Vehicle registration in Maine generally requires payment of an excise tax to the municipality in which the vehicle is kept and a registration fee to the State of Maine. Because the Town of Skowhegan acts as a re-registration agent for the State, most re-registrations and many first-time registrations are processed by the Town eliminating the need for a separate transaction with the State.

Re-Registrations:

Requirements for re-registration of a motor vehicle include:

• Current Registration
• Proof of Insurance (generally a valid insurance card)
• Vehicle Mileage from Odometer Reading
• Re-registrations may be completed in-person, by-mail, or online.

You can now re-register your vehicle online with Rapid Renewal! Just click here to get started!

First-Time Registrations (First-time registered in Maine by you)

First-time registrations must be performed in-person at the Municipal Building.

Requirements if Purchased from Dealer or Private Sale:

• Dealer Invoice or Bill of Sale.
• Manufacturer's Window Sticker (if vehicle is new).
• Maine Sales Tax Form.
• Maine Title Application.
• Proof of Insurance (generally a valid insurance card).
• Vehicle Mileage from Odometer Reading.
• Current Registration (if transferring plates from your current vehicle).
• Previous Owner's Title and Lien Release (if purchased in private sale).
• Estates - If the vehicle is purchased or acquired from an estate, additional documentation is required. Please call ahead.

Requirements if Previously Registered to You in Another State:

• Title from state where last registered.
• Registration from state where last registered.
• Proof of Insurance meeting requirements of Maine law.
• Vehicle Mileage from Odometer Reading.

Vehicle Excise Tax

Unless exempt, the payment of an excise tax is required in order to register a vehicle. The amount of the tax is based on the maker's list price when new (manufacturer's suggested retail price) and the current age of the vehicle. The tax is equal to $24.00 dollars per thousand on each dollar of the maker's list price for the first or current year of model, $17.50 per thousand for the second year, $13.50 per thousand for the third year, $10 per thousand for the fourth year, $6.50 per thousand for the fifth year and $4.00 per thousand for the sixth and succeeding years. The minimum tax on a motor vehicle is $5.00. Excise tax is retained by the municipality and may be appropriated for any purpose for which a municipality may appropriate money.