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Selling a vehicle in the Pine Tree State can be a straightforward process if you follow the latest regulations set by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Whether you are navigating the streets of Augusta, Maine, or trading in a rural area, staying compliant with 2026 state laws ensures a smooth transition and protects you from future liability.
This guide provides an authoritative walkthrough of the selling process, incorporating recent updates to title laws and tax requirements.
What You’ll Learn
In this guide, we will answer some important questions:
What documents are required to sell a car in Maine in 2026 legally?
How do Maine title, tax, and odometer rules affect private sellers?
What final steps protect sellers from future fines or legal issues?
Overview
Step 1: Verify and Prepare Your Title
The most critical document in any vehicle transaction is the certificate of title. In Maine, the title acts as the legal proof of ownership.
The 2026 Title Rule
As of January 1, 2026, Maine uses a rolling 25-year title requirement. Vehicles with a model year of 2001 or newer must have a valid Maine certificate of title to be legally sold or registered.
This change is part of a 2024 transition to simplify state law. Previously, Maine used a fixed cutoff of 1995 or newer. The requirement now advances by one model year each January. If you are selling a vehicle from the early 2000s, it is important to check the current threshold. A car that was exempt last year may now require a title for a legal transfer.
Selling a Car Without a Title
If you find yourself selling a car without a title because the original was lost or damaged, you must apply for a replacement before the sale can proceed.
Form MVT-8: Use the Application for Replacement Certificate of Title to request a duplicate.
Cost: The fee is currently $33, with an optional $10 rush fee if you need the document in 10 to 12 days.
Address: You can mail your application to the Title Examination & Information Unit at 29 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0029.
Step 2: Accurate Odometer Disclosure
Transparency regarding a vehicle's mileage is not only a good practice, but it is also the law. Federal and Maine state laws require a formal disclosure of odometer information at the time of transfer.
Sellers must complete the odometer section on the back of the title. If the title is full or does not have an odometer section, you must use Form MVT-32. You must certify whether the reading reflects:
The actual mileage.
Mileage in excess of mechanical limits (if the odometer has "rolled over").
A discrepancy where the reading is not the actual mileage.
Warning: Maine law (Title 29-A §752) classifies the knowing violation of odometer disclosure as a traffic infraction. Furthermore, failing to attach a notice to the doorframe after an odometer repair is a Class D crime.
Step 3: Drafting the Maine Vehicle Bill of Sale
A Maine vehicle bill of sale is a required document for all private sales. It serves as a legal receipt and is necessary for the buyer to register the vehicle. While you can draft your own, using the official Maine bill of sale template provided by the Secretary of State is recommended to ensure no details are missed.
Your bill of sale must include:
Full names and addresses of both the buyer and seller.
The vehicle's Year, Make, Model, and Body Type.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
The final purchase price and date of the sale.
Signatures from both parties.
Step 4: Handling Liens and Taxes
Before you hand over the keys, ensure all financial obligations are cleared.
Electronic Liens
If you have an electronic lien on your vehicle, the BMV holds your title digitally until the loan is paid off. Once the lienholder releases their interest, they will notify the state, and a paper title will be mailed to you. You cannot legally transfer ownership until the lien is cleared and the title is in your possession.
Motor Vehicle Sales Tax and Use Tax
While the buyer is responsible for paying the motor vehicle sales tax (currently 5.5%) at the time of registration, the seller may need to provide a Maine use tax certificate if the vehicle was a gift or a specialized transfer. This form helps the state determine if any tax is owed based on the vehicle's fair market value versus the sale price.
Step 5: Finalizing the Sale and Protecting Yourself
Once the paperwork is signed and the payment is received, there are two final steps to protect yourself from liability:
License Plate Removal: In Maine, license plates stay with the seller, not the vehicle. Always remove your plates before the buyer drives away. This ensures you are not held responsible for any tolls, parking tickets, or accidents the new owner might incur.
NMVTIS Verification: Advise the buyer to check the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) to verify the vehicle's history. While not mandatory for private sellers, it builds trust and ensures transparency regarding "salvage" or "junk" statuses.
Final Thoughts: Sell Smart and Move On With Confidence
A successful sale is about more than handing over the keys. When you follow the correct steps and document everything properly, you protect yourself long after the transaction ends. Clear rules lead to clean transfers, fewer disputes, and peace of mind.
Need to Move the Car After the Sale?
Once the paperwork is complete, the final step is getting the vehicle to its destination. AmeriFreight Auto Transport makes car shipping simple, safe, and stress-free.
We carefully vet carriers for licensing and insurance. Your shipment is matched with approved carriers that meet these standards. Whether the buyer is in Maine or across the country, you get support from start to finish.
Get your free, no obligation quote now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Maine require a 'Notice of Sale' form to protect me from liability?
Maine does not have a specific "Notice of Sale" or "Release of Liability" form for private individuals. Your primary protections are a properly executed Maine bill of sale and the removal of your license plates. Keeping a dated copy of the signed title and bill of sale is your best evidence if disputes arise later.
What are the penalty fees for incorrect odometer disclosure?
Knowingly providing false odometer information is a violation of Title 29-A §752 and can lead to civil penalties and, if repairs were not properly disclosed, potential criminal charges (Class D).
Does Maine require a private seller to provide a vehicle history report?
No. While the Used Car Information Act requires dealers to provide certain disclosures, private sellers are not legally mandated to provide a CarFax or AutoCheck report. However, providing one can help you sell the car faster.
Am I required to disclose minor accident damage?
Statutorily, private sellers have fewer disclosure requirements than dealers. However, under Maine's consumer protection principles, you should not make fraudulent claims. If a buyer asks about damage, you must be truthful to avoid a "fraudulent misrepresentation" lawsuit in small claims court.
Disclaimer
This guide is for general informational purposes only. Laws and fees can change, and individual situations may vary. Always confirm current requirements with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles or a qualified legal professional before completing a vehicle sale.
