charge plus the vanity fee if personalized.

    Weight-Based Vehicle Categories

    Trucks and motor homes use weight-based fee schedules instead of a flat rate. Fees increase as your vehicle's registered weight increases. Farm trucks often qualify for reduced weight-based rates. Confirm your vehicle's weight class with your town office or a BMV branch.

    Antique and Classic Vehicle Plates

    Older vehicles may qualify for a separate antique vehicle plate category. These plates often carry reduced fees compared to standard registration. Eligibility typically depends on the vehicle's age and intended use. Contact the BMV to confirm current antique plate requirements.

    Combination Plates

    Combination plates apply to vehicles under contract with a school, district, or municipality. This covers vehicles used specifically for student transportation. This requirement does not apply to parents or guardians driving their own vehicle. Contact the BMV for combination plate eligibility details.

    Motorcycle Plates

    Motorcycles use a smaller plate format than standard passenger vehicles. Standard, vanity, and some specialty designs are available for motorcycles. Registration fees for motorcycles typically differ from passenger car fees. Confirm your motorcycle's specific plate requirements with the BMV.

    Motor Home Plates

    Motor homes register under their own weight-based fee category. Owners can choose standard or specialty designs for a motor home. Personalized motor home plates follow the same character rules as passenger vehicles. Confirm your motor home's weight class before completing registration.

    Commercial and Apportioned Plates

    Commercial vehicles typically register using standard commercial plate categories. Trucking companies operating across state lines often need apportioned plates. These are issued through the International Registration Plan, known as IRP. Maine fully participates in this multi-state program.

    When You Need IRP Registration

    Vehicles traveling to another IRP jurisdiction need IRP registration in Maine. This applies to trucking companies exceeding certain weight thresholds. Contact the BMV commercial registration section for IRP-specific guidance. This registration works alongside your standard Maine plate.

    Temporary Tags

    Temporary tags let you drive legally while your permanent plate is processed. This applies to both vanity and specialty plate applications. The BMV issues these tags at the time of your application. Return any required materials once your permanent plate arrives.

    Disability Plates

    Disability plates require a physician's signature confirming eligibility. Submit the Application for Disability Plates and Placard form to apply (find forms on our driver forms page). These plates allow certain parking privileges under state law. Contact the BMV for the current disability plate application.

    Municipal and Government Plates

    Municipal plates are issued to certain government-owned vehicles at no cost. These plates follow separate assignment rules within each municipality. Personal vehicles cannot legally resemble an official municipal plate. Contact your municipality for questions about government vehicle plates.

    Trailer and Semi-Trailer Plates

    Trailers and semi-trailers register under their own plate category. Vanity plates are available for most trailers, except long-term trailers. Camper trailers also qualify for vanity plates under the same rule. Confirm your trailer's specific classification before applying.

    Front and Rear Plate Requirements

    Maine requires both front and rear plates on most vehicles. Motorcycles and trailers are the exception, needing only a rear plate. Mount both plates securely so they stay clearly visible. Keep plates free of any covering that blocks their characters.

    Where Each Plate Type Is Issued

    Most plate types are available through your local town office. If your town does not process registrations, visit a BMV branch instead. Vanity and some specialty applications may require an in-person BMV visit. Contact your town office to confirm which plate types they handle.

    Choosing the Right Plate Type

    Most drivers start with a standard plate at the time of registration. Upgrade to a vanity or specialty plate at any renewal if desired. Confirm your vehicle type qualifies for the category you want. Contact your town office or a BMV branch with eligibility questions.

    Switching Between Plate Types

    You do not need to wait for a new vehicle to change plate types. Visit your town office or a BMV branch during renewal to switch. A new plate typically carries its own issuance fee. Your registration month and base fees otherwise stay the same after switching.

    Find the Maine Plate That Fits Your Vehicle

    Maine's plate categories cover passenger cars, trucks, trailers, and commercial vehicles. Choose a standard plate for simplicity or a specialty plate to support a cause. Vanity plates let you add a personal touch for an extra fee. Contact your local BMV branch to explore your options.

    Maine BMV Fee Structures

    Driver License: Standard Class C (Under 65) - $30
    Driver License: REAL ID (Under 65) - $55
    Driver License: Standard Class C (65+) - $20
    Driver License: REAL ID (65+) - $40
    License Renewal: Standard or REAL ID - $30
    State ID: Standard Card - $5
    Replacement: License or ID Card - $5
    Vehicle Registration: Passenger vehicle (up to 6,000 lbs) - $35
    Title Application: Vehicles 25 years old or newer - $33
    Vanity Plate: Annual fee - $25
    Specialty Plate: First year - $20
    Specialty Plate: Annual renewal - $15
    Note: Specialty plate fees are added to your standard registration cost. If you personalize a specialty plate, you must also add the annual $25 vanity fee.