ME DMV Vehicle Titles and Ownership 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When you buy a vehicle from a private seller in Maine, how many days do you have to transfer the title into your name?
- 15 days
- 30 days (Correct answer)
- 45 days
- 60 days
Correct answer: 30 days
Maine law requires the new owner to transfer the title within 30 days of purchase.
Question 2: What document must a Maine seller give the buyer at the time of a private vehicle sale?
- Bill of sale only
- Insurance card
- Properly assigned certificate of title (Correct answer)
- Registration card
Correct answer: Properly assigned certificate of title
The seller must sign over the certificate of title to the buyer at the point of sale.
Question 3: If a Maine vehicle title is lost, which agency do you contact to get a duplicate?
- Maine State Police
- Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Correct answer)
- County Clerk's Office
- Maine Department of Transportation
Correct answer: Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles issues duplicate titles upon application and payment of the fee.
Question 4: A lien on a Maine vehicle title means:
- The vehicle has passed inspection
- A lender has a legal financial interest in the vehicle (Correct answer)
- The title is clean and free of encumbrances
- The vehicle is registered as a commercial unit
Correct answer: A lender has a legal financial interest in the vehicle
A lien indicates that a creditor—typically a lender—has a financial claim against the vehicle until the loan is repaid.
Question 5: In Maine, what happens to the title when a vehicle loan is paid off?
- The lender destroys the title
- The lender mails a new title to the BMV only
- The lien is released and a clear title is issued to the owner (Correct answer)
- The owner must apply for a brand-new title from scratch
Correct answer: The lien is released and a clear title is issued to the owner
Once the lien is satisfied, the lender releases it and the owner receives a clear, unencumbered title.
Question 6: Which of the following vehicles is generally NOT required to be titled in Maine?
- A 2018 pickup truck
- A 1981 model year vehicle (Correct answer)
- A 2020 motorcycle
- A 2015 travel trailer over 3,000 lbs
Correct answer: A 1981 model year vehicle
Maine does not require titles for vehicles manufactured before 1984, as they are exempt from mandatory titling.
Question 7: What term describes a Maine title issued when an insurance company has declared a vehicle a total loss?
- Clear title
- Rebuilt title
- Salvage title (Correct answer)
- Bonded title
Correct answer: Salvage title
A salvage title is issued when an insurer declares a vehicle a total loss due to damage or theft.
ME DMV Vehicle Titles and Ownership 2
When you buy a vehicle from a private seller in Maine, how many days do you have to transfer the title into your name?