Question 1

Is RETIRED available in Maine?

Accepted Answer

No, the vanity plate "RETIRED" is currently taken in Maine. You can add it to your PlateHog watchlist to get notified if it becomes available. Plates sometimes open up when owners let registrations lapse or transfer to a new vehicle.

Question 2

How much does a vanity plate cost in Maine?

Accepted Answer

A personalized plate in Maine costs $15 initially plus $15 per year for renewal. Also available on the popular lobster specialty plate.

Question 3

Can I check vanity plate availability in Maine online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PlateHog connects directly to the Maine DMV system and returns real-time availability results in under 2 seconds. You can also check on the official state portal at Maine BMV Vanity.

Question 4

How long does it take to get a vanity plate in Maine?

Accepted Answer

After your plate text is approved, expect 3-6 weeks for production and delivery. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee.

Question 5

What characters are allowed on Maine vanity plates?

Accepted Answer

Maine vanity plates allow 2 to 7 characters using letters and numbers only. No spaces or special characters are permitted.

Question 6

How do I order a vanity plate in Maine?

Accepted Answer

First, check availability using PlateHog to make sure your desired text is open. Then visit the Maine DMV website to submit your application and pay the $15 fee. Your plate will be mailed to you within 3-6 weeks.

Question 7

Why is Maine's lobster plate so popular?

Accepted Answer

Maine's lobster specialty plate has been issued continuously since 1995 and is one of the most recognizable specialty plates in the US. Proceeds — about $5 of every annual renewal — fund the University of Maine's marine research programs and lobster conservation initiatives. You can combine the lobster design with a personalized text combo for the same $15 vanity fee plus the lobster plate surcharge.

Question 8

Does Maine review vanity plate applications by hand?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Maine's Bureau of Motor Vehicles reviews every personalized plate application against an internal list of banned words and patterns, then routes ambiguous cases to a small review committee. Maine has been featured in news stories about controversial plate recalls — the BMV occasionally revokes already-issued plates after public complaints, with the most famous case being a multi-year court battle over a recalled plate that ended in 2018.

Question 9

Can I order a Maine vanity plate without visiting a BMV office?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Maine offers fully online vanity plate ordering through the BMV's website. You'll need your vehicle registration information, a credit card for the $15 fee, and your desired plate text. Approval typically takes 1-2 weeks, and the plate is mailed directly to your address. Walk-in BMV office processing is available but adds a small surcharge.

Is RETIRED available in Maine?

Maine Vanity Plate Rules

Frequently Asked Questions