Maine title guide

Selling a junk car without a title in Maine

The short answer

It depends on the car's age. Maine requires a title for vehicles with a model year within the last 25 years. As of January 1, 2026 that means model year 2001 and newer, and from January 1, 2027 it means 2002 and newer. Newer vehicles need the title, or a duplicate from the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

First published November 4, 2026. Rules checked against official Maine sources on November 6, 2026 and reviewed by Paola Reniery, Operations Manager (see the sources).

What does Maine ask of sellers?

In Maine, a replacement title costs $33. Each card links to the official page it came from.

Replacing a lost title: Application for duplicate title. Fee: $33.; Official source
After the sale: Maine law has the seller deliver the signed title to the buyer or to the Secretary of State; it doesn't call for a separate notice of sale.; Official source
License plates: The registration expires when the vehicle is sold; the seller can have the plates reassigned to another vehicle in their name, or, if not renewing or transferring within 6 months, must remove the plates and send them with the registration certificate to the Secretary of State.; Official source

What do you do if you have the title?

Sign and print your name where the seller signs, fill in the odometer reading if there's a space for it, and leave the buyer section blank. If your title has a notary section, the signatures have to be notarized. If it doesn't, you sign in front of the driver at pickup. Don't sign the title until the driver is there and you've agreed the price.

What if the title is lost or damaged?

Maine replacement titles come from the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, using the Application for duplicate title, for a fee of $33. You'll need the VIN, which is on the dashboard by the windshield, on the driver's door jamb and on your registration. If you're in a hurry, tell our buyer partner when it contacts you: it can buy some cars without a title, so ask whether that works for your car in Maine.

Where to find a car's VIN: (1) on the dashboard on the driver's side, read through the windshield, (2) on the label on the driver's door jamb, and (3) on the title, registration or insurance card — The 17-character VIN appears in the same places on almost every car made since 1981: (1) on the dashboard, read through the windshield on the driver's side, (2) on the label on the driver's door jamb, and (3) on the title, registration and insurance card.

Older cars that don't need a title

Maine requires a title for vehicles with a model year within the last 25 years. As of January 1, 2026 that means model year 2001 and newer, and from January 1, 2027 it means 2002 and newer. Bring your registration, a photo ID and a bill of sale with the VIN, the sale price and both signatures.

For the full walkthrough, including the states that exempt older cars and what to avoid, read how to sell a junk car without a title.

What if there's a loan, or the owner has died?

If a lender is still listed on the title, you'll need its lien release, or the loan gets paid off as part of the sale. If the owner has died, only someone with legal authority, usually the executor, can sell the car, and the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles can tell you which estate papers Maine accepts.

What do you do after the sale?

Maine law has the seller deliver the signed title to the buyer or to the Secretary of State; it doesn't call for a separate notice of sale.
Plates: The registration expires when the vehicle is sold; the seller can have the plates reassigned to another vehicle in their name, or, if not renewing or transferring within 6 months, must remove the plates and send them with the registration certificate to the Secretary of State.
Keep a photo of the signed title, and cancel the insurance once the car has been picked up.

Title rules change, so confirm them with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles before you sell; this page is general information, not legal advice.

Can you junk a car without a title in Maine?

Yes, if the car is old enough. Maine requires a title for vehicles with a model year within the last 25 years. As of January 1, 2026 that means model year 2001 and newer, and from January 1, 2027 it means 2002 and newer. For newer cars you'll need the title or a duplicate from the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

How do I get a duplicate title in Maine?

Apply to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles with Application for duplicate title, and have a photo ID and the VIN ready. The fee is $33, according to the agency.

Can I sell a car in Maine with just a bill of sale?

For vehicles old enough to be title exempt, ask the buyer which papers it needs before pickup, and have your registration and a bill of sale ready. Newer vehicles still need a title.