Maine License Plate Lookup
Maine may have fewer vehicle thefts and flood-damaged cars than other states. However, when in the used car market, take caution to avoid becoming the next victim. Get a vehicle history check using our Maine license plate lookup tool today.
Table of Contents
Can You Look Up a License Plate for Free in Maine?
Yes, you can look up a license plate for free in Maine using a license plate decoding tool. This service provides crucial details about the vehicle, such as:
- Associated VIN Number
- Year, Make, and Model
- Country of Origin
- Market Value
- Transmission Type:
- Fuel Type
- Drive Type
- Body Type
- Trim Level
- MSRP
- Engine Details
- Dimensions
- VIN
- Engine Value
- MSRP
- Manufacturer
- Fuel Type
- Body Type
- Year & Model
- Transmission
- Vehicle Type
- Sales Record
- Drive Type
- Mileage
- Market Value
- Doors
- Country of Origin
What Can You Learn from License Plate History Record?
A Maine license plate history record reveals key insights into the vehicle’s past. Here’s what you can learn:
Vehicle Specification:
Detailed information about the car’s features and build for verification.
Ownership History:
A timeline of previous owners to understand the car’s usage.
Accident Records:
A history of reported collisions to assess potential damages.
Sales Records:
 Insights into previous sales prices and transactions.
Mileage Records:
Verified odometer readings to avoid fraud.
Auction History and Photos:
Records of past auctions, including images.
Lien/Loan Records:
Shows if the car is tied to financial obligations.
Title Information:
Confirms the vehicle’s legal standing and title type.
Theft Records:
Checks if the car has been reported stolen.
Estimated Market Value:
Evaluates the car’s worth in Maine.
Service and Maintenance History:
Past repairs and services for future upkeep planning.
Recall Information:
Alerts you to unresolved recalls for safety.
The Importance of License Plate Lookup to Maine Car Buyers and Sellers
A Maine license plate lookup is invaluable for both car buyers and sellers. Here’s why:
For Buyers
For Sellers
- Verifying Vehicle Authenticity When buying a used car in Maine, confirming its authenticity is essential. A license plate lookup matches the vehicle's information with the records on file, such as the make, model, year, and VIN. For buyers, this ensures they are not purchasing a counterfeit or tampered vehicle. Sellers benefit by providing transparency to buyers, demonstrating that the car's details are accurate and verified. For instance, a buyer in Portland can confirm a car listed as a 2018 Subaru Outback is genuinely the vehicle being sold.
- Avoiding Scams and Fraud Fraud is a significant risk in the used car market, and Maine is no exception. License plate lookups help uncover common scams, such as odometer fraud, salvage titles, or cars rebuilt after severe damage. For example, a license plate report might reveal that a car described as having 50,000 miles on the odometer was rolled back from 120,000 miles. Buyers can avoid falling victim to such fraud, while sellers with clean records can present documentation to assure potential buyers of the vehicle’s legitimacy.
- Negotiating Fair PricesKnowing a vehicle's history helps both parties agree on a fair price. For buyers, a license plate lookup provides insights into the car's true market value based on factors like mileage, accident history, and previous sales. For sellers, it offers documentation to justify their asking price. For example, a buyer in Bangor could use a report showing a car’s excellent maintenance history to negotiate a higher offer. At the same time, a seller in Augusta could explain a minor dent listed in the history to defend a slightly lower price.
- Assessing Vehicle Condition Understanding a car's condition is critical, especially in Maine, where winter weather can take a toll on vehicles. A license plate lookup provides information on maintenance history, accident records, and service logs. Buyers can use this to assess whether the car has been properly maintained or if it requires costly repairs. Sellers with a well-maintained vehicle can leverage this information to attract buyers willing to pay a premium for reliability.
- Checking for Legal Issues A vehicle might have hidden legal complications like liens, loans, or ownership disputes. A license plate lookup identifies these issues, helping buyers avoid purchasing a car with unresolved financial obligations. For example, a buyer in Lewiston could discover that a car they’re considering still has a lien from a previous loan. Sellers who have resolved these issues can demonstrate clear ownership through the lookup report, increasing trust and easing the transaction process.
- Enhancing Trust in Transactions Transparency is key in any vehicle transaction. A license plate lookup fosters trust by providing a comprehensive view of the car’s history. Buyers gain confidence that they are making a sound investment, while sellers can prove their honesty by sharing the report. For instance, a seller in Bar Harbor might include a report with their listing, showing no accident history or unresolved recalls, which reassures buyers and speeds up the sale.
How to Lookup a Maine License Plate Number?
Video: Looking up a Maine license plate is quick and easy.
Step 1: Enter the License Plate Number
You can find the license plate number on the front and back of the vehicle. Fill out the form on this page and submit it.
Step 2: Review and Purchase
Check vehicle specifications and features and complete your purchase.
Step 3: Access Your Report
Access your vehicle history report instantly. Download and print it easily.
State Laws/Legislation on License Plates in Maine
Maine requires every motor vehicle to have license plates issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
Front and Rear Plates Requirement
Most vehicles in Maine must display both front and rear plates. Exceptions include motorcycles and trailers.
Plate Renewal and Transfer
License plates must be renewed annually. If selling a vehicle, plates can often be transferred to a new one. The Maine BMV oversees plate issuance, renewals, and transfers.Â
State License Plate Design and Format
Maine license plates feature a classic white background with a green pine tree and the state nickname, “Vacationland.”
Types of License Plates in Maine
- Standard Plate: The default design for most vehicles.
- Specialty Plates: Includes plates for conservation, veterans, and universities.
- Personalized Plates: Customizable plates for a unique touch.
- Antique Plates: For classic cars aged 25 years or older.
- Temporary Plates: Issued for short-term vehicle use.
How to Transfer Plates in Maine?
- To do this, you must ensure that the transferred vehicle is no longer yours.
- You will need the following items: The blue title application from the new vehicle, your insurance card, and the bill of sale.
- Visit the Town Office to pay your excise tax based on the difference between your old vehicle registration and the new one. You will be advised to transfer or not to transfer.
How to Register and Transfer Car Title in Maine?
In Maine, you may have to follow the following steps to register or transfer car title or ownership. These steps should be completed within 30 days of purchase ( still subject to change):
- Sign over the vehicle title from the previous owner
- Find and get ready other documents such as driver’s license, proof of insurance, etc
- Visit the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to obtain the MV-T2 form, which is not online (both parties should be present).
License Plate Lookup By States
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Personal information, such as the vehicle owner’s name, is protected under privacy laws. However, you can look up any vehicle history using the license plate number.
To look up your Kentucky license plate number, follow these steps:
- Enter the license plate number into a license plate lookup tool.
- Review the vehicle specifications and history details.
- Purchase a full report if needed to access more information.
Due to privacy laws, you cannot find out who owns a license plate in Kentucky directly. However, a Kentucky license plate lookup can provide past ownership records, including the number of previous owners, duration of ownership, and location of purchase or ownership transfer.
Yes, you can track a vehicle’s history using its license plate number, but not its real-time location. A lookup will show accident reports, ownership history, recalls, and mileage records, while the DMV can verify the last reported location of the vehicle.