How Long It Takes to Get a Vehicle Title in Maine

Most people receive a Maine vehicle title about 2–4 weeks after the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) gets a complete, accurate application; dealer sales with liens typically take 30–45 days. Seasonal backlogs, corrections, or missing documents can extend delivery to 6–8 weeks. Note: Maine does not issue titles for vehicles model year 1995 or older, so no title will be produced for those vehicles.

What Determines the Timeline

Several practical factors influence how quickly a Maine title is issued and mailed. Understanding these will help you set realistic expectations and avoid delays.

• Completeness and accuracy of paperwork: Missing signatures, VIN errors, or incomplete lien information will pause processing.
• How the application is submitted: Dealer-submitted packages and mailed-in applications add routing time before BMV review begins.
• Whether there’s a lien: Titles for financed vehicles are issued to the lienholder, and lien recording adds steps.
• Peak periods: Early spring and end-of-year often bring higher volumes and longer processing queues.
• Mail delivery time: USPS transit to and from Augusta adds several days beyond processing.
• Vehicle eligibility: Maine does not title 1995-and-older vehicles; those transactions do not generate a title.

Taken together, these factors explain why some titles arrive within a couple of weeks while others may take more than a month.

Typical Timelines by Situation

While individual cases vary, these are common timeframes Maine residents and dealers report when paperwork is complete and accurate.

• Private-party purchase (cash, eligible vehicle): About 2–4 weeks from BMV receipt.
• Dealer purchase, no lien: Roughly 2–4 weeks after the dealer submits to BMV.
• Dealer purchase with lien: Commonly 30–45 days; title is issued to the lienholder.
• Out-of-state title transfer into Maine: Typically 3–5 weeks, depending on prior title verification.
• Duplicate/replacement Maine title (no changes): Often 2–3 weeks after BMV receives the request.
• Corrections (VIN, name, mileage): Add 1–3+ weeks beyond the standard timeline, depending on the correction.

If your case is outside these ranges, it’s usually due to documentation issues, lien verification needs, or seasonal volume at the BMV.

How the Maine Title Process Works

Knowing the basic workflow helps you see where time is spent and where delays can occur.

1. Application prepared: You (or your dealer) complete the title application, include the prior title (if required), bill of sale, odometer disclosure when applicable, and lien details if financed.
2. Submission to BMV: Paperwork is submitted through a BMV branch, by mail, or via the dealer.
3. BMV review: The Title Unit verifies ownership, VIN, odometer, and lien information; discrepancies trigger follow-up.
4. Issuance: If all is in order, BMV prints and mails the title—either to you or to the recorded lienholder.
5. Delivery: USPS transit adds several days; allow extra time for rural addresses or holidays.

Any stop for missing or incorrect documents pauses the process until the BMV receives what’s needed.

Checking Status and Getting Help

If your title seems delayed, there are a few effective ways to check on it and keep things moving.

• Contact the Maine BMV Title Unit: Call the main line at 207-624-9000 and follow the menu for Titles to confirm receipt and status.
• Ask your dealer or lender: For dealer sales or financed purchases, they can confirm submission dates and lien details.
• Verify your mailing address: Ensure the BMV and (if applicable) your lienholder have your current address.
• Use official resources: The Secretary of State’s BMV site (maine.gov/sos/bmv) posts current guidance and forms.

Having your plate number, VIN, and application date handy will speed up any status check with the BMV.

Tips to Avoid Delays

A few proactive steps can reduce back-and-forth and keep your title moving.

• Double-check names, addresses, VIN, and odometer entries before submitting.
• Include complete lienholder information if the vehicle is financed.
• Submit promptly after purchase; don’t let paperwork sit.
• Keep copies of all documents and mailing receipts for reference.
• For out-of-state transfers, ensure the prior title is properly assigned and any liens are released in writing.

These small checks prevent the most common reasons titles are held or returned for correction.

Frequently Asked Points

Do older vehicles get a Maine title?

Maine does not issue titles for vehicles with a model year of 1995 or older. For those vehicles, registration and a bill of sale serve as proof of ownership.

Can I expedite a Maine title?

Maine does not offer a formal expedited or same-day title service for original titles. Submitting complete, error-free paperwork is the best way to keep timing on the shorter end of the typical range.

What if there’s a lien?

If the vehicle is financed, the title is issued to the lienholder and timing is often longer (commonly 30–45 days) due to lien recording and coordination with the lender.

What if my title never arrives?

First, confirm status with the BMV and verify your mailing address. If lost in the mail after issuance, you may need to request a duplicate title.

Summary

In Maine, expect roughly 2–4 weeks for a title when paperwork is complete and there’s no lien, and 30–45 days for dealer or liened transactions. Backlogs, corrections, or mailing issues can stretch timelines to 6–8 weeks. Maine does not title vehicles from model year 1995 or older, so those transactions won’t generate a title. For the most current status, contact the BMV Title Unit or, for dealer/lien cases, your dealer or lender.

How long does it take to receive a title in Maine?

In Maine, a standard title takes about 14 business days, a duplicate title takes about 5-8 business days, and a rushed title or duplicate title takes about 3-5 business days to process and receive, not including mail time. You can apply for a title at a local BMV Branch, Town Hall, or Municipal office. 
Processing Times 

• Regular Issue Title: Approximately 14 business days.
• Duplicate Title: Approximately 5-8 business days.
• Rush Title/Duplicate: 3-5 business days.

How to Apply

1. Application: You can apply for a title at a local BMV Branch, Town Hall, or Municipal office by completing the MVT-2 form. 
2. Duplicate Title Online: You can also request a duplicate title by completing the MVT-8 form online at Maine.gov’s official website. 
3. Fees: There is a separate application fee for requesting a new title and a rush fee for expedited services. 

Important Considerations 

• Processing Starts on Receipt: The processing time begins once the application is accurately completed and received by the production unit.
• Accurate Forms: Make sure the application form is filled out correctly to avoid delays.
• Weekend Holidays: Avoid requesting a title over a Thanksgiving or other long holiday weekend, as they generally do not count as work weeks.

Can you expedite a title in Maine?

Maine Duplicate Title Fees
The fee is $33 and will take 10 to 12 days to receive the replacement in the mail. If you wish to receive it sooner, there is a $10 Rush fee.

Is Maine an electronic title state?

Yes, Maine is an electronic title state through its Electronic Lien Titling (ELT) Program, which allows lenders to receive electronic records of vehicle titles instead of paper ones. While participation in the program is voluntary for lenders, it enables electronic exchange of lien and title information between the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and participating lenders through authorized third-party service providers. 
How the ELT Program Works:

• Electronic Records: Instead of a paper certificate of title being issued to the lender, an electronic title record is created and maintained. 
• Third-Party Providers: Lenders must use an authorized ELT service provider to conduct these electronic transactions with the Maine BMV. 
• Voluntary Participation: Lenders are not required to participate, but those who do can process lien and title information more efficiently. 
• Phase-Based Development: The BMV is developing the ELT program in phases, with new electronic title transactions becoming available as the project progresses. 

This program helps streamline the title process and reduce the risk of backlogs and lost paper titles.

Can you register a car with a bill of sale and no title in Maine?

New Registration
Private Sale: If the vehicle was purchased in a private sale, please provide the vehicle title(1995 or newer), bill of sale and proof of insurance. New to Maine: Please bring your vehicle title for 1995 or newer, previous registration, proof of insurance, mileage and proof of residency.