Register a vehicle in New Hampshire

Online or in person

No, start at your town or city clerk · Visit your city or town clerkThe DMV says "you must first go to your town/city clerk's office to determine your residency and start your registration process." Online registration is mentioned only for renewals, where your town may offer it. By law a resident gets a registration permit from the city or town where they live before the vehicle is registered.

Cost

$42 state fee, 0-3000 lbs ($3.50 per month)Other weights: $48 for 3001-5000 lbs, $66 for 5001-8000 lbs. The town or city permit fee is 18 mills per dollar of the maker's list price for a current model year vehicle, less for older model years, never under $5; the clerk also charges a $2 fee per application. Check with your clerk for the total.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Current, government-issued photo identification card
     Presented to the town or city clerk.
   • Certificate of title, or an application for one
     If a title is required for the vehicle.
   • Bill of sale
     Instead of a title for a vehicle exempt from titling. It must show the date of sale, the vehicle's make, model, VIN, model year, year of manufacture, body type and number of cylinders, the purchaser's name and address, and the seller's signature and address. If the seller was a dealer, a temporary registration certificate or a title application works instead.
   • Certificate of registration to the same owner for a current or previous period
     The clerk may waive the physical copy if the clerk can verify it electronically.

2. Get the title

   Apply for a certificate of title; the town clerk can prepare the form. If you bought from a dealer, the dealer must mail or deliver the application within 10 days of sale. If you did not buy from a dealer, you must mail or deliver it to the department within 20 days of the sale.

3. Get the registration permit from your clerk

   A resident cannot register a vehicle until they obtain a permit from the city or town where they live.

4. If you cannot register right away

   A resident who intends to purchase a vehicle in another state or from another person, or whose town clerk has limited hours, may apply in person at the division, its substation or an authorized agent for a 20-day registration, for $20. You sign a statement that the vehicle is safe to operate and meets New Hampshire inspection requirements, and must carry a valid bill of sale while driving it. The DMV's public guidance of Feb. 13, 2026 says the state vehicle inspection program is suspended until further notice and vehicles are not required to get an annual state inspection at this time; drivers must still make sure any vehicle they drive is safe to operate.