Getting a personalized plate in Maine is straightforward once you know the rules. The Maine personalized license plate application and annual validation fees add up to $50 for passenger vehicles, $25 to apply and another $25 each year to keep it. That’s on top of your standard registration.
As of 2026, the state allows 2, 7 characters, but certain words are off-limits. If you’re considering a custom tag, the first step is checking what’s actually allowed.
Quick Answer
Maine personalized license plate application and annual validation fees total $50 for passenger vehicles. The initial application costs $25. Annual validation adds another $25.
Motorcycles pay $20 for both. Fees are separate from standard registration.
How Maine Personalized License Plates Work
Maine’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) lets you customize your plate with letters, numbers, and spaces. You can request up to 7 characters, but the BMV rejects anything offensive, misleading, or already taken.
Plates are made of reflective aluminum and follow the same dimensions as standard plates. Once approved, your plate is mailed to you, no temporary tags are issued during the wait.
Who Can Get a Personalized Plate in Maine
Any Maine resident with a registered vehicle can apply. This includes passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles, though fees vary by type.
Non-residents can’t get Maine personalized plates unless they register their vehicle in the state first. Businesses can also apply, but the plate must be tied to a registered company vehicle.
What You Can (and Can’t) Put on Your Plate
You’re limited to 2, 7 characters, including letters, numbers, and spaces. No symbols, punctuation, or special characters are allowed.
The BMV blocks combinations that are:
- Profane, obscene, or offensive
- Misleading (e.g., implying law enforcement)
- Already in use
- Reserved for official use
If you’re unsure, the BMV offers a plate availability checker to test your idea before applying.
Step-by-Step: Applying for a Personalized Plate
You’ve got three ways to apply: online, in-person, or by mail. Each method requires the same information, but processing times differ.
Online:
- Visit the Maine BMV website
- Fill out the vanity plate section of the registration form
- Pay the $25 fee by credit or debit card
- Receive confirmation via email
In-Person:
- Visit any Maine BMV branch
- Complete Form MV-15 (Application for Vanity Plate)
- Submit payment (cash, check, or card)
- Get a receipt and wait for your plate to arrive by mail
By Mail:
- Download and fill out Form MV-15
- Include a check or money order for $25
- Mail to: Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 29 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0029
- Processing takes 4, 6 weeks
If your application is approved, your plate will arrive in the mail. If rejected, you’ll get a notice explaining why and can reapply with a different combination.
Annual Validation Fees Explained
The $25 annual validation fee keeps your personalized plate active. It’s charged every year alongside your standard registration renewal.
This fee is separate from the initial $25 application cost. If you don’t pay it, your plate becomes invalid, and you’ll need to reapply.
Processing Time and What to Expect
New personalized plates typically take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive. Online applications may process slightly faster than mail-in forms.
If your application is rejected, you’ll get a notice within 2 weeks. You can then submit a new request with a different combination.
Renewing Your Personalized Plate Each Year
Renewal follows the same schedule as your vehicle registration. You’ll pay the $25 validation fee plus any standard registration costs.
You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a BMV branch. The process is the same as renewing standard plates, just with the added fee.
Transferring or Replacing a Personalized Plate
You can transfer your personalized plate to another vehicle you own. This requires a visit to a BMV branch and a $5 transfer fee.
If your plate is lost or stolen, report it to the BMV immediately. You’ll need to pay a replacement fee and may have to reapply if the plate number is compromised.
Common Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected
Using restricted words is the top reason for rejection. The BMV publishes a list of banned terms, but it’s not exhaustive.
Another common issue is requesting a combination that’s already taken. Always check availability before submitting.
Submitting an incomplete form or missing payment will also delay processing. Double-check all fields and include the correct fee.
Special Cases: Motorcycles, Commercial Vehicles, and Specialty Plates
Motorcycle personalized plates cost $20 to apply and $20 annually. The character limit remains 2, 7, but the plate size is smaller to fit the vehicle.
Commercial vehicles have variable fees based on weight class. The BMV provides a fee schedule for these cases.
Specialty plates, like the Lobster or Veterans plates, can also be personalized. The $25 annual validation fee still applies on top of any specialty plate fees.
Where to Apply: Online, In-Person, or by Mail
The fastest method is online through the Maine BMV portal. You’ll need your vehicle registration and payment method ready.
In-person applications are best if you have questions or need immediate confirmation. All BMV branches accept vanity plate requests.
Mail-in applications work if you prefer paper forms. Just download Form MV-15, fill it out, and send it with payment to the Augusta address.
FAQs
How long does it take to get a personalized plate in Maine?
Processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. Online applications may be slightly faster than mail-in requests.
Can I transfer my personalized plate to another vehicle?
Yes, you can transfer it for a $5 fee at any BMV branch. The plate must stay with a vehicle you own.
What happens if my application is rejected?
You’ll receive a notice explaining why. You can then submit a new request with a different combination.
Are there any restricted words for Maine personalized plates?
Yes, the BMV blocks offensive, misleading, or already-taken combinations. Check availability before applying.
Do I have to pay the validation fee every year?
Yes, the $25 annual fee keeps your personalized plate active. It’s charged alongside your standard registration renewal.
