How to Sell a Car in Maine Privately? (State Guide)

Can you sell a car without a title in Maine?

Yes, in two situations under 29-A M.R.S. §652, sub-§13 and sub-§18: vehicles more than 25 model years old can be sold with just a bill of sale; vehicles at least 20 model years old can be sold to a licensed recycler, salvage vehicle dealer, or scrap processor with no title required.

For newer cars, you’ll need to file Form MVT-8 with the Maine BMV to get a replacement before selling.

How long does the buyer have to transfer the title after we complete the sale?

The buyer has 30 days from the purchase date to complete the title transfer and registration.

They visit their local town office first to pay the excise tax, then finalize registration at a local town office or a Maine BMV branch.

If the buyer misses the deadline, they face late fees and registration penalties at the Maine BMV. That’s why it helps to walk them through Maine’s process before they drive away.

Do I need to get the title notarized when I sign it over in Maine?

Maine does not require the title assignment to be notarized; sign in blue or black ink exactly as your name appears on the title.

When is a bill of sale required in Maine?

In Maine, a bill of sale is required; must include VIN and sale price; for vehicles more than 25 model years old, the bill of sale is the only ownership document needed.

Notarization is not required. You can use the Maine Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale or our free bill of sale generator.

Can I sell my car if I still owe money on it in Maine?

Yes, but you need to coordinate the lien release with your lender.

The lender releases the lien using Form MVT-12 (Release of Lien) or signs the lien release directly on the title. Maine uses an Electronic Lien Titling system for participating lenders. Contact your lender to request the release before listing the car for sale.

If you owe more than the car’s worth, you’ll need to pay the difference.

My car was inherited. What additional Maine forms do I need?

For a surviving spouse or court-appointed personal representative: complete Form MVT-22 (notarized) with a copy of the death certificate, current title, and registration. For others, a probate court letter authorizing the transfer is required. Maine does not accept copies of wills for vehicle title transfers.

Both my spouse and I are on the Maine title. Do we both need to sign?

It depends on how the title reads. If the names are joined by “AND,” all listed owners must sign. If the names are joined by “OR,” any single owner can sign alone to complete the sale.

What if I make a mistake on the Maine title?

Don’t try to fix it yourself with white-out or cross-outs. Any alteration voids the title completely in Maine.

You’ll need to apply for a duplicate title using Form MVT-8, pay the $33.00 fee, and start the assignment over on the new title.

The buyer is from out of state. Does Maine require anything special?

Your responsibilities as the seller are the same regardless of where the buyer lives. You still sign over the title, provide the bill of sale, and remove your plates.

The buyer registers the car in their home state using the documents you provide. Some states require a VIN inspection for vehicles coming in from out of state. That’s the buyer’s responsibility to handle, not yours.

Do Maine license plates transfer to the buyer?

No, Maine license plates stay with the seller. You can transfer your plates to another car you own, return them to the Maine BMV or your local town office, or destroy them.