Getting started.
Who this helps
Families can request car seat checks at partner sites. To receive a seat, caregivers must show participation in eWIC, MaineCare, TANF, or SNAP, plus proof of Maine residency.
How to get started
A technician can check your seat installation, explain when to change seat types, recheck a seat moved to another vehicle, or help with seat placement. A distribution visit may involve a wait or waiting list.
Find a partner site.
Review the Maine DPS Car Seat Distribution Locations or Car Seat Inspection Locations page. For a Help Me Grow appointment, complete the online referral form linked from either page.
Schedule a visit.
Call a partner using the number on the relevant Maine DPS locations page and ask for a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. Distribution and inspection visits are by appointment.
Prepare for distribution.
If you are requesting a car seat, bring the documents listed under What to Bring and bring your child.
How they can help.
The Bureau of Highway Safety works with partner locations across Maine. Certified technicians can check car seat installation and use. Income-eligible families can make an appointment to receive a seat.
- Car seat installation checks and guidance
- Help choosing when to change seat types
- Rechecks after a seat moves to another vehicle
- Help with seat placement when all vehicle seats need to be occupied
- Car seats for families who meet the program rules
A few questions before you go.
To receive a seat, bring an eWIC card or a letter showing MaineCare, TANF, or SNAP participation. Also bring unexpired visual proof of Maine residency, such as a Maine driver’s license or ID, tribal ID, or an accepted current bill, letter, or housing document. Bring your child to a distribution appointment.
- Can a technician check a seat I already own?
- Could my family qualify for a car seat?
- What documents would we need?
- Will my child need to be there?