A Maine bill of sale is a legal document used to transfer ownership of a valuable item from one person to another based on the specific state laws of Maine (ME).
How to Register a Vehicle in Maine
In order to register a vehicle in Maine, you will need to collect various documents such as an excise tax receipt, bill of sale, and proof of insurance, among others. The registration process can be conveniently completed at your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office.
Bill of Sale – By Type (5)
This form helps you buy or sell a motor vehicle in the state of Maine. In many states, a bill of sale is required to register a vehicle at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Vehicle Bill of Sale
A document to transfer ownership of recreational water vehicles (such as motorboats, sailboats, yachts, and jet skis) in the state of Maine.
Boat Bill of Sale
This form helps you buy or sell a trailer (or any non-motorized vehicle pulled by another vehicle) in the state of Maine and register it at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Trailer Bill of Sale
A document to transfer ownership of a gun (such as a handgun, rifle, or shotgun) in the state of Maine, and avoid legal or criminal issues involving the weapon after it is sold.
Firearm Bill of Sale
A form to record the transfer of a motorcycle in the state of Maine. By detailing information about the bike being sold, you can protect yourself from fraudulent sales.
Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Requirements
When you purchase a used motor vehicle in Maine, you need proof of purchase in the form of a signed Maine vehicle bill of sale. The bill of sale provides critical details about the buyer, seller, and vehicle.
If applicable, it should include an odometer disclosure statement and information regarding active liens.
Language, Notarization & Sales Tax Requirements
- Language: Bills of sale provided by Maine are in English. However, you can write your bill of sale in any language, provided the buyer and seller understand the document’s contents.
- Notarization: A Maine vehicle bill of sale does not need notarization to be valid. However, having a witness from a financial institution may be beneficial if the deal involves a lien or financing.
- Sales Tax: All vehicles registered in Maine are subject to an annual excise tax based on the vehicle’s age and the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. You pay this tax at your local town or municipal office. Your new or used car is also subject to a 5.5% state sales tax, paid at the time of registration.
Vehicle Registration Forms
- Excise tax receipt
- Bill of Sale
- Odometer Disclosure Statement
- Certificate of Title, signed over from the previous owner (seller) to the new owner (buyer)
- Blue Title Application if the vehicle is newer than 1995 and purchased from a dealer
- Receipt of Excise Tax Payment
- Proof of insurance
- Registration application
- Valid Maine driver’s license or photo ID
Boat Registration Forms
- Bill of Sale
- Registration Application
- Registration fees
Sample
