29-250 C.M.R. ch. 102, § 4 - ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES OF TITLE FOR ABANDONED OR UNCLAIMED VEHICLES

In order for a person claiming ownership of an abandoned or unclaimed vehicle to obtain title of the vehicle, the following requirements must be met:

A. Person claiming ownership. The person claiming ownership shall:

1. Comply with 29 M.R.S.A. Section 1111 or 29 M. R.S.A. Section 895-A, whichever is applicable;

2. File an application for Maine title with the applicable fee; and

3. Submit documentation showing proof that he was unsuccessful in his attempt to notify the owner of the vehicle, via certified mail or by publication in a newspaper as required by 29 M.R.S.A. Section 1111 or 29 M. R.S.A. Section 895-A, that the vehicle is in his possession.

4. Submit a certificate, on a form provided by the Secretary of State, that the vehicle identification number of the vehicle was visually inspected by a person authorized by the Secretary of State.

B. Secretary of State. Upon receipt of an application for Maine title, the title feel the documentation described in subsection A, paragraph 3, and the certificate described in subsection A, paragraph 4, the Secretary of State shall:

1. Determine by whatever means he deems sufficient whether the vehicle has been reported stolen, investigate the report if any, and require the applicant to notify the owner or lien-holder by certified mail;

2. Conduct a search of his records for the address or addresses of the vehicle owner or lienholder and require the applicant to notify the owner or lienholder by certified mail; and

3. Issue a certificate of title to the applicant when satisfied that:

a. All reasonable attempts have been made to notify the owner or lienholder; and

b. The owner or lienholder cannot be found, has no interest in the vehicle, or has released his or her interest in the vehicle.

Notes

29-250 C.M.R. ch. 102, § 4