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.

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

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Deputy Secretary of State for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Cathie Curtis presented the BMV’s proposal for a license plate reissuance to the Legislature’s Transportation Committee. The new plate, replacing the current chickadee, would feature the design of the 1901 Maine flag.

“License plates serve not only to identify vehicles, but are a way of expressing our love for our state,” said Secretary Bellows. “We’re excited to present this new design proposal for the coming license plate reissuance.”

AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is now accepting public comment on the wording of a citizen initiative question that will appear on the Nov. 4, 2025 General Election ballot, unless enacted by the Legislature as written.

The Maine Driver's License Manual and Motorist Handbook and Study Guide are available in the various formats and languages below:

Maine Driver's License Manual (PDF)

The Maine Secretary of State’s Division of Election Audits and Training will be conducting Maine’s first ever pilot of risk-limiting post-election audits in March.

AUGUSTA—The Department of the Secretary of State has released the 2025 State Calendar as required under state statute. The calendar is to be consulted by all state agencies, and whenever possible, to avoid scheduling meetings or public facing events on these days.

AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announces that the Town of Hanover has launched Rapid Renewal, the Department of the Secretary of State’s online service for renewing motor vehicle registrations.

Through Rapid Renewal, Mainers can quickly and easily renew their vehicle registrations and pay their municipal excise taxes online at any time. Rapid Renewal allows Mainers to conduct business with municipal and state government in one seamless online transaction.