Registering a car in New Hampshire requires you to visit your local Town Clerk's office with the necessary documentation, pay the required fees, and then complete the process at a State DMV office if you need new plates. The exact steps depend on whether you're a new resident, have purchased a vehicle, or need to register a gift or inheritance. The entire process is handled at the municipal level first, which is a key characteristic of the NH system.
Gathering the necessary documents is the most critical step. You will need:
- Proof of Ownership: The vehicle’s title, properly signed over to you. If there’s a loan, the lienholder information must be correct.
- Proof of Identity: A valid driver’s license or another form of government-issued ID.
- Proof of New Hampshire Insurance: A valid insurance card or policy document from a provider authorized to operate in NH. This is mandatory.
- Odometer Disclosure Statement: Required for most vehicles under 10 years old to verify mileage.
- A completed Application for Certificate of Title (Form TDMV 19).
You must also be prepared to pay several fees. The municipal town clerk will collect the registration fees and any local taxes. You will then receive a municipal clerk copy of the registration application, which you take to a State DMV office to get your plates and complete the process.
| Fee Type | Typical Cost (Varies) | Notes |
|---|
| Title Fee | $25.00 | Standard fee for issuing a new title. |
| Registration Fee | Varies by vehicle type | For a standard passenger car, this is typically based on the model year. |
| Municipal Fee | Varies by town | A local fee collected by the town clerk. |
| Plate Fee | Varies | Cost for new plates, if needed. |
| State Fee | $5.00 | A fixed state fee. |
| Title Tax (if applicable) | 1.5% of purchase price | Due if the vehicle is a 1999 model year or newer. |
After paying the fees at the town clerk, you will receive a temporary registration document. You then take all your paperwork to a NH Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office to receive your license plates and permanent registration. If your vehicle is new to the state and requires a VIN verification, this must be completed by a licensed New Hampshire dealer, law enforcement officer, or a DMV inspector before you visit the town clerk.
