How to Transfer Ownership of a Car in Maine
Whether you're buying or selling a car, giving it as a gift, or intending to inherit, there are a few things you need to know. In all these cases, ownership changes. This means that the title must be passed from one person to another. Ownership confirms ownership, and it must be transferred through the government of Maine for the transfer to be legal. Of course, there are quite a few things you need to know about how to transfer ownership of a car in Maine.
What buyers need to know
When you buy a car from a dealer, you don't have to worry about the title process, as the dealer will do it for you. When buying from a private seller, this is not the case. In this situation, you are responsible for the title. Here's what you should know:
- Make sure the seller completes the fields on the back of the title or MCO and passes them on to you after purchase.
- You must have a sales receipt from the seller.
- You must have an odometer disclosure statement on the back of the title/MCO, or on the official odometer information sheet.
- Make sure you have car insurance and proof of that insurance.
- Receive and complete an application for a title. They can only be obtained from your local BMV office.
- Get a release from the seller.
- Bring these documents and money for the transfer of ownership and sales tax to your local BMV office. The property transfer fee is $33 and sales tax will be 5.5% of the sale price. You can also send them to:
Name Control Information Office Bureau of Motor Vehicles 29 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333
Common Mistakes
- Not guaranteeing that the seller will fill in the fields on the back of the header/MCO
- Absence of bill of sale
What Sellers Should Know
Like buyers, sellers must do a few things to transfer ownership of a car in Maine. This includes:
- Complete the fields on the back of the header/MCO.
- Complete the bill of sale and give it to the buyer.
- Give the buyer a release from the bond.
Common Mistakes
- Do not get a release from the buyer's deposit
Donating and Inheriting Cars in Maine
The process of gifting a car to someone in Maine is actually very simple. Follow the same steps as above, but enter $0 as the sell price. With legacy cars, the situation is different.
- You will need an Affidavit from a surviving spouse or personal relative.
- You will need a copy of the death certificate.
- You will need the current title.
- You will need a valid registration.
This information must be submitted to the BMV along with the money for the transfer of ownership. For more information on how to transfer ownership of a car in Maine, visit the State BMV website.
