Maine VIN Lookup

Toyota, Ford, Honda, Chevrolet, and Subaru make up more than half of the cars on Maine's roads. If you are buying any of these cars as a second owner, it is still important to conduct a VIN check to learn more about the vehicle's history. The check will help you make an informed decision by providing title status, odometer readings, accident history, recall information, liens or outstanding finance, and the vehicle's registration history.

The state has several ways to help potential buyers look up a car's VIN and get its history. The most common way is to request information from the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles database. A person can also use the NHTSA website and other third-party online services to check a vehicle's VIN.

VIN Verification

The Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title and Antitheft Act requires inspecting and verifying the VIN for vehicles previously registered and titled in another state or country. It applies to all vehicles manufactured in 1995 or newer. Authorities in Maine may also require VIN verification for questionable vehicles.

Only the following individuals may conduct VIN verifications in Maine:

• Law enforcement officers.
• Maine official inspection station employees.
• Selected employees of the Maine BMV.
• Maine and New Hampshire licensed dealers who sold the vehicle.
• Military provost officers

Maine Car Ownership and Driving Information

Ownership Rate

93.2%

High Car Ownership Rate

Maine is among the states where owning a car is the least expensive. 93.2% of households in the state report having at least one vehicle.

Miles Per Year

14,215

Average Annual Mileage

The average annual mileage per driver in Maine is 14,215

Popular Car

Ford F-150

Popular Car Makes in Maine

The number one vehicle in Maine is the Ford F-150. Chevys, Toyotas, Hondas, and Subarus are popular car brands in the state.

Crashes

171

Fatalities

182

Car Accidents

In 2022, Maine recorded 171 fatal crashes, resulting in 182 fatalities.

Crashes

520

Speeding Related Crashes

There were 520 crashes in Maine caused by exceeding the posted speed limit in 2022.

Drivers

1,326

Impaired Driving

In 2022, Maine recorded 1,326 drivers involved in crashes under the influence of drugs, medications, or alcohol.

Fatalities

15 per 100k

Teen Safety

Maine is the 11th most dangerous state for fatal car accidents caused by drivers aged 16 to 19. In 2021, the state had a teen driver fatality rate of 15.00 per 100,000 licensed teens.

Maine DMV

The Maine DMV maintains records of vehicle ownership and driver history. Some of the services they provide include:

• Driver's License & ID Cards: The Maine BMV issues driver's licenses to individuals who meet the state's driving requirements.
• Permits: The BMV issues learner permits to individuals learning to drive. For individuals seeking to operate commercial vehicles, the BMV issues commercial driver's permits.
• Duplicate Registration: The duplicate registration service allows vehicle owners to obtain a replacement copy of their vehicle registration if the original is lost, stolen, or damaged.
• Vanity Plates: Maine BMV offers vanity plates, allowing vehicle owners to personalize their license plates with custom characters or messages, subject to certain guidelines and availability.
• Driver's License Reinstatement: Individuals whose driver's license has been suspended or revoked may need to undergo a reinstatement process to regain their driving privileges.
• Replacement Title: The service allows vehicle owners to obtain a duplicate title for their vehicle if the original is lost, damaged, or needs correction.
• Learning Resources: The BMV provides various learning resources to help individuals prepare for written and road tests.

Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Compliance with federal laws and environmental quality regulations is essential for Maine drivers. Here are some key resources and areas of consideration:

• Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP): The department oversees environmental regulations within the state. Drivers can refer to the DEP website for information on air quality, emissions testing programs, and other initiatives related to environmental protection.
• The Maine BMV: The bureau is responsible for driver licensing and registration. Drivers should stay informed about state regulations related to vehicles, licensing, and compliance with federal standards.
• Maine's Department of Transportation (MaineDOT): MaineDOT oversees various transportation-related projects and initiatives. Drivers can stay informed about road safety, construction projects, and transportation-related environmental considerations.
• Maine's Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Regulations:For drivers of off-highway vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles, it's important to be aware of trail use regulations and environmental protection regulations.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA sets federal standards for vehicle emissions and environmental protection.

Buying a Used Car in Maine

Buying a used car in Maine involves several steps to ensure an easy and informed transaction. Here's a guide that buyers should consider:

Law protection

Maine laws offer some protections when it comes to purchasing a used car. For example, used cars should always meet the state inspection standards. It applies even if the car is sold 'as is.' In addition, Maine's Lemon Law covers used cars in limited circumstances. The problems should occur within three years of original delivery or the first 18,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Title Transfer and Registration

Individuals must register used cars after purchase. The laws require the buyer to present a bill of sale to show the price paid for it, the make, year, model, and VIN of the car, and the address of the seller of the vehicle. In addition, individuals must provide a title for vehicles that are 1995 and newer. Furthermore, buyers must present a current insurance card in their name.

Dealer disclosure

Laws in Maine require dealers to post a used vehicle buyer's guide on the used car's window. It should contain information such as:

• Warranties on the car the dealer offers.
• If the car was repossessed.
• How the dealer gets the car.
• Make, model, and year of the car.
• If the dealer purchased the vehicle in an out-of-state auction.
• Prior use of the car (e.g., personal transportation, rental, etc.)
• Major mechanical problems with the car, even if the car has been repaired
• Proper damage due to flood, fire, or collision exceeding $2,000 in repairs.

Conducting a VIN Check

Individuals in Maine are advised to conduct a VIN check as an extra layer of protection.

Sales Tax

All vehicle purchases in Maine attract a 5.5% sales tax.

Reasons to Do a VIN Check in Maine

Car buyers and owners in Maine should consider conducting a VIN check for these reasons:

• Title Verification: A VIN check helps verify the accuracy of the vehicle's title information, ensuring that it has a clean title and has not been salvaged or branded as a total loss due to severe damage or theft.
• Accident History: Accessing a vehicle's accident history through a VIN check can provide insights into its past collisions or damage. This information is crucial for assessing the overall condition and safety of the vehicle. In 2022, the state recorded 33,918 total crashes, so better safe than sorry.
• Registration History: Understanding the vehicle's registration history helps verify if it has changed hands frequently or if there are irregularities in its ownership, which can indicate potential issues.
• Recall Information: VIN checks include data on recalls and safety-related defects. Knowing whether a vehicle has been subject to recalls and if those issues have been addressed is essential for the safety of the driver and passengers.
• Liens and Outstanding Finance: A VIN check can reveal whether the vehicle has any outstanding liens or has been used as collateral for a loan. This helps buyers avoid vehicles with unresolved financial issues.

How to Lookup a VIN Number in Maine

There are a few ways to look up VINs in Maine. They include:

VIN Replacement in Maine

In Maine, people can get their VIN replaced if the part holding the VIN gets damaged or replaced. The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles is responsible for issuing a new identification number for the car.

Before getting an assigned state VIN in Maine, the state requires people to provide:

• A certificate of title of the car.
• A driving license or an identification card.
• Complete an Application and Assignment of New Vehicle Identification Number form.
• The car should be inspected by authorized officers in the state. However, the car owner will be penalized if the VIN is modified or altered.

New Vehicle Registration in Maine

Maine requires individuals to register their new cars within 30 days of purchasing them. The Maine BMV is responsible for registering new cars in the state.

When registering a car, a resident should provide:

• Certificate of title of the car.
• Bill of sales.
• Evidence of insurance.
• Payment of excise tax.
• Registration fees.
• Pay for vanity plates.
• If a person buys a car from a private sale, they should pay a 5.5% sales tax on their purchase price.

How to Transfer VIN During a Sale in Maine

A car's title is evidence of ownership. In Maine, the law requires a person to transfer a vehicle's title within 30 days after a sale. The car's details, including the VIN, will be under the new owner's name during the transfer.

The BMV or the Title Unit in Augusta is responsible for the title transfer. When transferring a title, a person should:

• Have a driving license or identification card.
• A completed certificate of title with the signatures of the buyer and seller.
• Make sure the VIN of the car matches the one of the title.
• Ensure the odometer readings are indicated on the original title.
• Have the bill of sale.
• Have proof of insurance.
• Have proof of excise tax payment.
• Have payment of title transfer fee.

What Would Vehicle History Report Include in Maine

A vehicle history report in Maine typically includes essential information about a vehicle's past. It may include details such as title information, indicating if the vehicle has a clean title, has ever been salvaged, or has been declared a total loss by an insurance company. It also provides data on odometer readings to help identify potential odometer rollback fraud. Additionally, the report may include information about accidents, liens, recalls, VIN verification, and the vehicle's registration history.

How Can I Find the VIN by License Plate?

Individuals may use third-party license plate lookup services to find information about a car. The service provides information such as the VIN by searching the license plate online.

Vehicle Inspections in Maine

Maine legislation requires all motor vehicles to undergo safety inspections every year. While there are no state-wide emissions test requirements, Cumberland County residents must take their cars for this test. The Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit of the Maine State Police conducts these inspections.

What Does the Vehicle Inspection Report Include in Maine?

Typically, a vehicle inspection in Maine covers various aspects of safety and emissions. General areas that may be included in a vehicle inspection report include:

• Emissions Testing: Maine may require emissions testing for vehicles in certain areas to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
• Safety Inspection: Safety inspections often cover components such as brakes, lights, tires, steering, suspension, and other crucial safety features to ensure the vehicle operates safely.
• Exhaust System: Inspections may include checking the exhaust system for leaks and ensuring it meets emissions standards.
• Windshield and Windows: The condition of the windshield and other windows may be inspected to ensure they are free of cracks or other defects that could impair visibility.
• Lights and Indicators: Inspect headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and other lighting components to ensure they are functional.
• VIN Verification: Ensuring that the VIN on the vehicle matches its documentation.