FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2014
Contact:  Barbara Redmond
207-626-8400

City of Portland Now Issues Vehicle Registration Plates

AUGUSTA, Maine – Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap announced today that effective May 7th, the City of Portland began issuing automobile and trailer registration plates under the Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ municipal registration program.  Portland residents are now able to complete their initial registration at City Hall and receive new plates.  Previously, for their first registration, Portland residents had to pay excise tax at City Hall, and then go to a BMV branch office to pay for their registration and plates. 

This is a win-win situation, noted Dunlap. Portland residents will be able to conduct more motor vehicle-related business at their City Hall and the Portland Branch office will process approximately 150 less transactions per day which will help to reduce customer wait times for everyone.

BMV staff worked closely with City Hall staff to make this happen, Dunlap stated. Staff training around plates and related requirements is no small issue and we are pleased with how quickly the Portland staff learned the plate issuance process and implemented the program.

The City of Portland also participates in Rapid Renewal, the online service that makes it possible for residents to renew their motor vehicle registration and pay local excise tax in one simple transaction.  For more information on the Rapid Renewal program, please visit:  https://www1.maine.gov/online/bmv/rapid-renewal/