What to do with Alabama plates after moving to Maine
The answer can be return, cancel, destroy, recycle, or keep. Follow the reviewed Alabama instruction only after the Maine registration and insurance handoff are safe.
Complete the replacement record
Convert the vehicle title and registration within 30 days after establishing Maine residency. Pay the municipal excise tax before completing the registration through the municipality or BMV.
Bring proof of Maine motor-vehicle insurance to the registration transaction and keep prior-state coverage active until the old registration is safely closed.
Keep proof of the new registration for Alabama insurance notices
After the destination registration is active, you may voluntarily surrender the Alabama plate. Keep the new registration receipt or title; if Alabama sends a mandatory-liability-insurance verification notice, respond through MyDMV with that proof.
Open the official Alabama instructionReviewed 2026-07-31- 1. Activate acceptable destination coverage
Confirm the effective date with the new insurer.
- 2. Register in Maine
Keep the issued registration or official receipt.
- 3. Complete the Alabama plate action
Keep the surrender, cancellation, mailing, destruction, or retention record the state provides.
- 4. End or rewrite the old policy
Ask the insurer to use dates that do not create an uncovered active registration.
Sources for this closeout sequence
- Alabama DOR: Out-of-state registration and plate handlingChecked 2026-07-31 ↗InsuranceExit closeout
- Maine BMV: Register a passenger vehicleChecked 2026-07-31 ↗RegistrationInsuranceTitle / lienTax / fees