Motor Vehicles
RENEWAL REGISTRATIONS:
The office is authorized to issue renewal registrations for automobiles, combination vehicles, handicapped, firefighter, motorcycles, mopeds, trailer, tractors, special equipment, special mobile equipment, stock cars, antique autos, horseless carriages, street rods, mobile homes, and trucks registered for the same gross weight as the previous year. Residents may also renew registrations online with the Rapid Renewal program through the Secretary of State's office.
Below is a list of the things that you must provide at the time of your registration renewal:
1. Proof of insurance
2. Prior Registration
3. Current Mileage
NEW REGISTRATIONS:
In processing new registrations for vehicles that are bought through a private sale, the Town is authorized to collect sales tax and process Maine Title Applications. Below is a list of the things that you must provide at the time of your new registration.
1. A bill of sale that includes the year, make, model, VIN number, the date of the sale, and amount paid. This must be signed by the seller.
2. If the vehicle year is 1995 or newer, the title from the former owner is needed, the back must be filled out to the new owner and signed by the former owner.
3. Proof of Insurance Coverage on the new car. Proof of Insurance shall consist of the following information: year, make, VIN number of the car and the effective and expiration date of your policy).
To process a new registration for a vehicle that was bought through a Maine dealer the following is needed:
1. Application for Maine Title from the dealer.
2. Invoice showing sales tax paid (if paid).
3. Proof of Insurance Coverage on the new car. Proof of Insurance shall consist of the following information: year, make, VIN number of the car and the effective and expiration date of your policy on the new car.
JUST MOVE TO POWNAL?
Individuals moving to the Town of Pownal from within the state must, within 10 days, come to the office and have an address change completed on their vehicle registration (no charge).
To have your Driver's License address changed you must contact a branch of the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
If you are moving to the Town of Pownal from another state, within 30 days of residency, by State law, you must register your vehicles at the Town Office. Below is a list of the things you will need to bring with you:
1. The previous state registration.
2.The title to the vehicle from the previous state where you resided.
3. Proof of Insurance Coverage as required by the State of Maine. Proof of Insurance shall consist of the following information: year, make, VIN number of the car and the effective and expiration date of your policy.
EXCISE TAX:
Excise Tax is an annual tax that must be paid prior to registering your vehicle. Except for a few statutory exemptions, all vehicles registered in the State of Maine are subject to the Excise Tax.
Excise Tax is defined by State Statute as a tax levied annually for the privilege of operating a motor vehicle or camper trailer on the public ways.
WHERE DO I PAY THE EXCISE TAX?
Excise Tax is paid at the local town office where the owner of the vehicle resides. When a vehicle needs to be registered, an excise tax is collected prior to the registration.
HOW MUCH IS THE EXCISE TAX?
The amount of tax is determined by two things:
The age of the vehicle
MSRP (manufactured suggested retail price)
HOW IS THE EXCISE TAX CALCULATED?
Excise Tax is calculated by multiplying the MSRP by the mil rate as shown below. The rates drop back on January 1st of each year.
YEAR 1 .0240 mil rate
YEAR 2 .0175 mil rate
YEAR 3 .0135 mil rate
YEAR 4 .0100 mil rate
YEAR 5 .0065 mil rate
YEAR 6 .0040 mil rate
For example, a 5 year old car with an MSRP of $36,000 would pay $234.00.
WHERE DOES THE EXCISE TAX GO?
The town that collects the excise tax can use it as revenue towards the annual town budget. Typically, the revenue is spent on local road maintenance, construction and repair.
WHY IS THE TAX BASED ON MSRP?
Excise Tax was designed with equity in mind. In 1925, this tax was enacted as a Maine Law. At that time, the Legislature decided that the fairest tax assessment would be based on what the manufacturer suggests it sell for.
This law remained in effect for over 80 years to ensure that everyone who drives the same vehicle pay the same amount of tax.