ME DMV Vehicle Titles and Ownership 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: After a salvage-titled vehicle in Maine is repaired and passes inspection, what title does it receive?
- Clear title
- Rebuilt/reconstructed title (Correct answer)
- Original title restored
- Bonded title
Correct answer: Rebuilt/reconstructed title
Once a salvage vehicle is repaired and passes the required inspection, Maine issues a rebuilt or reconstructed title.
Question 2: A Maine 'bonded title' is used when:
- A vehicle has multiple owners listed
- An owner cannot prove clear ownership through normal documentation (Correct answer)
- A lienholder refuses to release the lien
- A vehicle is imported from another country
Correct answer: An owner cannot prove clear ownership through normal documentation
A bonded title is issued when someone can't produce standard proof of ownership, requiring a surety bond to protect against future claims.
Question 3: How does Maine handle the title for a vehicle purchased at a licensed dealership?
- The dealer keeps the title permanently
- The dealer submits title paperwork to the BMV on the buyer's behalf (Correct answer)
- The buyer must file for a title independently within 10 days
- No title is required for dealer sales
Correct answer: The dealer submits title paperwork to the BMV on the buyer's behalf
Licensed Maine dealers are required to process and submit title applications to the BMV on behalf of the buyer.
Question 4: What information is NOT typically found on a Maine vehicle title?
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Owner's name and address
- Vehicle's color
- Vehicle's insurance policy number (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Vehicle's insurance policy number
Insurance policy numbers are not recorded on the title; titles document ownership and lien information, not insurance.
Question 5: If you move to Maine from another state with a valid out-of-state title, you must:
- Keep your out-of-state title and register in Maine only
- Surrender your out-of-state title and obtain a Maine title (Correct answer)
- Retitle the vehicle only after two years of residency
- No action is required for out-of-state titles
Correct answer: Surrender your out-of-state title and obtain a Maine title
New Maine residents must surrender their out-of-state title and obtain a Maine title when registering the vehicle.
Question 6: Who is legally responsible for paying the title transfer fees when a vehicle is sold in Maine?
- Always the seller
- Always the buyer
- The party agreed upon in the bill of sale, but typically the buyer (Correct answer)
- Maine law requires the state to cover transfer fees
Correct answer: The party agreed upon in the bill of sale, but typically the buyer
By default the buyer pays title transfer fees, though the parties may negotiate otherwise in the bill of sale.
Question 7: What must appear on a Maine title for a vehicle jointly owned by two people?
- Only the primary owner's name
- Both owners' names connected by 'AND' or 'OR' (Correct answer)
- The names of all licensed drivers in the household
- Social Security numbers of both owners
Correct answer: Both owners' names connected by 'AND' or 'OR'
Joint ownership is shown by listing both names with 'AND' (requiring both signatures to sell) or 'OR' (either can sign).
ME DMV Vehicle Titles and Ownership 3
After a salvage-titled vehicle in Maine is repaired and passes inspection, what title does it receive?