Maine requires registration for boat and utility trailers. To register these trailers, you will need a bill of sale and a title or title application. To register a camper trailer, you must pay the excise tax, which will require the title or other document showing the sales price.
Trailers made in 1994 or earlier or weighing less than 3000 pounds unloaded are title-exempt but still need to be registered. You’ll only need a signed Maine trailer bill of sale for these trailers.
Registering a Trailer in Maine
New residents have 30 days to title and register their vehicles, including trailers, once they arrive in Maine. Registrations can be processed in the town hall or at the nearest Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office. To register a camper trailer, you must pay the excise tax and registration fees.
Registering a boat, utility, or semitrailer requires your bill of sale and a title application. You will also need to pay the sales tax for private sales. Boat and utility registrations can be paid for two years rather than just one.
When registering, new residents must also obtain a Maine title for vehicles and trailers. This can be done at the same time.
What Paperwork Is Required To Register a Trailer in Maine?
To obtain registration for a boat or utility trailer acquired in a private or dealer sale, you will need to bring the following:
- Bill of sale
- Title or blue title from a dealer
- Registration fee
Private sales must pay the appropriate sales tax, 5.5% of the purchase price (Dealer sales will pay the tax at the time of sale). You may pay twice the registration fee and register your trailer for two years if you wish.
Camper trailers require payment of the excise tax and the registration fee. Vanity and specialty plates are available for all trailers for an additional fee.
Trailer Registration Fees
Registration and title fees are paid at the time of registration. Fees are based on the license type and the trailer’s weight. You can download a fee schedule here.
Title for Trailer
Trailers in Maine must be titled if they are over 3000 pounds bed weight. This includes campers and semitrailers. A Maine certificate of title can be obtained by acquiring an application for a certificate of title at a BMV branch office and sending the application and the fee to the Augusta BMV office. The application is not available online.
Insurance
Maine does not require separate trailer insurance. Owners must have proof of insurance before they can title and register their vehicles, and liability insurance covers towed vehicles and trailers as well. It is usually recommended that owners with trailers and campers carry additional insurance coverage, but Maine does not require it.
Exemptions
Trailers under 3000 pounds bed weight do not have to be titled but still must be registered. Trailers used exclusively on farms and logging sites and not on public roadways do not have to be registered.
Maine Trailer Bill of Sale Sample
Download a Maine trailer bill of sale template below in PDF or Word format:
