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Registering a car in New Hampshire is a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through all the requirements, fees, types of registrations, forms, processing times, and renewal steps.
 New Hampshire Car Registration Overview
Requirements
- Proof of ownership: You must have a valid vehicle title or bill of sale. If the vehicle comes from out of state, you will need a valid title from the previous state.
- Proof of residency: You must be a resident of New Hampshire to register a vehicle. You can provide a driver’s license, utility bill, or other proof of residency.
- Proof of insurance: New Hampshire does not require vehicle owners to carry insurance, but it is highly recommended. If you have insurance, you must provide proof when registering your vehicle.
- Inspection: You must have a valid New Hampshire inspection sticker on your vehicle, or you will need to be inspected within 10 days of registering it.
- Payment: You will need to pay all applicable fees, including registration fees, title fees, and any local city or town fees.
Fees
Fees for registering a vehicle in New Hampshire vary based on the type and weight of the vehicle. You can find a complete list of fees on the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.
Some common fees include:
- Title fee: $25
- Registration fee: Varies based on vehicle type and weight
- Local city or town fees: Varies by location
Types of Registrations
There are several types of vehicle registrations in New Hampshire, including:
- Passenger vehicles: Standard cars, trucks, and SUVs
- Motorcycles: Two-wheeled motor vehicles
- Trailers: Non-motorized vehicles towed behind other vehicles
- Mopeds: Motorized bicycles with a maximum speed of 30 mph
- Antique vehicles: Vehicles that are at least 25 years old and used primarily for exhibitions, parades, and other public interest events.
Forms
You will need to complete the following forms when registering your vehicle:
- Application for Certificate of Title (Form TDMV 23A): Required for all vehicles that need a New Hampshire title.
- Registration Application (Form DSMV 157): Required for all vehicle registrations.
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form TDMV 12): Required for vehicles less than 20 years old.
Processing Time
The processing time for vehicle registration varies based on your local city or town clerk’s office workload. Generally, your registration can be processed within a few days to a week. If you need a new title, it may take 2-4 weeks to receive it from the New Hampshire DMV.
Where to Process Your Vehicle Registration
You can process your vehicle registration at your local city or town clerk’s office. Some offices may also offer online registration services. You can find a list of city and town clerk offices on the New Hampshire DMV website.
How to Renew a Registration
You will need to renew your vehicle registration annually. You can renew your registration in person at your local city or town clerk’s office, by mail, or online (if available). To renew your registration, you will need:
- Your current registration or renewal notice
- Proof of residency
- Payment for all applicable fees
Remember to keep your registration up-to-date to avoid fines and penalties.
By following this guide, you should now have a clear understanding of how to register a car in the state of New Hampshire.