Check a Vehicle’s History Using a Maine License Plate Lookup

Do a quick and simple license plate lookup with our license plate lookup service. Get a detailed report showing important details about a vehicle’s past, including accidents, auction records, damage history, title status, liens, and warranty information.

10% OFF

Why do we need your phone number?

We'll send your vehicle report or sticker link via text for easy access.

Our support team may contact you if we find issues with your report or sticker.

Your data is never shared with third parties.

Get 10% off your purchases by providing your phone number.

What is a Maine License Plate Lookup?

A Maine license plate is issued by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) for passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and specialty vehicles. It acts as an official identifier linking a vehicle to its registration and title records.

A Maine license plate lookup is a service that allows buyers and sellers to review a vehicle’s background using the plate number before completing a used car transaction.

By checking the license plate, you’ll get the complete information about the vehicle, like its title, odometer reading, warranty, and past records like accident and auction hisotry. Be sure to always check the Maine license plate before any trasncation happened.

Why You Should Search a Maine License Plate

Looking up a Maine license plate before a transaction helps confirm important details that may not be obvious at first glance. Below are common situations where a plate lookup proves useful.

When Buying a Used Vehicle

Before purchasing a used vehicle, especially from a private seller or in rural areas, it is important to understand the vehicle’s past.

Review Title and Ownership Records

A plate lookup helps confirm how many times the vehicle has changed ownership and whether the title is clean, rebuilt, or marked as salvage under Maine records.

Identify Past Problems

Accident history, reported damage, or mileage gaps can appear in the report, even if the vehicle looks well-maintained during a visual inspection.

Selling a Vehicle

Sellers can also benefit from using a Maine license plate lookup service before listing a vehicle for sale.

Help the Sales Team

Sharing complete and legit information about the vehicle helps the sales team know better and be ready to answer any questions with no hesitation.

Reduce Buyer Hesitation

Clear records help reduce buyer hesitation and build trust by showing transparency through a legitimate vehicle history report.

Checking Auction or Private Listings

Vehicles sold through auctions or private-party sales may not always include full disclosures.

Match the Listing With the Records

A license plate lookup allows you to compare advertised details with official records to spot inconsistencies.

Detect Missing Information

If the details are missing or do not align, it may be wise to pause the transaction, as discrepancies can sometimes point to VIN or title-related issues.

Preventing Fraud and Costly Mistakes

Using the Maine license plate search helps lower the risk of purchasing a vehicle with serious legal or mechanical problems.

Confirm Legal Status

Checking the plate can help identify theft records or title issues that could cause complications after purchase.

Check for Hidden Damage

Some damage from accidents, floods, or severe weather may not be visible. A plate lookup can help uncover reported damage tied to fire, collisions, or natural disasters.

Information Included in Our Maine License Plate Report

From specifications and ownership data to title, accident, and lien information, the report helps buyers and sellers understand a vehicle’s background before any transaction happens.

Vehicle Specifications

This section outlines the vehicle’s core specifications, including year, make, model, trim, engine type, fuel system, transmission, drivetrain, and manufacturing origin. These details help confirm the vehicle’s identity and ensure it matches the seller’s description and intended driving needs.

Ownership History

Ownership history shows how the vehicle has changed hands over time, including the number of prior owners, ownership duration, and past registration locations. Personal details such as names or addresses are excluded to comply with Maine and federal privacy laws.

Title Status

Title status confirms whether the vehicle holds a clean Maine title or carries branding such as salvage, rebuilt, flood, or lemon. Reviewing this information helps prevent legal issues and ensures the vehicle can be properly registered and transferred.

Theft Records

This section verifies whether the vehicle has ever been reported stolen. When available, it may include theft report dates and locations. Purchasing a stolen vehicle can result in seizure by authorities, even if the buyer acted in good faith.

Accident Records

Accident records list reported collisions involving the vehicle, including available dates, locations, and the number of incidents on record. Reviewing this section helps assess whether prior damage could affect safety, reliability, or the vehicle’s overall market value.

Mileage Verification

Mileage verification compares odometer readings reported at different points in time, such as registrations, inspections, or sales. This helps identify inconsistencies, gaps, or patterns that could indicate odometer rollback or inaccurate reporting.

Auction Insights and Photos

If the vehicle was sold through an auction, this section provides auction dates, locations, sale results, and the price of the auction. Also, you can get up to ten photos of the vehicle when it was auctioned.

Lien or Loan Information

Lien or loan records highlight outstanding financial obligations tied to the vehicle. Active liens can delay or block ownership transfer in Maine, making it important to confirm that all debts are cleared before purchasing or selling.

Warranty Coverage

Warranty coverage shows whether factory or extended warranties remain active. It may include coverage duration, mileage limits, and warranty types such as powertrain protection, corrosion coverage, or manufacturer-backed roadside assistance programs.

Damage Records

Damage records may include reports related to accidents, floods, fires, hail, or other significant events. Reviewing this section helps determine whether repairs were required, how extensive the damage was, and whether issues could still affect the vehicle.

Service and Maintenance Records

Service and maintenance records give you insight into how the vehicle was cared for over time. This section may include service dates, locations, and types of maintenance or repairs, helping evaluate reliability and long-term ownership costs.

Recall Information

Recall information lists manufacturer-issued recalls related to safety or mechanical defects. It includes recall causes, how it was fixed, and the final status of the recall (open/closed).

How to Lookup a License Plate in Maine?

To get the complete vehicle history report in Maine, you can use our license plate lookup tool and follow these simple steps:

Find the License Plate Number

Find the license plate number on the rear or on the front side of the vehicle. If you cant’ found it, you can ask the seller.

Fill in the Form

Click on the form above, then write down the license plate number. After that, click on the “SUBMIT” button to submit the form.

Get the Report

Wait for a few seconds to get the report generated. Then, proceed to payment to get the full car report in Maine.

Can You Lookup a Maine License Plate for Free?

You can do a free license plate lookup in Maine with our free lookup service. With the free service, you will get the complete specifications of the vehicle and much more.

Maine Laws on License Plates

Passenger vehicles are required to display two valid license plates, one on the front and one on the rear, both issued by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Passenger vehicle plates generally follow the standard 6 × 12-inch size format. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in fines or registration-related penalties.

Security of Information

License plate records in Maine are protected under state law and the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). While license plates are visible in public, personal details such as the owner’s name, address, and contact information are restricted.

Maine License Plate Design and Format

Since May 2025, Maine has introduced a new license plate design featuring an embossed dark blue serial on a reflective white background. The word “MAINE” is printed in dark green at the top centre, while “VACATIONLAND” appears in the same colour at the bottom. This layout is specifically used for the “No Tree” version.

Format and Serialisation of Maine License Plate

Maine’s license plate serialisation has changed significantly over time. Previously, the state used formats such as 123-456 and 12345 A; however, this later evolved into a number-letter combination like 1234 AB. As of May 2025, Maine has introduced a new 123·ABC format as part of a legislative mandate to replace older, worn-out plates with the “Pine Tree” design.

Maine License Plate Design

Maine license plates feature designs inspired by state symbols and history, with both standard and specialty options issued by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Current standard plate design

Since May 2025, Maine’s standard license plate uses a white background with a pine tree and a North Star. The design is based on Maine’s 1901 state flag and was introduced to improve visibility and replace older plates.

Previous standard plate design

Before May 2025, Maine used the Chickadee plate as its main design for almost 25 years. It featured the state bird and became one of the most recognisable license plates in Maine.

Slogans and plate text

Many Maine license plates display the “Vacationland” slogan, which reflects the state’s identity. The slogan may appear on both standard and specialty plates, depending on the plate series and year of issue.

Specialty and vanity plate designs

Maine also offers specialty plates, such as Lobster and Agriculture designs, along with vanity plates that allow custom lettering. These plates often support specific programs or reflect personal interests.

Types of License Plate in Maine

Maine offers several license plate types based on vehicle use, eligibility, and personal preference. Options range from general passenger plates to specialty and custom designs, with newer plate series introduced in 2025 to replace older Chickadee plates.

General issue plates

The Pine Tree plate is Maine’s standard passenger plate. It is issued for everyday vehicles and reflects the state’s updated design inspired by Maine’s flag and identity.

Commercial plates

These plates are used for vehicles registered for business purposes, including trucks and tractors. Fees and classifications are based on vehicle weight and how the vehicle is used.

Non-passenger plates

This category includes plates for antiques, motor homes, trailers, motorcycles, and vehicles registered to individuals with disabilities. Each plate type follows specific eligibility and usage rules set by the Maine BMV.

Specialty plates

Specialty plates support causes, organisations, and interests. Popular options include Agriculture, Conservation, Sportsman, Animal Welfare, Black Bear, Lighthouse Trust, Breast Cancer Awareness, and Wabanaki Recognition plates.

Veteran and military plates

These plates are available to eligible service members and veterans. Some designs require proof of military service or veteran status when applying.

Custom (vanity) plates

Vanity plates allow personalised letter and number combinations. They are available for many standard and specialty plates, subject to character limits and approval rules.

Cost of License Plate in Maine

License plate costs in Maine depend on vehicle type, registration status, and local town fees. The total amount usually includes registration, excise tax, and possible plate or title charges.

Excise tax: Maine requires an annual excise tax paid to the town where the vehicle is registered. The amount is based on the vehicle’s MSRP for newer models or its weight and age for older vehicles.
Registration fee: The standard registration fee for most passenger vehicles is usually around $35. Motorcycles cost less, while commercial and heavier vehicles may have higher fees.
Plate fees: Standard passenger plates are typically included with registration. Specialty plates usually require an additional upfront fee of about $20, with smaller renewal fees added each year.
Title fees: Newly purchased vehicles, including private sales, are subject to a title fee, commonly around $33. First-time registrations may result in higher total costs.
Sales tax and local fees: If sales tax was not paid at purchase, it is collected during registration. Local town agent or service fees may also apply, depending on the municipality.

License Plate Lookup by States

Check any other license plate across different states with our license plate lookup service.

Alabama

FAQs About Maine License Plate Lookup

How to look up a license plate for free?

You can do a free license plate lookup for basic vehicle info (make, model, year) and its past history (accidents, recalls) using sites like Instant VIN Report. Aside from that, you can get the complete information ike theft and maintenance records.

What is the rarest license plate?

The “rarest” license plates are usually historic or extremely exclusive, such as early porcelain plates like Alaska’s 1921 issue, ultra-low digits like Delaware plates 1–9, or single-character plates that sell for millions, including Dubai’s “P7.” Rarity is subjective and can also include sovereign or unusual combinations like California’s “MM.”

Can anybody look up license plates?

No, private individuals generally cannot access personal information through a license plate. Laws such as the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) limit DMV record access to authorised parties, including law enforcement, insurers, courts, and legal professionals, for specific purposes.

Is it illegal to search license plates?

Yes, it is usually legal to look up basic vehicle details using a license plate, such as the make, model, and year. However, accessing personal information like the owner’s name or address is restricted under the DPPA and typically illegal without a valid legal reason.

Can someone steal my identity with my license plate?

No, a license plate alone is not enough to steal your identity. However, it can be used as a starting point for scams or social engineering, since plates are linked to owner records in DMV databases, even though direct access is protected by privacy laws like the DPPA.