FAQ

1. What types of permits can I obtain using the online service?

Permits for single trips in the State of Maine (Maine Only permits), return trips within the State of Maine, and Multi-State permits may be obtained using the online service. Long-term permits must still be obtained through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Main Office (207-624-9000 ext. 52134).

2. What do I need a permit for and what can I move?

You need a permit for non-divisible over dimensional and overweight vehicles and loads which are loads exceeding the size and weight limits established in Title 29-A. Overlimit permits are not granted for divisible loads.

3. What is the cost of obtaining a permit?

The fee for a permit ranges greatly and is dependent on the type of permit and on the amount by which the vehicle (or combination of vehicles) length, width, height, and/or weight exceeds the legal limits. Fees for over-dimensional and overweight non-divisible loads are established by Rule pursuant to Title 29A, Section 2382, Maine Revised Statutes (see Chapter 156 of the Rules for the Secretary of State).

4. What is the cost of using the online service for instant permits?

There will be an administrative fee of $2.00 for InforME's services in addition to the actual permit fee. Customers who choose to use InforME's subscriber service are charged an annual $75.00 fee.

5. What is an "Instant Permit" fee?

Maine BMV charges a three dollar administrative fee to issue "instant" permits over the telephone. Instant permits are issued only to BMV account holders who must by a book of twenty-five instant permits for seventy-five dollars. Instant Permit accounts then are billed monthly for their permits. Instant permits are completed over the phone, and copies must be mailed in to the Overlimit Permit Unit. The BMV also charges a three dollar administrative fee to fax permits.

Users of this online permit service pay a two dollar service fee to INFORME instead of the three dollar BMV instant permit fee.

6. How do I pay for this permit?

Any user can pay by credit card. InforME subscribers can choose to charge the permit to their subscriber account. InforME will bill subscriber accounts monthly.

7. What is the turnaround time for approval of permits? (The amount of time from when I apply for a permit, to when it is approved and I can get my permit.)

The turnaround time depends on when the permit is applied for and when the BMV accepts it. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles Overlimit Permits Unit will review online permits continually from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., M-F. In most cases, it should take approximately 20 minutes for a response from the BMV. The Unit's workload, as well as traffic on the Internet can affect turnaround time.

8. What information do I have to have in order to complete the application for a permit?

You will need to have the following information: name and address of carrier; an email address; a USDOT number (if required to have one); a Federal Identification Number (EIN or SSN); the height, weight, and length of the vehicle and load; the weight of the vehicle and load; the registration numbers for the power unit and the trailer (if applicable); the number of axles on each unit; the origin and destination for the move; the proposed travel route; and the date on which the move will take place. [Please note: the vehicle must be properly registered and have adequate insurance.]

9. Can I make changes or corrections to permits I have already submitted? And how?

You can edit your information before submitting the permit. You can also modify permits once they have been accepted by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and sent back to you. The system will save your information if you are a subscriber, and if you have not hit the submission button. After submission, the BMV will accept the permit, modify, or deny it. Once BMV has made a decision, you will receive an email. At this time, if the permit application has been accepted or modified, you must accept or modify it yourself. If modified, it will go back to the BMV for approval until both the BMV and you agree on the information on the permit.

10. Can I update a permit?

You can not update a permit using the online system; however, you may contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Overlimit Permit Unit (207-624-9000 ext. 52134) and they can update information, if updating the permit won't affect your fee. In some cases, it may be easier to void the original permit and start over.

11. Can I get a permit for someone else?

You may get a permit for someone else as long as you have all the information in order to obtain the permit. The permit must be in the legal name of the permittee. Unauthorized alteration of a permit will invalidate the permit, and subject the permittee to legal action under the statutes governing fraud or falsification on applications and documents.

12. Can I get permits during off-hours? (meaning when the office is closed)

You may apply for a permit during off-hours, but it will not be accepted by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles until office hours Monday through Friday 7:30a.m. to 5p.m.

13. What is a USDOT number and do I need one?

A USDOT number is also known as a "census number" and means the carrier number provided under CFR 49 Subpart B Section 390.21 Subsection (B) (3). All carriers are required to have a USDOT number if they weigh over 26,000 lbs.; however, the system forces an entry into the DOT number field even if you don't need one. The system needs a number in order to complete your application; therefore, if you are not required to have a USDOT number, please enter "none" into the field. However, if you have a DOT number, please enter it into the field. It will show up in the system as a 7-digit number even if you only enter less than that. If the number is less than 7-digits, the system will precede your number with the right amount of zeros.

14. When is the permit valid?

The permit is valid from the move date, which must be during daylight hours and only Monday through Thursday. The permit expires 5 business days from the effective date (i.e. the date of the move).

15. When can I move loads exceeding the legal limits?

Oversized loads may travel on the Maine Turnpike from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset (daylight hours), exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. A list of holidays can be found on www.state.me.us/sos/bmv/commercial/olperms.htm. The movement of loads exceeding the legal dimensions is not permitted on Saturdays or Sundays during the months of July and August. All mobile homes and modular units' are excluded from moving Friday after 12P.M. Saturday, and Sundays throughout the year.

16. Who do I contact for technical support?

You can contact technical support through InforME at 207-621-2600 Monday through Friday 8-5pm or by email at info@informe.org, which will be handled during business as before mentioned. You may also call the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for any question Monday through Friday 7:30a.m. to 5p.m. at 207-624-9000 ext. 52134.

17. What if I am using estimates for my dimensions?

Please be as accurate as possible. If you are overestimating, you will not only be charged more, but also may be re-routed, which is not safe. We want to choose the safest way possible for the trip and we need accurate information in order to do so.

Questions about this Service? Contact Bureau of Motor Vehicles Main Office at: (207) 624-9000 ext. 52134 or Email: overpermits@maine.gov

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