Chickadee Plate Replacement
New Pine Tree Plate Design Coming May 1, Will Replace Chickadee Plate
This change will impact the majority of Maine residents.
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is introducing a brand-new state license plate design, the Pine Tree Plate, starting May 1, 2025. This change will impact the majority of Maine residents.
The transition to the new Pine Tree Plate will occur from May 2025 to April 2026. During this period, residents will gradually switch to the new design. If you renew your Chickadee plate registration and did not reserve your current Chickadee license plate number, you will receive a new plate with a new identification number at no additional charge.
All plates will be available for exchange except for the Lowspeed, Horseless Carriage, Bus, and Hire plates.
Residents who reserved their plate numbers and/or vanities will receive their plates and a letter from the Maine Department of the Secretary of State confirming as such up to four weeks prior to the expiration of their current registration. You must present the plates and letter for verification at the Clerk's Office to ensure the correct number/vanity has been received. Only those listed on the registration may renew at this time.
How to reserve your plate:
- Online: Use the plate reservation portal available up to 30 days prior to the registration due date.
- Rapid Renewal: Order your plate while re-registering your vehicle online. You will receive your plates, registration, and stickers in the mail.
- BMV Branch Office: Visit the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for locations and hours.
- Mail: Send in a Reserve Plate Application (MV-62).
Residents are encouraged to reserve their plates sooner rather than later; this reservation will cost $25, and you have until April 30, 2026, to do so.
Online registration will be disabled for the new Pine Tree Plates. You must come to the Clerk's Office in Town Hall to receive your new plates.
For more information, email [email protected] or call 624-9000 ext 52149.