by Armando Martinez
Congratulations on your new car! Here's how to register it in New Hampshire:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
To get started, make sure you have all the necessary documents. You'll need the car's title, signed over to you, proof of residency, the odometer reading, a Bill of Sale (if you have one), proof of insurance, and your New Hampshire driver's license.
Step 2: Get Your Car Inspected
Before you can register your car, you'll need to get its vehicle identification number (VIN) verified by an authorized inspection station. For a copy of the necessary verification for TDMV 19A visit https://www.dmv.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt416/files/inline-documents/tdmv19a.pdf. You will also need to have your vehicle’s emissions system tested and a safety inspection performed. Vehicles may be inspected and OBD tested at any state licensed inspection station or an authorized New Hampshire automobile dealer within ten (10) days after registration is completed. This inspection process will be required annually for most vehicles. Antique vehicles (vehicles 40 years old or older) are inspected biennially. Vehicles that are newer than 1996 must be emissions inspected (RSA 266:1). During this inspection, the technician will check things like the brakes, lights, and emissions. If your car doesn't pass the inspection, you'll need to fix any issues and get it re-inspected before you can proceed with registration. Inspection information from both the safety and emission inspections will be entered into a computer system and electronically transferred to the DMV. Vehicles which pass both the safety and emissions inspections will be issued an inspection sticker. It will be valid for the same time period as the vehicle's registration. The mechanic is required to give a copy of the official Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) to the motorist every time the vehicle is inspected. For additional testing requirement information you may visit https://www.dmv.nh.gov/vehicles-boats-or-titles/inspections-emissions.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application
The next step is to complete the registration application. To register your vehicle in New Hampshire, it must be done in person. To do this you must first go to your town or city’s clerk’s office to determine your residency and start your registration process. To find out which municipal office is appropriate for you visit https://www.nh.gov/municipal/. Once residency is determined by your town or city clerk, if you have the title of your vehicle or it is exempt from title you may process the entire transaction at your town or city clerk's office. To see if your vehicle is exempt from title requirements visit https://www.dmv.nh.gov/vehicles-boats-or-titles/exempt-vehicles. The application will ask for information about you and your car, such as the make, model, and year. You'll also need to choose your license plates.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
When you submit your application, you'll need to pay the registration fees. Registering a vehicle in New Hampshire is a two-part process, there are fees due to both the town/city and to the State. For an explanation of fees, please see RSA 261:141 for state fees, and RSA 261:153 for town/city fees. In addition to the registration fees, there is an $8.00 plate fee for the first time you order plates.The amount you owe will depend on your car's value and the type of license plates you choose. You can pay with cash, check, or credit card.
Step 5: Get Your Plates and Stickers
Once you've completed the application and paid the fees, you'll receive a temporary plate which is valid for 20 days. Your permanent license plates and stickers will be sent to you in the mail. For more information on the various plates available for your vehicle visit https://www.dmv.nh.gov/vehicles-boats-or-titles/plate-types. Place the plates on your car and stick the stickers on to show that your car is registered and ready to hit the road.
Conclusion
Registering a car bought in a private owner car sale in New Hampshire is a fairly simple process. Gather your documents, get your car inspected, complete the application, pay the fees, and wait for your license plates and stickers to arrive. If you have any questions or need assistance, the New Hampshire DMV is always available to help. For more information you may visit the state’s website. Enjoy your new ride!
This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.
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