Starting May 1, 2025, all chickadee license plates will no longer be issued and will be replaced for those who currently hold the chickadee design, including those that are vanity and low digit. Samples of the Pine Tree and No Tree plate option are at the bottom of this article.

Why are the plates changing?

In 2023, State Legislature gave the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicle until May 1, 2025 to design and issue a new plate to replace all current chickadee plates. The last reissuance was in 1999 and may chickadee plates are old, in disrepair, or have lost their reflectivity.

Which plates are changing?

Any plates that currently have a chickadee on them will be changing. This includes, passenger, commercial, antique, disability, combination, motor home, custom vehicle, bus, farm, commercial tractor, tractor, special equipment, hire, low-speed, horseless carriage, and street rod. The town of Etna will be temporarily carrying plates which we don’t normally carry in order to replace the plates at time of renewal (i.e. disability plates).

What if I don’t want either the Pine Tree or No Tree Plate?

If you don’t want either the Pine Tree or No Tree plate, you may choose to upgrade your plates to a specialty plate for the specialty plate fee of $20, with an annual renewal fee of $15. Examples of specialty plates are: Agriculture, Animal Welfare, Breast Cancer Awareness, Conservation, Lighthouse Trust, Lobster, and Sportsman.

What if I want to keep the same number/saying that I have on my plate?

If you have a vanity plate, low digit plate, or simply want to keep the same plate number, you may reserve the number for a one-time fee of $25. To reserve your number on one of the new style plates, you can either obtain a paper form at the town office or visit https://apps1.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/bmv/rapid-renewal/reservation/start . You will receive your plates in the mail approximately one month before they are due to be renewed. You MUST bring your reserved plates into the town office at time of renewal to be able to use them.

What if I don’t care what number plate I receive? 

If you don’t care about keeping your same plate number, the Town of Etna will give you a new plate from our inventory at the time of renewal.

Do I have to wait for time of renewal to get the new plate?

Yes and no. You may visit the town office and receive a new plate before your time of renewal, but you will have to pay an $11 plate change fee. There is no fee if you wait to change the plate at time of renewal.

Thank you in advance for your patience during this transition! If you have any questions, call the town office at 207-269-3551.