How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in New Hampshire From Out of State
Relocating to New Hampshire obligates individuals to register out-of-state vehicles within 60 days of establishing residency, as mandated by the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles. This timeframe applies to all new residents regardless of driver's license status, though operating a vehicle necessitates possession of a valid license from any jurisdiction.
Base Registration and Title Fees
Vehicle registration costs in New Hampshire consist of municipal permit fees and state registration charges, creating a two-part fee structure outlined in RSA 261:141. The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles oversees state-level transactions, while town and city clerks administer municipal portions of the registration process.
Standard State Fees
New Hampshire calculates registration fees based on vehicle weight and classification. Fee schedules vary according to gross vehicle weight measured in pounds, with most passenger vehicles assessed within specific weight brackets. Comprehensive fee details are provided through the New Hampshire vehicle registration information maintained by the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Passenger Vehicles and Trucks (by Weight):
| Vehicle Weight | Annual Registration Fee | Monthly Proration Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3,000 lbs | $31.20 | $2.60 per month |
| 3,001-5,000 lbs | $43.20 | $3.60 per month |
| 5,001-8,000 lbs | $55.20 | $4.60 per month |
| 8,001-73,280 lbs | $0.96 per 100 lbs gross weight | Prorated |
Motorcycles and Mopeds:
| Vehicle Type | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles | $15.00 |
| Antique motorcycles | $2.40 |
| Mopeds | $3.00 |
Trailers and Semi-Trailers:
| Trailer Weight | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| 0-1,000 lbs | $3.00 |
| 1,001-1,500 lbs | $6.00 |
| 1,501-3,000 lbs | $12.00 |
| 3,001-5,000 lbs | $24.00 |
| 5,001-8,000 lbs | $36.00 |
| 8,001 lbs and up | $0.60 per 100 lbs gross weight |
| Additional semi-trailer (with truck-tractor) | $24.00 |
| Semi-trailer (not with truck-tractor) | $0.60 per 100 lbs (minimum 10,000 lbs) |
Truck-Tractors:
| Truck-Tractor Weight | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 73,280 lbs (total gross weight) | $0.96 per 100 lbs |
| Over 73,280 lbs | $1.44 per 100 lbs for weight exceeding 73,280 lbs |
Farm Vehicles:
| Vehicle Type | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Farm trucks (first 16,000 lbs) | $24.00 |
| Farm trucks (over 16,000 lbs) | $0.74 per 100 lbs for weight over 16,000 lbs |
| Additional farm semi-trailer | $24.00 |
| Agricultural vehicles | $3.60 |
| Agricultural tractors | $1.80 |
Special Vehicles:
| Vehicle Type | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Antique motor vehicles (non-motorcycle) | $6.00 |
| School buses (non-profit/religious organizations) | $24.00 |
| Road oiler or bituminous distributor | $72.00 |
| Ski area vehicles | $6.00 |
| Construction equipment | $25.00 |
| Agricultural/industrial utility vehicles | 1/3 of standard weight-based fee |
Additional State Fees:
- Initial license plate fee: $8.00
- Registration transfer to a different vehicle: $10.00
Title Fees
New Hampshire requires certificates of title for motor vehicles with a model year of 1999 or newer. Vehicles manufactured in 1999 or earlier qualify as title-exempt under state regulations. Title transaction information is accessible through the New Hampshire title application page administered by the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Title Transaction Fees:
| Transaction Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| New title application | $25.00 |
| Title application processing (municipal agent) | $3.00 |
| Title application preparation | $2.00 |
Municipal Permit Fees
Town and city governments assess municipal permit fees calculated based on the vehicle's model year and original list price, using a tiered millage rate per $1,000 of value. These fees differ across New Hampshire communities based on locally established tax rates and vehicle age depreciation schedules. Vehicle owners should contact their town or city tax collector to determine precise municipal permit amounts for their specific location.
Based on RSA 261:153, here is a summary of New Hampshire municipal permit fees:
Base Municipal Permit Fee Calculation (by Vehicle Age):
| Vehicle Model Year | Mill Rate per Dollar of Maker's List Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Current model year | 18 mills ($0.018 per dollar) | Most recent model year |
| First preceding year | 15 mills ($0.015 per dollar) | One year old |
| Second preceding year | 12 mills ($0.012 per dollar) | Two years old |
| Third preceding year | 9 mills ($0.009 per dollar) | Three years old |
| Fourth preceding year | 6 mills ($0.006 per dollar) | Four years old |
| Fifth preceding year and older | 3 mills ($0.003 per dollar) | Five years old or more |
Minimum Municipal Permit Fee: $5.00 (applies to all vehicles regardless of value)
Special Vehicle Categories (Flat Fee):
| Vehicle Type | Municipal Permit Fee |
|---|---|
| Vehicles used for limited purposes (RSA 261:82) | $5.00 |
| Agricultural/industrial utility vehicles | $5.00 |
| Farm tractors | $5.00 |
| Construction equipment (as defined in RSA 259:42) | Governed by RSA 261:64 |
Annual Safety Inspection
Prior to January 31, 2026, New Hampshire required annual safety inspections conducted at licensed inspection stations. Inspection fees were not regulated by the state, allowing inspection facilities to establish their own pricing. Historical inspection costs ranged from $20.00 to $50.00 per vehicle, depending on the inspection station selected.
Salvage and Rebuilt Vehicle Requirements
Vehicles bearing salvage designations or rebuilt from salvage status may require special inspections before receiving standard registration eligibility. The Division of Motor Vehicles establishes procedures for salvage vehicle restoration and inspection through authorized facilities. Inspection fees for salvage vehicles are determined by individual inspection stations and repair facilities based on the extent of examination required.
| Transaction | Fee |
|---|---|
| Salvage certificate title application | $10.00 |
| Salvage vehicle decal | $50.00 |
| Inspection fee | $420.00 (at least) |
Government Agencies and Contact Information
New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305
Phone: (603) 227-4000
Official Website: New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles administers vehicle titling, registration oversight, and driver licensing functions throughout the state. The Division establishes regulatory standards, maintains vehicle ownership records, and coordinates with municipal officials who conduct local registration transactions. All state-level vehicle registration processing occurs through Division facilities or authorized municipal agents operating under Division authority.
New Hampshire DMV Office Locations
The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles operates service facilities in communities throughout the state. Complete information regarding office locations, operating hours, and available services is accessible through the New Hampshire DMV locations directory. Appointments are required for most in-person DMV transactions.
Concord DMV Office
23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305
Phone: (603) 227-4000
Official Website: New Hampshire DMV Locations
Manchester DMV Office
377 South Willow Street, Manchester, NH 03103
Phone: (603) 227-4000
Official Website: New Hampshire DMV Locations
Nashua DMV Office
110 Broad Street, Nashua, NH 03060
Phone: (603) 227-4000
Official Website: New Hampshire DMV Locations
Salem DMV Office
154 Main Street, Salem, NH 03079
Phone: (603) 227-4000
Official Website: New Hampshire DMV Locations
Dover DMV Office
50 Boston Harbor Road, Dover, NH 03820
Phone: (603) 227-4000
Official Website: New Hampshire DMV Locations
Keene DMV Office
149 Emerald Street, Suites A-1 and A-2, Keene, NH 03431
Phone: (603) 227-4000
Official Website: New Hampshire DMV Locations
Epping DMV Office
315 Calef Highway, Epping, NH 03042
Phone: (603) 227-4000
Official Website: New Hampshire DMV Locations
Milford DMV Office
4 Meadowbrook Drive, Milford, NH 03055
Phone: (603) 227-4000
Official Website: New Hampshire DMV Locations
Newport DMV Office
20 North Main Street, Newport, NH 03773
Phone: (603) 227-4000
Official Website: New Hampshire DMV Locations
Tamworth DMV Office
1864 White Mountain Highway, Tamworth, NH 03886
Phone: (603) 227-4000
Official Website: New Hampshire DMV Locations
