If you just bought a car in a private sale or need to move an unregistered vehicle, you cannot simply slap a “Lost Plate” sign on the back and hope for the best. You need a Transit Plate.
The Truth About “Online” Plates: Unlike some states, Maine does not allow private individuals to purchase and print temporary plates online. The “Online Temporary Plate System” you may read about is strictly for licensed car dealers, not the general public. If you bought from a private seller, you must visit a BMV branch.
Type 1: Maine Transit Plates for Private Vehicle Sales and Unregistered Vehicles
If you bought a car from a neighbor, Craigslist, or are moving an unregistered car from storage, this is the plate you need. It is strictly for moving a vehicle from Point A to Point B.
- Validity: 10 Days.
- Where to Get It: You must visit a Maine BMV Branch in person. (Some municipal town offices may issue them, but it is rare; the BMV is the safest bet).
Maine Transit Plate Fees and Validity Periods
| Permit Type | Cost | Usage |
| One-Way Permit | $12.00 | Move vehicle from Seller to Home (or Repair Shop). |
| Round-Trip Permit | $25.00 | Move vehicle A to B, and back to A (e.g., for inspection). |
What Documents You Must Bring to a Maine BMV Branch to Get a Transit Plate
- Bill of Sale: Must show the VIN, Make, Model, and Price.
- Proof of Insurance: You must have an active policy on the vehicle.
- Proof of Ownership: The old Title signed over to you.
- Fee: Cash, Check, or Credit Card.
Type 2: Maine Dealer Temporary Plates Issued by Licensed Dealerships
If you buy from a licensed Maine dealer, you do not need to go to the BMV.
- Validity: 30 Days.
- Process: The dealer prints the temporary plate using the state’s online wizard and attaches it to your car before you drive off the lot.
- Cost: Usually included in the “Doc Fee” or title fees charged by the dealer.
Rules and Restrictions When Driving on Maine Temporary Plates
- No Passengers/Cargo: If you are driving a commercial truck on a Transit Plate, you generally cannot carry a load.
- Strict Route: A “One-Way” Transit Plate is only valid for the specific route you declare (e.g., “Bangor to Portland”). You cannot use it to run errands for 10 days.
- Expiration: Once the 10 days (Transit) or 30 days (Dealer) are up, the vehicle must be fully registered with metal plates, or it will be towed.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a website to print a tag at home, stop searching—it doesn’t exist for Maine.
- Bought from a Dealer? They handle it.
- Bought Privately? Take your Bill of Sale and Insurance to the nearest BMV branch and pay $12.00 for a 10-Day Transit Plate.
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