New Registrations

Registering a vehicle in New Hampshire is a two-part process. With the exception of Mopeds, all motor vehicles must begin their registration process at the town or city clerk in the town or city in which they reside. The second part of the process is the state transaction; however, the Town/City Clerk may be a Municipal Agent of the State and may be able to complete the state transaction part of the registration process for an additional fee.

If you are a new resident of New Hampshire, please visit our "New to New Hampshire" page for more information.

To register your vehicle in New Hampshire, you must first go to your town/city clerk's office to determine your residency and start your registration process. Once residency is determined by your town or city clerk, if you have the title of your vehicle or it is exempt from title you may process the entire transaction at your town or city clerk's office. If you have an out-of-state loan or are leasing the vehicle, please see the 60-day, temporary plate page.

Fees

Because registering a vehicle in New Hampshire is a two-part process, there are fees due to both the town/city and to the State. For an explanation of fees, please see RSA 261:141 for state fees, and RSA 261:153 for town/city fees. In addition to the registration fees, there is an $8.00 plate fee for the first time you order plates.

Registering a vehicle purchased from a New Hampshire dealership: If you purchased the vehicle at a New Hampshire retail dealership and are a New Hampshire resident, present to your town or city office the certificate of title, or the blue copies of your title application. Please provide proof of residency if you have not already done so as established by your town/city.

Registering a vehicle purchased from an out-of-state dealership: Present to your town/city clerk your title from the dealership or the New Hampshire title application from the lienholder. If it is a brand new vehicle, a Manufacturers Statement of Origin (MSO) is required. Please provide proof of residency if you have not already done so as established by your town/city.

Registering a vehicle purchased in a private sale: Present a properly assigned title certificate to the town/city clerk where you reside. Please provide proof of residency if you have not already done so as established by your town/city.

Registering a title-exempt vehicle purchased in a private sale: Present a proper bill of sale pursuant to RSA 261:148. You will also need proof of VIN which can be an original or copy of the title, a previous or copy of a New Hampshire registration, or a properly completed VIN Verification form. Please provide proof of residency if you have not already done so as established by your town/city.