You’re driving down I-95, and you see it. That faded, peeling Chickadee plate on the Subaru in front of you. It’s a classic, sure. But honestly? It’s also becoming a safety hazard.
Maine is currently in the middle of a massive "rolling replate." If you've been clinging to that bird, your time is almost up. By May 2026, the Chickadee will be officially retired from the road.
Most people think they just have to take whatever the town office hands them. That is a mistake.
You actually have a ton of control over what sits on your bumper. From the brand-new 1901-inspired Pine Tree design to supporting local loons or even snagging a vanity plate that makes people chuckle at the stoplight, the choices are deeper than you’d think.
The Great Chickadee Retirement
Maine doesn’t change its standard plate often. In fact, the Chickadee has been the go-to since 1999. Twenty-five years. That’s an eternity in the world of reflective sheeting.
Why the change now? Basically, the plates are wearing out. The reflective material doesn't last forever, and law enforcement—along with those automated toll gantry cameras on the Turnpike—need to be able to read your numbers in the dark.
The state started the transition on May 1, 2025. If your registration is up for renewal right now, you’re in the hot seat.
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You have two "Standard" choices:
- The Pine Tree & Star: This is the new heavy hitter. It’s based on the 1901 Maine state flag. It features a simple green pine tree and a blue North Star. It’s clean. It’s heritage-focused. It’s very "Maine."
- The Classic (No Tree): If you hate graphics, this is for you. It’s just black or blue text on a plain white background. No trees. No birds. Just the facts.
Pro Tip: If you want to keep your current Chickadee number—maybe you’ve had it since the 90s—you have to pay a $25 reservation fee. If you don't care, the BMV will just hand you a random new number for free.
The Specialty Plate Scene: More Than Just Loons
If the standard tree feels a bit too "everyone else," Maine offers a long list of specialty plates. These aren't just for looks; they fund specific causes. You’ll pay an extra $20 the first time you get one, and then $15 every year you renew.
The Agriculture Plate is a huge favorite in rural counties. It’s got that golden harvest look and helps fund Maine Agriculture in the Classroom.
Then there’s the Conservation Plate. You know the one—it has the loon. It’s arguably the most beautiful plate we’ve ever had. Proceeds go to the Maine Environmental Trust Fund.
Other popular specialty options:
- Support Animal Welfare: Features a cat and a dog. If you’re a rescue advocate, this is the one.
- Main Lobster: It’s a bright red lobster. Very popular with tourists, but locals rock it too. It helps the Lobster Institute.
- University of Maine: Perfect for Orono grads. Plus, there’s a Black Bear version that looks surprisingly aggressive in a cool way.
- Breast Cancer Awareness: A pink-themed plate where the money goes toward screening and support services.
- Maine Lighthouse Trust: If you’re a coastal soul, this helps preserve our historic beacons.
The Vanity Plate Rules are Changing (Sorta)
Maine used to be the "Wild West" of vanity plates. You’ve probably seen the photos online—plates that would make a sailor blush.
A few years ago, the state finally stepped in. The Secretary of State now has the power to reject or recall plates that are considered "obscene" or "encourage violence."
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But you can still be clever.
The Nitty-Gritty on Vanity Formats:
For a standard passenger car, you get up to seven characters. You can use letters, numbers, a dash, or a space.
- Starting with a number: If your plate has fewer than seven characters, it must start with a letter.
- The Seven-Character Rule: If you go for the full seven, you can mix numbers and letters however you want, provided there is at least one letter in there.
- The "O" vs. "0" Headache: You cannot start a plate with a zero or the letter "O" followed only by numbers.
Important: If you want a vanity version of a specialty plate (like a Loon plate that says "HOME"), you’re usually capped at six characters instead of seven.
Antique and Veteran Plates: Know Your Rights
If you’re a veteran, Maine has some of the most respectful plate options in the country. There are specific plates for Purple Heart recipients, Pearl Harbor survivors, and even Gold Star families.
For many veterans, the registration fee is even waived or significantly reduced. For example, a veteran who is 100% service-connected disabled is exempt from registration fees and excise tax.
The Antique Auto Update
If you have a classic car in the garage, pay attention. The rules for "Antique" plates changed recently.
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To qualify for an antique plate in 2026, your vehicle generally needs to be at least 35 years old. It used to be 25 years, but the legislature bumped it up to prevent people from using "Antique" plates on their daily drivers just to skip the safety inspection.
The Catch: You cannot use an antique-plated car as your primary transportation. It’s for exhibitions, club activities, and occasional pleasure trips. If the cops catch you commuting to work in a 1988 Volvo with antique plates every day, they might have words with you.
Don't Forget the Front Plate
While you're picking out your fancy new Pine Tree design, remember that Maine is a two-plate state.
There’s always talk in the legislature about moving to a "rear-only" system like Florida or Tennessee, but it hasn't happened. You must have one on the front and one on the back.
Failure to display that front plate is a quick way to get pulled over. It’s an easy "secondary" offense that can lead to a fine, and with the new 2026 plate rollout, law enforcement is definitely looking for compliance.
Practical Next Steps for Your New Plates
- Check your expiration date: Look at the sticker on your current Chickadee plate. If it expires this month, you're up.
- Visit the BMV Online: You can actually search for vanity plate availability on the Maine.gov website before you ever step foot in a town office. It’s free to search.
- Excise Tax first: In Maine, you almost always have to pay your local town's excise tax before you can finish the registration with the state.
- Decide on the $25: Do you love your current random string of letters? If so, go to the "Pine Tree Plate" reservation portal immediately. If you wait until the month of your renewal, you might face a delay in getting the physical plates mailed to you.
- Recycle the old ones: When you get your new plates, don't just throw the old ones in the trash. Most town offices have a bin specifically for the old Chickadee plates so the aluminum can be recycled properly.
Maine's roads are going to look very different by the end of this year. Whether you go for the North Star or a custom vanity, just make sure you’re legal before that May 2026 deadline hits.