Register a Vehicle in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Vehicle Registration

New Hampshire vehicles must be registered through your local city or town clerk’s office and through the state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Often, you can complete both transactions at your local city/town clerk’s office for an extra fee. Some offices may allow online transactions.

When you visit the clerk’s office, provide your:

• Vehicle title or the blue copies of your title application.
• Proof of NH residency.
• Payment for the applicable registration fees.

If you are a new resident of New Hampshire and your vehicle does not have a title because it was leased or purchased with a lien, you must also provide the lease agreement or the name and address of the lienholder.

If you purchased a new vehicle from an out-of-state dealer, you must also provide the original Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO).

Temporary Plates in New Hampshire

If you purchased a vehicle from a private seller, you may apply for temporary plates so you can drive your vehicle until you get your permanent plates. 

To get your temporary registration plates: 

1. Visit your local DMV office.
2. Provide:
   • Proof of identity.
   • A bill of sale signed by both buyer and seller. This must include the:
     • Model and manufacture year of the vehicle.
     • Make.
     • Model.
     • Color.
     • Number of cylinders.
     • Vehicle identification number (VIN).
     • Names and addresses of both buyer and seller (no P.O. boxes).
   • Payment for the $10 temporary plate fee.

New Hampshire Vehicle Registration Fees

State fees for passenger vehicles are calculated according to your vehicle weight. 

• 8001 to 73,280 pounds: $0.96 per 100 pounds gross weight.
• 5001 to 8000 pounds: $55.20.
• 3001 to 5000 pounds: $43.20.
• Under 3000 pounds: $31.20.

For other vehicle types, click here for a breakdown of state registration costs.