Can I deduct a trade-in on a private car purchase in Maine?

Yes. Under 36 M.R.S. § 1765, when vehicles in the same category are traded in toward the purchase of another vehicle, sales tax is assessed only on the net difference between the purchase price and trade-in allowance.

What is the Maine municipal excise tax?

Under 36 M.R.S. § 1482, municipalities levy an annual personal property excise tax based on the vehicle's original MSRP (maker's list price). Rates scale from 24 mills ($24 per $1,000) for current model year vehicles down to 4 mills ($4 per $1,000) for vehicles 6 model years old or older.

How much does it cost to title and register a car in Maine?

The state certificate of title fee is $33.00 and the standard annual passenger registration fee is $35.00, paid to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) after paying municipal excise tax.

Verified for 2026 Maine Statutory Rates

Maine Private Party Vehicle Tax, Tags & Title Calculator

Calculate your true first-year out-of-pocket costs for a private vehicle sale in Maine. Accurately accounts for 5.5% excise/sales tax, $33 certificate of title fee, 1 or 2-year tag registration, and state-specific regulations.

Vehicle & Transaction Details

Enter purchase information to calculate true out-of-pocket costs in Maine.

State of Registration5 Regional States Active

Vehicle Type

Purchase Price (Agreed Sale Price)Maine 5.5% tax base

Vehicle Model Year7 years old

Vehicle Weight ClassificationClass A Passenger

Registration TermMaine tag options

Powertrain / Fuel TypeEV surcharge rules

Financing & Lien FilingLien fee: $0.00

Trade-in Value (Optional)Maine: Deductible

Maine Statute: Maine allows trade-in value on private sales to be deducted from the purchase price before applying the 5.50% fee.

Official Notice & Statutory Disclaimers

Estimates only — not tax or legal advice. Verify with Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and Maine Revenue Services.

Maine charges a 5.5% state sales tax on private vehicle sales; local municipal excise tax is paid annually at your town office.

Trade-in allowance reduces the taxable purchase base when exchanging comparable vehicles.

County & Local Tax Note: Maine has no local sales tax. However, under 36 M.R.S. § 1482, municipalities collect an annual personal property Excise Tax based on vehicle maker's list price and age (24 mills down to 4 mills for 6th model year and older) prior to registration.

Estimated Total Breakdown

First-Year Out-of-Pocket Cost

Jurisdiction

Maine

Total True First-Year Cost

$893.00

Sales/Excise Tax + Title Certificate + Tags & Registration

Itemized Line ItemEstimated Fee

1Vehicle Sales / Excise Tax (5.5%)

Calculated at 5.5% on taxable base of $15,000

$825.00

2Certificate of Title Fee

Standard state title certificate issuance

$33.00

3Lien / Security Filing Fee

Unfinanced / cash purchase (waived $0.00)

$0.00

4Registration & Tag Fee

Base license plates & tags

$35.00

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Frequently Asked Questions

Maine Private Vehicle Sales & Tag Rules

Essential statutory answers regarding MVA excise taxes, titling requirements, and tag renewal fees.

Maine levies a uniform 5.5% sales and use tax on private party motor vehicle purchases under 36 M.R.S. § 1764, collected when the buyer registers the vehicle.