How We can help

The Town Office is here to provide the services and support your needs—quickly, clearly, and with a friendly face.

• Vehicle Registration – Cars, trailers, boats
• Hunting & Fishing Licenses
• Dog Licenses
• Tax Payments – Property and excise taxes
• Voter Registration – Including absentee ballots
• Vital Records – Birth, death, and marriage certificates
• Notary Public Services
• Building & Land Permits
• Meeting Schedules & Town Reports
• Public Safety Info – Fire, police, and emergency contacts
• Trash & Recycling Info
• Mooring Permits & Harbor Info
• Community Announcements & Events

Re-Registering a Motor Vehicle

Please bring:

• Your  current insurance card
• Your  previous registration
• The  vehicle’s current mileage 

Chickadee License Plate Update (Effective May 1, 2025)

If you would like to reserve your current plate number, you may do so by visiting the Reserve My Plate Portal.
A $25 reservation fee applies.

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Purchased a Vehicle from a Dealer?

Bring the following:

•  Blue title application form (from the dealer)
•  Bill of sale showing sales tax paid 
•  Insurance card with the new vehicle listed 
•  Current mileage 
•  If you bought multiple items on one bill of sale, be ready to show what you paid for each
    

Purchased a Vehicle in a Private Sale?

Bring the following: 

•  Bill of Sale with: 
•  Date of sale 
•  Purchase price 
•  VIN and vehicle description 
•  Signatures of both buyer and seller 

 Title (required if vehicle is newer than 1995) 

 Proof of insurance 

 Current mileage 

New to Maine? Registering from Out of State? 

 Please bring: 

•  Your current out-of-state registration 
•  Your insurance card 
•  Title (if the vehicle is 1995 or newer) 
•  Current mileage 
•  Lien holder paperwork, if there’s a loan on the vehicle 

You can register your dog in person at the Town Office. Please bring the following:

1. A current rabies certificate
2. A spay or neuter certificate (if applicable)
    

Fees vary based on the dog's status:

Spay/Neutered $6.00, Non-Spayed/Neutered $11.00, Dangerous Dog $100.00, Nuisance Dog $30.00. 

Late fees apply if licensing occurs after January 31st. 

Late fee cost is $25.00 for regular license, $150.00 for dangerous dogs & $70.00 for nuisance dogs. 

If you have any questions, give us a call at 207-963-2235.

For issues involving stray or dangerous dogs, please contact Hancock County Dispatch at 207-667-8866

Chapter 721 : Dog Licenses 

Chapter 725 : Municipal Duties Heading 

You can obtain a hunting or fishing license in person at the Town Office or purchase it online. To do this online, please visit:

State of Maine Moses System
Inland Fisheries & Wildlife price guide for registrations 

Maine Fishing Guide

Our fiscal year is July 1st – June 30th. Tax bills are mailed in September, include two coupons, and are due: October 31st (1st coupon) and April 30th  (2nd coupon).  

Interest begins the day after due dates, November 1st and May 1st, respectively. 

If you escrow your taxes, you must provide your mortgage holder with the tax bill or a copy. 

You can register in one of two ways:

• In Person:
  Visit the Winter Harbor Town Office during regular business hours. Bring a valid photo ID and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement).
   
• Online:
  Visit the State of Maine’s official voter registration page to register or update your information:
  Register to Vote in Maine
   

• You can register any time up to and including Election Day in Maine.
• If you're registering close to an election, earlier is better to avoid delays.

The Annual Municipal Election of Municipal Officials and State Elected Officials is generally held in June. The General Election is held on the first Tuesday in November. All voting is held at the 

 Municipal Public Safety Building, 20 School Street, from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm. If you would like to work at the polls on Election Day or need additional information, please call the Town Office at 963-2235. 

The Town of Winter Harbor administers a General Assistance program in accordance with Maine State law to help residents meet basic needs during times of financial hardship. Assistance may be available for essentials such as food, housing, utilities, and medical care.

Applications are available at the Town Office during regular business hours or may be downloaded using the link below. Eligibility is determined based on an ordinance approved and updated annually by the Board of Selectmen.

All information provided during the application process is strictly confidential. For emergency assistance outside of regular office hours, please call the Town Manager at 207-412-9698.