Bureau of Motor Vehicles to Begin Issuing New Pine Tree License Plate on May 1, 2025
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Augusta, ME — Beginning May 1, 2025, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will introduce a new state license plate design — the Pine Tree Plate — impacting the majority of Maine residents.
"The Chickadee plates are in rough shape given their age, so we’re excited to roll out the first new standard license plate design in over 25 years starting May 1,” said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. “Mainers have design options — a classic design or a new Pine Tree plate — and they can make their choice online, in person, or by mail depending on what’s best for them.”
Contact Semiquincentennial Commission
Sarah Hansen, Director of Special Projects
Maine State Archives
Phone: 207-446-6587
Semiquincentennial Resources
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National Resources
Maine is one of 56 states/territories with a commission that helps coordinate activities and programming for the upcoming Semiquincentennial. Maine is connected to these coordinating programs primarily through two organizations.
Maine Atlas
With funding and support from the Maine Office of Tourism, this project seeks to identify and promote 250 places, people, events, and objects that represent Maine’s unique cultural, natural, and historical assets.
Commission Meetings
The Commission will meet on the second Wednesday of every other month during 2025, from 3–4:30 p.m.
Meetings will be held at the Maine State Archives and/or over Zoom. The Maine State Archives is currently closed to the public as the office prepares to move back into the cultural center.
Maine Semiquincentennial Commission Members
- Shenna Bellows, Maine Secretary of State
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is Maine’s 50th Secretary of State, sworn into her first two-year term in the position on Jan. 4, 2021. Secretary Bellows is Maine’s first female Secretary of State.
About Maine Semiquincentennial
To guide its work, the Commission developed three foundational pillars.
Connect: Uniting Maine’s Stories with America’s Legacy
- Foster a sense of community and shared heritage through collaborative events and discussions.
Share: Illuminating Maine’s Legacy in America’s Story
- Provide engaging and informative programs that highlight Maine's role in American history and the broader national narrative.
Learn: Examining Maine’s Role in America’s Ongoing Journey
Maine Commemorates America’s 250th Birthday
In 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary (the “Semiquincentennial”) of its founding. This anniversary presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to share the whole history of our nation and make progress in becoming a more perfect union.