Moving out of Maine: plates, license, deadlines
The duties below bind a person leaving Maine. Each carries its source
and a visible verification date; expand any citation for the exact quoted
text. Verified Sep 2026.
Every quoted source on this page was found on a saved copy of its page dated Sep 26, 2026 or later.
Driver license address
binds: Person who, after applying for or receiving a driver's license or registration, moves from the address named in the application or on the license or registration issued, or changes name · verified Sep 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Sep 26, 2026 or later
Moves from the address named in the application or on the license or registration issued, or changes name
Who this covers, exactly
That person shall, within 30 days, notify the Secretary of State, in writing or by other means approved by the Secretary of State, of the old and new addresses or former and new names and of the number of the licenses and registrations held.
After applying for or receiving a driver's license or registration
note
The person notifies the Secretary of State, in writing or by other means approved by the Secretary of State, of the old and new addresses or former and new names and of the number of the licenses and registrations held.
Statute 29-A M.R.S. section 1407 verified Sep 2026
https://www.legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec1407.html
When a person, after applying for or receiving a driver's license or registration, moves from the address named in the application or on the license or registration issued or changes name, that person shall, within 30 days, notify the Secretary of State, in writing or by other means approved by the Secretary of State, of the old and new addresses or former and new names and of the number of the licenses and registrations held.
CDL transfer
binds: An applicant who is applying to transfer a CDL from one State of domicile to a new State of domicile · verified Sep 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Oct 6, 2026 or later
Establishing his/her new domicile
Who this covers, exactly
When applying to transfer a CDL from one State of domicile to a new State of domicile, an applicant must apply for a CDL from the new State of domicile within no more than 30 days after establishing his/her new domicile.
note
The applicant must surrender the CDL from the old State of domicile to the new State of domicile.
Plate return
binds: Owner of a registration certificate that is suspended, revoked, canceled or has expired, with no intention to renew or transfer within 6 months · verified Sep 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Sep 26, 2026 or later
Registration certificate is suspended, revoked, canceled or has expired and the owner has no intention to renew or transfer within 6 months
Who this covers, exactly
the owner shall remove the registration plates and forward them, along with the registration certificate, to the Secretary of State.
note
The owner forwards the registration plates and the registration certificate to the Secretary of State.
Statute 29-A M.R.S. section 463(3) verified Sep 2026
https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec463.html
When a registration certificate is suspended, revoked, canceled or has expired and the owner has no intention to renew or transfer within 6 months, the owner shall remove the registration plates and forward them, along with the registration certificate, to the Secretary of State.
Income part-year
binds: Individual who changes that individual's status as a resident individual or nonresident individual during the taxable year · verified Sep 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Sep 26, 2026 or later
Changes that individual's status as a resident individual or nonresident individual during the taxable year
Who this covers, exactly
the individual shall file a nonresident return pursuant to section 5220, subsection 2 (every nonresident individual who, pursuant to this Part, has a Maine individual income tax liability for the taxable year).
note
The individual shall file a nonresident return pursuant to section 5220, subsection 2.
Exceptions on record
36 M.R.S. section 5220(2)
Every nonresident individual who, pursuant to this Part, has a Maine individual income tax liability for the taxable year. An individual whose only Maine-source income is excluded from Maine adjusted gross income by the threshold contained in section 5142, subsection 8-B is not subject to taxation under this Part and need not file a return;
Homestead notice
binds: An owner of property receiving an exemption under this subchapter · verified Sep 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Sep 26, 2026 or later
Ownership or use of the property changes so as to change the qualification of the property for an exemption under this subchapter
Who this covers, exactly
An owner of property receiving an exemption under this subchapter shall notify the assessor promptly when the ownership or use of the property changes so as to change the qualification of the property for an exemption under this subchapter.
note
The owner notifies the assessor promptly of the change in ownership or use that changes the qualification of the property for the exemption.
Statute 36 M.R.S. section 684(4) verified Sep 2026
https://www.legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/36/title36sec684.html
An owner of property receiving an exemption under this subchapter shall notify the assessor promptly when the ownership or use of the property changes so as to change the qualification of the property for an exemption under this subchapter.
Watercraft notice
binds: Owner of a watercraft that has been issued a certificate of number · verified Sep 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Sep 26, 2026 or later
The permanent removal of the watercraft from the State; ... Any change in the owner's address
Who this covers, exactly
The owner of a watercraft that has been issued a certificate of number shall notify the commissioner in writing within 10 days of: ... The permanent removal of the watercraft from the State; ... Any change in the owner's address.
If missed
A person who violates subsection 12 commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged; a person who violates subsection 12 after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime.
$100, capped at $500 A person who violates subsection 12 commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged; a person who violates subsection 12 after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. 12 M.R.S. section 13056(12-A)(A),(B)
Statute 12 M.R.S. section 13056(12)(D)(2),(5) verified Sep 2026
https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/12/title12sec13056.html
The owner of a watercraft that has been issued a certificate of number shall notify the commissioner in writing within 10 days of: ... The permanent removal of the watercraft from the State; ... Any change in the owner's address.
Statute 12 M.R.S. section 13056(12-A)(A),(B) verified Sep 2026
https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/12/title12sec13056.html
A person who violates subsection 12 commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. ... A person who violates subsection 12 after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime.
Offroad removal notice
binds: Registrant of a snowmobile, or the registrant of an ATV · verified Sep 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Sep 26, 2026 or later
A snowmobile is destroyed, abandoned or permanently removed from the State, or an ATV is destroyed, abandoned, stolen or permanently removed from the State
Who this covers, exactly
A registrant shall notify the commissioner if a snowmobile is destroyed, abandoned or permanently removed from the State. The registrant shall notify the commissioner if an ATV is destroyed, abandoned, stolen or permanently removed from the State.
note
The registrant notifies the commissioner that the snowmobile or ATV is destroyed, abandoned, stolen or permanently removed from the State.
Watercraft sticker removal
binds: The person whose name appears on the certificate of number as the owner of a watercraft · verified Sep 2026 · quotes found on saved pages, Sep 26, 2026 or later
The watercraft is no longer used principally in the State
Who this covers, exactly
The person whose name appears on the certificate of number as the owner of a watercraft shall remove the number and validation stickers from the craft when: ... The watercraft is no longer used principally in the State
If missed
A person who violates subsection 12 commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged; a person who violates subsection 12 after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime.
$100, capped at $500 A person who violates subsection 12 commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged; a person who violates subsection 12 after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime. 12 M.R.S. section 13056(12-A)(A),(B)
Statute 12 M.R.S. section 13056(12)(F)(2) verified Sep 2026
https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/12/title12sec13056.html
The person whose name appears on the certificate of number as the owner of a watercraft shall remove the number and validation stickers from the craft when: ... The watercraft is no longer used principally in the State
Statute 12 M.R.S. section 13056(12-A)(A),(B) verified Sep 2026
https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/12/title12sec13056.html
A person who violates subsection 12 commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged. ... A person who violates subsection 12 after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime.
Duties people expect here that the cited law does not impose
Each of these is a claim commonly made about leaving Maine. Each was
checked against the provision named with it, and is not there. The
finding is bounded by that provision and says nothing about the rest of
Maine law.
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 26, 2026
Not in the cited law: Every Maine registrant must surrender registration plates or cancel vehicle registration solely because of moving out of Maine
What the cited law does instead. The reviewed registration cancellation provision makes surrender voluntary; the separate plate-return duty applies when a registration is suspended, revoked, canceled or expired and the owner has no intention to renew or transfer, not merely because of a move out of state
Related duty that does exist: plate return.
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 26, 2026
Not in the cited law: Every Maine vehicle titleholder must amend the certificate of title or letter of ownership with a new address upon moving out of Maine
What the cited law does instead. The reviewed certificate-of-title provision requires that a certificate of title contain the name and address of the owner, and states no duty to amend that address, or the title itself, upon a move
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 26, 2026
Not in the cited law: Every Maine nondriver identification card holder must notify the Secretary of State of a new address upon moving out of Maine, the same as a driver's license holder
What the cited law does instead. The nondriver identification card statute requires that each card contain the applicant's name and address, and states no duty to notify the Secretary of State of a new address upon a move
Related duty that does exist: driver license address.
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 26, 2026
Not in the cited law: Every Maine motorist must cancel or terminate motor vehicle liability insurance upon moving out of Maine
What the cited law does instead. The reviewed insurance-before-registration provision ties the insurance requirement to registering a vehicle in Maine, not to a departure or move-out event
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 26, 2026
Not in the cited law: Every Maine motorist must maintain Maine financial responsibility after moving out of Maine
What the cited law does instead. The reviewed financial-responsibility provision applies to an operator or owner of a vehicle registered in Maine or required to be registered in Maine, not to a person who has moved and no longer registers a vehicle in Maine
Statute 29-A M.R.S. section 1601(1) verified Sep 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec1601.html
An operator or owner of a vehicle registered in this State or required to be registered in this State shall maintain the amounts of motor vehicle financial responsibility specified in section 1605.
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 26, 2026
Not in the cited law: Every Maine motorist must obtain a final Maine safety inspection or cancel the inspection requirement upon moving out of Maine
What the cited law does instead. The reviewed inspection provision requires an annual inspection of a motor vehicle required to be registered in this State, except as provided in the chapter or section 2307, subsection 1; it states no inspection or cancellation act upon a move out of Maine
Statute 29-A M.R.S. section 1751(1) verified Sep 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec1751.html
Except as provided in this chapter or section 2307, subsection 1, a motor vehicle required to be registered in this State must have an annual inspection.
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 26, 2026
Not in the cited law: Every Maine vehicle owner must pay, notify or resolve motor vehicle excise tax with the municipality upon moving out of Maine
What the cited law does instead. The reviewed excise-tax provision ties the excise-tax payment on new registrations of automobiles, trucks and truck tractors to the registration, requiring payment prior to registration, not to a person's departure from Maine
Statute 36 M.R.S. section 1482(1) verified Sep 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/36/title36sec1482.html
On new registrations of automobiles, trucks and truck tractors, the excise tax payment must be made prior to registration and is for a one-year period from the date of registration.
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 26, 2026
Not in the cited law: Every Maine concealed-handgun permit holder must notify the issuing authority of a new address, or transfer or surrender the permit, upon moving out of Maine
What the cited law does instead. The reviewed permit-content provision states that an issued permit must contain the holder's name, address and physical description, signature, date of issuance and date of expiration; searches of the same permitting section for address-change, transfer and surrender language found no move-triggered duty
Statute 25 M.R.S. section 2003(9) verified Sep 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/25/title25sec2003.html
Each permit to carry concealed handguns issued must contain the following: The name, address and physical description of the permit holder; the holder's signature; the date of issuance; and the date of expiration.
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 26, 2026
Not in the cited law: Every registered Maine voter must give written notice to the registrar upon moving outside Maine
What the cited law does instead. The reviewed voter change-of-address provision applies when a voter's name is changed or when the voter moves within a municipality; it states no notice duty for a voter who moves outside Maine
Statute 21-A M.R.S. section 129 verified Sep 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/21-A/title21-Asec129.html
Notwithstanding subchapter 9, when a voter's name is changed by marriage or other process of law or when the voter moves within a municipality, the following provisions apply. ... The voter must give written notice to the registrar of the voter's new and former names or addresses before the close of registrations prior to election day or provide notice through the online voter registration application.
not a duty · verified Sep 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Sep 26, 2026
Not in the cited law: Every Maine motorist must obtain an enhanced inspection upon moving out of Maine
What the cited law does instead. The reviewed provision requires an enhanced inspection of a motor vehicle that is required to be registered in Cumberland County and that is subject to inspection pursuant to subsection 1; it states no inspection act upon a move out of Maine
Statute 29-A M.R.S. section 1751(2-A) verified Sep 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec1751.html
a motor vehicle that is required to be registered in Cumberland County and that is subject to inspection pursuant to subsection 1 must have an annual enhanced inspection.
not a duty · verified Oct 2026 · quote found on a saved page, Oct 4, 2026
Not in the cited law: Every Maine motorist must obtain an identification number inspection upon moving out of Maine
What the cited law does instead. The reviewed provision directs the Secretary of State to check the identification number in an application for a certificate of title or certificate of salvage; it states no identification number inspection act upon a move out of Maine
Statute 29-A M.R.S. section 656 verified Oct 2026
This finding is about the provision named here and claims nothing
beyond it.
https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec656.html
Upon receiving an application for a certificate of title or certificate of salvage, the Secretary of State shall check the identification number in the application against the records of certificates issued and of stolen or converted vehicles.