Antique Auto and Antique Motorcycle Registrations

Antique Auto: "Antique auto" means an automobile or truck manufactured in or after model year 1916 that is more than 35 years old; equipped with an engine manufactured either at the same time as the vehicle or to the specifications of the original engine; substantially maintained in original or restored condition primarily for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades or other functions of public interest. An antique auto may not be used as the owner’s primary mode of transportation of passengers or goods and may not be a reconstructed vehicle or altered vehicle.  

Antique motorcycle: "Antique motorcycle" means a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle that is more than 35 years old; equipped with an engine manufactured either at the same time as the vehicle or to the specifications of the original engine; maintained primarily for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades or other functions of public interest. An antique motorcycle may not be used as the owner's primary mode of transportation of passengers or goods.  

How to Register an Antique Auto or Antique Motorcycle:

  1. Pay excise tax at your town office. Excise tax is a municipal tax. Please contact your local municipal office for additional information.
  2. Documents needed for a private sale:
    • Signed bill-of-sale;
    • Pay sales tax (5.5% of the purchase price);
    • Evidence of insurance (ID card, policy or binder);
    • White & yellow copy of registration application and excise tax receipt (from town office);
    • Antique Auto Affidavit (MV-65) - also available at BMV branch office;
    • If your antique auto/antique motorcycle was purchased from a Maine Dealer, proof of sales tax paid (purchase agreement, etc.).
  3. After payment of excise tax at your municipality, if your municipality does not participate in BMV's registration program, you will need to visit a BMV branch office with the documents listed above. Please contact your local municipal office to find out if they participate in our registration program.
  4. Pay the $30.00 antique auto registration fee.
  5. Vanity plates are available at any BMV branch office for an additional annual fee of $25.00. You may check the availability of a vanity plate online.

How to Renew an Antique Auto or Antique Motorcycle Registration:

  1. Pay excise tax at your town office. Excise tax is a municipal tax. Please contact your local municipal office for additional information.
  2. Documents needed for a private sale:
    • Evidence of insurance (ID card, policy or binder);
    • White & yellow copy of registration application and excise tax receipt (from town office);
  3. After payment of excise tax at your municipality, if your municipality does not participate in BMV's registration program, you will need to visit a BMV branch office with the documents listed above. Please contact your local municipal office to find out if they participate in our registration program.
  4. Pay the $30.00 antique auto registration fee.
  5. Vanity plates are available at any BMV branch office for an additional annual fee of $25.00. You may check the availability of a vanity plate online.

You may contact the BMV Registration Section with questions or comments at: (207) 624-9000 ext. 52149 or by Email: registrations@maine.gov