Car ownership costs in Maine
What it costs to own a car in Maine beyond the sticker price - sales tax, annual registration, vehicle property tax, inspection requirements, and title fee.
- Vehicle sales tax
- 5.5%
- Maine levies its general 5.5% state sales/use tax on motor vehicle purchases (collected as use tax at registration if the dealer didn't collect it). Maine has NO local/county sales taxes, so 5.5% is the total rate statewide. Trade-in value reduces the taxable price (tax applies to the difference) when buying from a dealer.
Sales tax: source checked · 2026-Q2 Official source
- Annual registration fee
- ~$35/yr
- Maine's base passenger-vehicle (class "PC") registration fee is a flat $35 per year, renewed annually. Separately, an annual municipal excise tax (value/age-based, see vehiclePropertyTaxNotes) must be paid to the town before registration, and a $8 agent fee/plate-related fees may apply.
Registration fee: source checked · 2026-Q2 Official source
- Vehicle property tax
- Yes — annual tax on vehicle value
- Maine charges an annual motor-vehicle excise tax paid to the town of residence, computed by multiplying the vehicle's original MSRP by an age-declining mill rate (24 mills year 1 down to 4 mills year 6+), which functions as an annual ad valorem/value-based vehicle tax.
Vehicle property tax: source checked · 2026-Q2 Official source
- State inspection
- Required
- Maine requires an annual statewide safety inspection for all motor vehicles, plus an additional annual emissions (OBD) test for vehicles registered in Cumberland County.
Inspection rule: source checked · 2026-Q2 Official source
- Title fee
- ~$33
- One-time fee at purchase. Amount may vary.
- Example: $35,000 vehicle
- Sales tax: $1,925
- + $35/yr registration + annual property tax
How state fees affect your car's true cost in Maine
When you buy a vehicle in Maine, the first state cost you'll face is the sales tax of 5.5%. On a $35,000 vehicle, that's roughly $1,925 due at the time of purchase — in addition to the dealer's price.
After the purchase, Maine charges an estimated $35 per year to register the vehicle. Maine's base passenger-vehicle (class "PC") registration fee is a flat $35 per year, renewed annually. Separately, an annual municipal excise tax (value/age-based, see vehiclePropertyTaxNotes) must be paid to the town before registration, and a $8 agent fee/plate-related fees may apply.
Maine also levies an annual personal property tax on vehicles. The amount depends on your vehicle's assessed value and your local jurisdiction. Maine charges an annual motor-vehicle excise tax paid to the town of residence, computed by multiplying the vehicle's original MSRP by an age-declining mill rate (24 mills year 1 down to 4 mills year 6+), which functions as an annual ad valorem/value-based vehicle tax. This recurring cost can add hundreds of dollars per year for newer or more expensive vehicles.
Maine requires periodic vehicle inspections. Maine requires an annual statewide safety inspection for all motor vehicles, plus an additional annual emissions (OBD) test for vehicles registered in Cumberland County. Inspection fees are typically $20–$70 depending on the station and vehicle type.
Calculate your full 5-year ownership cost in Maine
The TCO calculator pre-fills Maine's sales tax and registration fee. Add your purchase price, loan terms, fuel type, and insurance to see the complete picture.
Open TCO calculatorFrequently asked questions
What is the car sales tax in Maine?
The vehicle sales tax rate in Maine is 5.5%. On a $35,000 vehicle that works out to roughly $1,925 at the time of purchase. Maine levies its general 5.5% state sales/use tax on motor vehicle purchases (collected as use tax at registration if the dealer didn't collect it). Maine has NO local/county sales taxes, so 5.5% is the total rate statewide. Trade-in value reduces the taxable price (tax applies to the difference) when buying from a dealer.
How much is vehicle registration in Maine?
The estimated annual vehicle registration fee in Maine is around $35 per year. Maine's base passenger-vehicle (class "PC") registration fee is a flat $35 per year, renewed annually. Separately, an annual municipal excise tax (value/age-based, see vehiclePropertyTaxNotes) must be paid to the town before registration, and a $8 agent fee/plate-related fees may apply.
Does Maine have a vehicle property tax?
Yes. Maine levies an annual personal property tax on vehicles. The rate varies by locality and vehicle value. Maine charges an annual motor-vehicle excise tax paid to the town of residence, computed by multiplying the vehicle's original MSRP by an age-declining mill rate (24 mills year 1 down to 4 mills year 6+), which functions as an annual ad valorem/value-based vehicle tax.
Is a vehicle inspection required in Maine?
Yes. Maine requires periodic vehicle safety (and in some areas emissions) inspections. Maine requires an annual statewide safety inspection for all motor vehicles, plus an additional annual emissions (OBD) test for vehicles registered in Cumberland County.
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