What Are Maine Vanity Plates?
A vanity plate (also called a personalized plate) is a license plate where you choose the letter and number combination instead of accepting a random one issued by the state. In Maine, vanity plates have long been a cultural staple — the state issues more personalized plates per capita than almost anywhere else in the U.S., partly because the application process has historically been inexpensive and lightly regulated.
You can request a Maine vanity plate through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) for an additional annual fee on top of your standard registration. Approved combinations appear on the same base plate design as standard Maine plates, including the popular chickadee design.
Maine Vanity Plate Rules and Character Limits
Maine allows up to 7 characters on a passenger vanity plate, including letters, numbers, and spaces. You cannot use punctuation like hyphens, periods, or symbols. Combinations must be unique — if someone already has the plate you want, you'll need to pick something else.
For years, Maine was nearly the only state with no content-based restrictions on vanity plates, leading to plates that wouldn't fly elsewhere. That changed in 2022, when the Maine Legislature passed a law allowing the Secretary of State to recall plates considered obscene, vulgar, profane, or that incite violence. Since then, the BMV has recalled hundreds of previously approved plates.
What's No Longer Allowed
- Profanity or vulgar language
- Sexual references
- Slurs targeting race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation
- References to illegal drugs or violence
- Anything misleading (like impersonating law enforcement)
If your plate is recalled, you'll receive a letter from the BMV with instructions to choose a new combination.
How to Apply for a Maine Vanity Plate
- Check availability. Use the Maine BMV's online plate lookup tool to see if your desired combination is already taken.
- Complete the application. You can apply online through the BMV's Rapid Renewal system or fill out a paper Vanity Plate Application.
- Pay the fee. Maine charges roughly $25 per year on top of standard registration for a vanity plate (fees may vary slightly by plate type).
- Wait for delivery. Approved plates typically arrive by mail within a few weeks.
Creative Maine Vanity Plate Ideas
If you're brainstorming, here are categories Mainers commonly use:
- Local pride: 207, MAINAH, DOWNEAST, PINETRE
- Outdoor life: MOOSE, LOBSTAH, KAYAKR, HIKEME
- Inside jokes: AYUH, WICKED, CHOWDA
- Personal initials and nicknames: JSMITH3, NANA207
- Hobbies and careers: NURSE1, GUITARS, FISHN
Remember: shorter and easier to read tends to make a better plate. If your friends can't pronounce it at a glance, it might be too clever.
Vanity Plates vs. Specialty Plates in Maine
It's worth understanding the difference. A vanity plate means you personalize the characters. A specialty plate is a different plate design that supports a cause or affiliation — like the Maine Lobster plate, Conservation plate (loon), University of Maine plate, or veterans' plates. You can often combine the two: get a specialty design and personalize the letters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Maine vanity plates cost?
Expect to pay around $25 per year on top of your normal registration fees. Specialty plate designs may have additional costs that support the associated cause.
Can my vanity plate be recalled after I've had it for years?
Yes. Since the 2022 law, the BMV has reviewed and recalled older plates that violate current standards. You'll be notified by mail and given time to choose a replacement.
Can I transfer my vanity plate to a new vehicle?
Yes. Maine allows you to keep your vanity combination and transfer it to another vehicle you own when you register the new car.
What if someone has a vanity plate I want to contact about?
You can perform a Maine license plate lookup on PlateQuery to leave a message for the registered owner without exposing any private information.
Final Takeaway
Maine vanity plates are a fun way to express your personality on the road, but the rules have tightened — so pick a combination that's clever, clear, and within the current guidelines. Whether you're chasing a witty 7-character phrase or honoring your hometown, the BMV makes the process straightforward.
And if you ever spot a memorable Maine plate — maybe you want to compliment a clever combo, alert an owner about a parking issue, or report a concern about a vehicle — PlateQuery lets you contact a vehicle owner through their plate number. You can also look up a Maine plate or claim your own vanity plate's profile so people can reach you directly.