Types of Titles Issued
Antique Auto: Is defined in 29-A MRSA, Section 101, subsection 3, as "Any automobile or truck
manufactured in or after model year 1916, which is over 25 years old, which is equipped with
an engine manufactured either at the same time as the vehicle or to the specifications of the
original engine of the vehicle, which is maintained primarily for use in exhibitions, club
activities, parades or other functions of public interest and not used as its owner's primary
mode of transportation of passengers or goods".
Classic Vehicles: Is defined in 29-A MRSA, Section 101, subsection 15, as "A motor vehicle that
is at least 16 years old but less than 26 years old that the Secretary of State determines is of
significance to vehicle collectors because of its make, model and condition and is valued at
more than $5,000".
Horseless Carriage: Is defined in 29-A MRSA, SEction 101, subsection 28, as "Any motor vehicle
made before model year 1916, which is equipped with an engine manufactured either at the
same time as the vehicle or to the specifications of the original engine of the vehicle, which is
maintained primarily for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades and other functions of public
interest, and not used as it's owner's primary mode of transportation of passengers or goods".
Salvage Titles The Secretary of State may issue a certificate of salvage upon surrender of a
certificate of title and evidence that a vehicle was declared a total loss by an owner or an
insurance company.
Rebuilt Titles Means to replace any component part of a vehicle that is declared salvaged. A
rebuilt salvage title is issued when two or more vehicles with different frames are joined or a
salvage vehicle has five or more component parts replaced.
Warranty Titles Antique auto, horseless carriage, classic vehicle. The Secretary of State may, on
documented and notarized evidence of ownership and payment of a $40 fee, issue a warranty
title to a Maine resident owner of an antique auto, horseless carriage or classic vehicle. A
warranty title denotes that there are no known liens or encumbrances against the vehicle.
For additional information on motor vehicle titles, please contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Title Examination and Information Unit at (207) 624-9000, extension 52138 or by email at
titles.bmv@maine.gov
How to Register an Antique Auto or Antique Motorcycle:
1. Pay excise tax at your town office. Excise tax is a municipal tax. Please contact your local
municipal office for additional information.
2. Documents needed for a private sale:
o Signed bill-of-sale;
o Pay sales tax (5.5% of the purchase price);
o Evidence of insurance (ID card, policy or binder);
o White & yellow copy of registration application and excise tax receipt (from town
office);
o Antique Auto Affidavit (MV-65) - also available at BMV branch office;
o If your antique auto/antique motorcycle was purchased from a Maine Dealer,
proof of sales tax paid (purchase agreement, etc.).
3. After payment of excise tax at your municipality, if your municipality does not
participate in BMV's registration program, you will need to visit a BMV branch office
with the documents listed above. Please contact your local municipal office to find out if
they participate in our registration program.
4. Pay the $30.00 antique auto registration fee.
5. Vanity plates are available at any BMV branch office for an additional annual fee of
$25.00. You may check the availability of a vanity plate online.
How to Renew and Antique Auto or Antique Motorcycle Registration:
1. Pay excise tax at your town office. Excise tax is a municipal tax. Please contact your local
municipal office for additional information.
2. Documents needed for a private sale:
o Signed bill-of-sale;
o Pay sales tax (5.5% of the purchase price);
o Evidence of insurance (ID card, policy or binder);
o White & yellow copy of registration application and excise tax receipt (from town
office);
o Antique Auto Affidavit (MV-65) - also available at BMV branch office;
o If your antique auto/antique motorcycle was purchased from a Maine Dealer,
proof of sales tax paid (purchase agreement, etc.).
3. After payment of excise tax at your municipality, if your municipality does not
participate in BMV's registration program, you will need to visit a BMV branch office
with the documents listed above. Please contact your local municipal office to find out if
they participate in our registration program.
4. Pay the $30.00 antique auto registration fee.
5. Vanity plates are available at any BMV branch office for an additional annual fee of
$25.00. You may check the availability of a vanity plate online.
You may contact the BMV Registration Section with questions or comments at: (207) 624-9000
ext. 52149 or by Email: registrations@maine.gov