How To Register a Car In New Hampshire
The process to register your vehicle in New Hampshire depends on if you bought your car at a dealership, through a private party, or if you are leasing it.
Written by Sarah Williams
Reviewed by Brenna Swanston
Registering your vehicle in New Hampshire requires a visit to your town clerk’s office with the necessary documentation and registration fees.
The process for registering your vehicle varies depending on whether you bought it through a private party, at a dealership, or leased it. Whether you’ve recently moved to the Granite State or are looking to register your new vehicle, we’ve got your back.
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. How to register a car in New Hampshire
Registering your vehicle in New Hampshire is a pretty straightforward process, but it does vary slightly depending on your situation. Read on for more info on what to do if you are new to New Hampshire or if you’ve just bought a new car.
If you just moved to New Hampshire
Are you a new resident of New Hampshire? You have 60 days to register your vehicle and get a New Hampshire driver’s license. To do so, head to the town clerk’s office to submit your out-of-state title and registration.
You’ll also need to submit your lease agreement and the lienholder’s name and address if you're driving a leased vehicle.
While you wait for the town clerk to get the title information from the lienholder, you can apply for a 20-day temporary license plate.
MORE: The best places to live in New Hampshire
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If you just bought a car
Another situation where you’ll need to register a vehicle in New Hampshire is when you purchase a new car. This will also need to be done at the town clerk’s office, but the process varies depending on if you bought your vehicle at a dealership, through a private party, or if you are leasing it.
If you bought your car at a dealership, the dealer will give you a 20-day temporary license plate, during which time you need to register your new vehicle. Head to the town clerk’s office and submit your vehicle title, proof of residency, payment for the registration fees, and lienholder information (if applicable).
If your new vehicle is from an out-of-state dealership, make sure to ask for a temporary license plate before you drive off the lot. Once you arrive in New Hampshire, submit the following documents at the town clerk’s office: the vehicle title, the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (if it’s a new car), proof of residency, and payment for your registration fees.
If you purchased your new car from a private party, get your 20-day temporary license plate from the
DMV
in advance so you can legally drive your new car home. To register your vehicle, head to the town clerk with your vehicle title that the seller has signed over. In addition, make sure you have your proof of residency, an Odometer Disclosure Statement
, and payment for your fees.How much insurance coverage do you need in New Hampshire?
If you’re new to New Hampshire, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with state car insurance requirements. New Hampshire doesn’t require drivers to carry car insurance, but the DMV recommends a minimum of $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident.
If you do purchase liability coverage, you are required to also purchase an equal amount of
uninsured motorist coverage
(UIM) and at least $1,000 of medical payments coverage
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How to renew your New Hampshire vehicle registration
In New Hampshire, you need to renew your vehicle registration every 12 months. Usually, the registration will expire and need to be renewed in your birth month.
Renewing your New Hampshire vehicle registration is simple. Take your vehicle registration (or renewal notice) to the
town or city
your live in to pay your permit fees. Once you’ve paid up, the DMV will be able to process your registration renewal. How to transfer your vehicle registration
If you need to transfer your vehicle registration from one car to another, bring the registration for the initial vehicle and proof of ownership of the new car to the town or city clerk where you live. Once you’ve put your old plates on your new car, the old vehicle is no longer registered and cannot be driven.
MORE: Title transfer in New Hampshire
How to save on auto insurance in New Hampshire
A key step in registering your car in New Hampshire is getting the right car insurance. Car insurance may not be required in New Hampshire, but there’s a reason the DMV strongly recommends purchasing at least basic liability coverage. Without the proper coverage, you run the risk of facing hefty medical and property damage bills in the case of an accident.
It may feel overwhelming to know where to start with selecting what types of coverage you need—and with which provider. Jerry, the trusted broker app, makes the whole process quick and easy—and will even help you find huge savings in the process!
All you have to do is download the app and enter some basic information about you and your car. The sign-up process only takes 45 seconds—and it’s free! From there, you’ll gain instant access to real-time custom quotes from over 55 top insurance providers. With everything laid out in one place, finding the best deals on
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FAQs
What are the requirements to register a vehicle in New Hampshire?
To register a vehicle in New Hampshire, you’ll need to go to your town or city clerk’s office with the title and proof of residency. If your car is leased, there’s a lienholder, or it’s title-exempt, you’ll also need your lease agreement and/or out-of-state registration.
How much does it cost to register a car in New Hampshire?
Registering a car in New Hampshire is a two-part process that requires you to pay fees to your town or city and the State. The fees vary depending on what type of vehicle you are driving but range from $2 to $5 for the city and $31.20 to $55.20 for the state (plus an additional 96 cents for every 100 lbs over 8,000). Beyond that, there is an $8 initial license plate fee, a $15 duplicate car registration fee, and a $10 temporary 20-day registration fee.
Can a non-resident register a car in New Hampshire?
Non-residents (like college students or seasonal residents) can register their vehicles in New Hampshire as long as the car stays housed in the state. In other words, the vehicle can’t be taken out of New Hampshire overnight.
What is required to transfer vehicle registration in New Hampshire?
The required documentation to transfer your vehicle registration in New Hampshire is the registration for the initial vehicle and proof of ownership of the new car. Bring these documents to your town or city clerk to start the transfer process. Once it’s complete, you won’t be able to drive your old vehicle, as it will be unregistered.
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