Free Maine License Plate Search

What is a Maine license plate lookup and what are the benefits?

A Maine license plate lookup enables anyone to access information related to a vehicle’s history. By simply entering the license plate number, you can obtain details such as the vehicle’s model, make, year, and owner information. It can be a helpful tool if you are interested in buying a used car, as you can verify its ownership and whether there are any outstanding liens or violations associated with it.

In case of an accident, license plate lookup becomes even more crucial as it can help you identify the driver who may have caused the accident, and you can notify the authorities as soon as possible. In short, Maine license plate lookup is an essential tool that provides abundant information and benefits to individuals in various scenarios.

VinCheckPro’s free Maine license plate search offers users access to a range of important information about any vehicle registered in the state. Some of the key information that you can obtain through this vehicle search tool includes:

• NMVTIS vehicle history report
• Vehicle specifications
• Accident records
• Manufacturer recalls 
• Junk & Salvage records
• Lien records
• Odometer Readings 
• Total Loss History 
• Sale history, estimated ownership costs, and market value
• 60+ Problem Checks – signs of odometer rollback, theft and others
• Taxi, Lease, Police Use – past occupation or line of business
• Safety Report – safety reviews by auto experts and consumers

This information can provide buyers with an accurate understanding of the condition of the car before they make a purchase.

What is a Maine license plate?

How many vehicles are registered in Maine?

Over 356,000 automobiles were registered in 2020 in the state of Maine where a population of 1.34 million reside.

Where can I register my vehicle and apply for a license plate in Maine?

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) under the Department of the Secretary of State issues license plates in the state.

How many license plates are required in Maine?

Front and rear plates are required for most classes of vehicles, while only rear plates are required for motorcycles and trailers.

What are the features of the Maine license plate?

The Maine BMV issues license plates with an embossed black serial on reflective white plate with border line. You will find black-capped chickadee on pine cone and tassel screened at left and green pine forest silhouette screened at the bottom. Centered at the top, the name “MAINE” is screened in black. The slogan “Vacationland” is screened in black in the center of pine forest silhouette. The serial format is 1234 AB. Serials issued are from 1 GA to 1077 ZB (as of February 14, 2022), excluding the letter O.

How do I transfer a Maine license plate legally from one vehicle to another?

If you register a new vehicle in the same year you revoke the old registration, you are allowed to transfer your license plates to your new vehicle.

How do I get a license plate in Maine?

Getting a license plate in Maine is a fairly simple process. However, before heading to the Maine BMV, make sure you have all the necessary documents. You’ll need the vehicle registration, title, and proof of insurance. If you purchased a car out of state, you’ll also need a VIN inspection from a law enforcement officer.

Once you have all the required documents, you can visit a BMV branch office, or you can go online to complete the process. If you opt for the online option, visit the BMV website, complete the registration form, and submit all the necessary documents via the website. If you choose to visit the BMV in person, you’ll need to bring your paperwork and pay a fee.

The cost of registering your vehicle and getting a license plate varies depending on the type of vehicle you own. After you’ve paid the fee, BMV staff will give you a temporary plate while your personalized license plates are being made. Once they’re ready, you’ll need to go back to the BMV to pick them up.

Can I transfer my Maine license plate to another vehicle?

Yes, you can transfer your Maine license plate to another vehicle as long as you are the registered owner of both the original and the new vehicles. To do so, you will need to complete a license plate replacement transaction with the Maine BMV. You can complete this transaction in person at a BMV branch office or online through the BMV website. 

When applying for a license plate transfer, you will need to provide proof of ownership for both vehicles and pay the required fees. If you have a personalized license plate, you will need to surrender it and request a new one for the new vehicle. If you are transferring your license plates to a vehicle that is registered in a different state, you will not be able to keep your Maine plates and will need to apply for new plates in that state.

How can I find the owner of a license plate in Maine?

In Maine, like in many other states, accessing personal information about the owner of a license plate is restricted and protected by privacy laws. Generally, members of the public cannot obtain this information for non-official purposes. However, there are specific situations where you might be able to access limited vehicle owner information, such as in cases of accidents, crime investigations, or for legitimate business reasons.

Here are some steps you can take to access license plate owner information in Maine for legitimate purposes:

1. Accidents or Traffic Incidents: If you were involved in a traffic accident, you may be able to obtain information about the other party involved through the police report filed for the accident. Contact the local law enforcement agency that handled the accident for more information.
2. Law Enforcement: Law enforcement agencies have access to motor vehicle records for investigative purposes. If you are involved in a legitimate law enforcement matter, you can contact the appropriate agency for assistance.
3. Private Investigator: Licensed private investigators may be able to access certain information for legitimate investigative purposes. If you have a valid reason to seek this information, you can consider hiring a licensed private investigator.
4. Insurance Claims: If you need information related to an insurance claim, your insurance company may have access to vehicle owner information. You can contact your insurance provider for assistance.
5. Business Purposes: Some businesses that have a legitimate need for vehicle owner information, such as towing companies, repossession agencies, or auto dealerships, may be able to access limited information for business-related reasons. They must comply with state and federal privacy laws.

It’s important to note that accessing personal information about someone without a legitimate reason or authorization is illegal and a violation of privacy laws. Always ensure that you have a valid and lawful reason to seek this information and follow the appropriate legal procedures.

For most individuals, accessing license plate owner information for personal reasons, such as curiosity or non-legal matters, is not allowed in Maine and many other states due to privacy protections.

Can you look up vehicle records and history by VIN in Maine?

Yes, you can typically look up vehicle records and history by VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in Maine. To do so, you can use online vehicle history report services or access the information through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Here are the steps to check a vehicle’s history by VIN in Maine:

1. Online Vehicle History Report Services: There are various online services that provide comprehensive vehicle history reports based on the VIN. Some well-known providers include Carfax, AutoCheck, VinAudit, and VinCheckPro. You can visit their websites and enter the VIN to get a detailed report that includes information on accidents, title history, recalls, and more. Some of these services may charge a fee, while others offer free basic reports.
2. Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV): You can also contact the Maine BMV to obtain certain vehicle information. While they may not provide a detailed history report, they can offer information related to the title, registration, and ownership status of a vehicle. You can visit a local BMV office or their website for more information on the services they provide.
3. Third-Party Online Providers: In addition to the major vehicle history report companies mentioned earlier, there are other online platforms and services that offer VIN-based vehicle history reports. You can search for these services and choose one that suits your needs and budget.

When using online services, it’s important to ensure that the service you select provides accurate and up-to-date information. Be cautious of free services that may not offer comprehensive data. Additionally, consider obtaining a vehicle history report if you’re purchasing a used car to make an informed decision about its condition and history.

Always verify the accuracy of the information and cross-check it with other available resources when needed, especially if you have concerns about a vehicle’s history.