Maine: titling an imported car
Maine requires a VIN inspection for vehicles 25 model years and newer previously registered abroad, and does not require titles for older model years.
Sources checked 2026-10-17. Not legal advice; rules change.
At a glance
- Import ease (where verified): Process documented; 25-year treatment not stated in the sources read. Maine's BMV pages describe a VIN inspection for imports and an age-based title requirement, but no customs or compliance list was found.
- Kei / mini-truck: No kei or mini-truck rule found in the sources read. No kei or mini-truck rule found in the official pages read.
What the official sources say
- Maine BMV Form MVT-10: an inspection of the VIN is required for all vehicles 25 model years and newer that were previously registered or titled in another country, and whenever the VIN is questionable. The owner arranges it at no cost to the State. The inspector must copy the VIN from two places on the vehicle, including the number on the federal sticker.
Source: Maine BMV Form MVT-10: Inspection of Vehicle Identification Number - Authorized VIN inspectors: selected BMV employees and agents; full-time law enforcement officers; Maine and New Hampshire licensed dealers (only if seller of the vehicle); Maine official inspection stations; military provost officers.
Source: Maine BMV Form MVT-10 - Maine BMV: a title is required for vehicles with a model year within the last 25 years: as of January 1, 2026, model year 2001 or newer; as of January 1, 2027, model year 2002 or newer.
Source: Maine BMV: Titles
Not verified (do not rely on ImportClock for these)
- The BMV pages read do not list customs forms, HS-7, EPA 3520-1 or federal-compliance proof for imports, and do not say how an older untitled import is registered.
- No kei or mini-truck rule and no emissions rule were found.
- Title 29-A §654 appeared in search but was not read.