Applying for a Car Registration in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire vehicle registration application process varies slightly depending on how and where you purchase an automobile. Regardless of where you purchase the vehicle, however, there is a two-step DMV registration process that all applicants must complete.

You must visit your local town or city clerk’s office to submit your application materials in person. After registering your newly purchased car with the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV), you must also register the automobile with the state. Depending on where in New Hampshire you live, you may be able to complete these two transactions at the same time.

To learn more about these requirements and the steps you must take for a DMV car registration in New Hampshire, review the information below.

Getting New Hampshire DMV Car Registration Credentials

To obtain new car registration credentials, you must visit your city or town clerk’s office to submit your application materials in person.

During your office visit, you will need to present certain documents, including:

• The vehicle’s reassigned certificate of title, if you purchased the car from a private party.
• A blue copy of your titling application, if you purchased the vehicle from a New Hampshire dealer.
• Proof of city/town residency.

Download our free guide for a list of documents you may need to register your vehicle.

To obtain NH vehicle registration records after purchasing a title-exempt automobile from a private seller, you will need to submit a different set of documents, such as a bill of sale and proof of residency.

If you wish to transfer your existing license plates to your new vehicle, you may also do so before leaving the city or town clerk’s office. However, you must be able to provide proof of ownership and the registration card of your existing license plates.

Out-of-State New Hampshire Car Registration Near Me

After purchasing a vehicle from an out-of-state dealership, you must visit your local city or town clerk’s office to obtain NH auto registration credentials. The documents you will have to present include proof of residency and one of the following:

• The vehicle’s out-of-state title
• A Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin
• A titling application from the lienholder

New Hampshire Vehicle Registration Fees and Taxes

You must pay car registration taxes and fees when you register a newly acquired vehicle in the state. As part of these fees, you must pay the state of New Hampshire and the city or town in which you live. Additionally, you must pay a one-time license plate fee if you are purchasing tags for the first time.

Want to know exactly what you’ll pay ahead of time? Download our free guide for more information on registration fees.