Licenses and Registrations

LICENSES

BUSINESS LICENSE
Many businesses open to the public need a City of Sanford business license to operate.  Businesses should check-in with the City Clerk's Office to find out if their business needs a local business license.  Almost all business licenses are due by December 31 for the next calendar year. Some business licenses applications require an inspection from Code Enforcement, the Fire Marshall, and the Police.  Some applications require approval of the City Council.

DOG LICENSE
 (Online Service available Oct. 15 - Jan 31)
State of Maine law requires all dogs over the age of six (6) months and in your possession for more than ten (10) days, to be registered where they reside.If you wish you license your dog at City Hall, please bring the following: 
  • A current State of Maine Rabies Certificate (or a letter from your Veterinarian stating they can not be vaccinated for health reasons)
  • If your dog is Spayed or Neutered, you need to have a certificate to verify that or the Rabies Certificate if indicated, is acceptable. 
Fees for this year are $11.00 for a Male/Female dog; $6.00 for a Spayed or Neutered dog. Please remember State statute requires all dogs to be licensed. The Annual renewal period for dog licenses is October 15 - January 31. Any dog license renewed February 1 or later is subject to a late fee of $25 per dog. Please do not ask us to waive the fee as it is a State Law

HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSE (Online Service)
Click above link to see which license types may be purchased or renewed using this service. 
General information (click here) and qualifications for recreational licenses (hunting, fishing, trapping, guide) including Lifetime licenses and definition of Resident vs Non-Resident. This will redirect you to the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife website.

 
MARRIAGE LICENSE
Due to the State's process for taking Marriage Intentions, appointments will be needed to avoid a backup of customers. 


RE-REGISTRATIONS


REGISTER YOUR ATV/SNOWMOBILE
(Online Service For Renewals Only)
ATV and snowmobile registrations are valid from July 1st through June 30th. ATV registrations submitted on or before April 30th will expire on June 30th of the current year. ATV registrations submitted on or after May 1st will expire on June 30th of the following year. Snowmobile registrations submitted on or before May 31st will expire on June 30th of the current year. Snowmobile registrations submitted on or after June 1st will expire on June 30th of the following year.

REGISTER YOUR BOAT
(Online Service For Renewals Only)
Boat registrations are valid from January 1 through December 31. All boats with motors (even electric) must be registered and are subject to excise tax as well.

REGISTER YOUR VEHICLE
(Online Service For Renewals Only)
Passenger vehicles are registered annually on a staggered basis. Generally, registrations expire one year from the month issued. The payment of municipal excise (property) taxes is a prerequisite for all motor vehicle registrations except for utility, flatbed or trailers that have no sleeping quarters.  Excise taxes must be paid to the Tax Collector of your residence Town/City prior to registration. 


NEW REGISTRATIONS


REGISTER YOUR ATV/SNOWMOBILE
 
ATV and snowmobile registrations are valid from July 1st through June 30th. ATV registrations submitted on or before April 30th will expire on June 30th of the current year. ATV registrations submitted on or after May 1st will expire on June 30th of the following year. Snowmobile registrations submitted on or before May 31st will expire on June 30th of the current year. Snowmobile registrations submitted on or after June 1st will expire on June 30th of the following year.

REGISTER YOUR BOAT
 
Boat registrations are valid from January 1 through December 31. All boats with motors (even electric) must be registered and are subject to excise tax as well.

REGISTER YOUR VEHICLE 
Passenger vehicles are registered annually on a staggered basis. Generally, registrations expire one year from the month issued. The payment of municipal excise (property) taxes is a prerequisite for all motor vehicle registrations except for utility, flatbed or trailers that have no sleeping quarters.  Excise taxes must be paid to the Tax Collector of your residence Town/City prior to registration.