Last Update: August 24, 2026

Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in New Hampshire

New Hampshire issues temporary credentials that authorize limited vehicle operation before permanent registration is completed or, for commercial carriers, before full apportioned registration and fuel tax licensing are established.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, a temporary vehicle permit for a standard motor vehicle is ordinarily a temporary plate issued for short-term use when a permanent plate cannot be issued immediately. Under RSA 261:56 and RSA 261:57, temporary plates are valid for 20 days from the date of issuance. The department may authorize the issuance of multiple permits for the same vehicle if circumstances warrant renewal.

For commercial carriers, New Hampshire distinguishes between trip permits for vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP) and fuel tax licensing under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). Additionally, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation issues separate oversize and overweight permits for vehicles or loads that exceed established dimensional or weight limits.

Who May Need a Temporary Permit

A temporary permit may be required in the following situations:

• A private vehicle has been purchased through a private sale or an out-of-state dealer, and a permanent plate cannot be immediately issued
• A vehicle is leased or purchased with a lienholder located outside New Hampshire
• Ownership documents required for title or registration are delayed or pending from an external lienholder
• An out-of-state resident has purchased a vehicle through a private sale from a New Hampshire resident
• A commercial vehicle operates in New Hampshire before apportioned registration or fuel tax licensing is active
• A vehicle or load exceeds New Hampshire's established size or weight limitations

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in New Hampshire

For private vehicles, New Hampshire permits temporary plates for limited operation until permanent registration can be completed.

Dealer-Issued Temporary Plates:

Pursuant to RSA 261:56, when a New Hampshire resident purchases a vehicle from a New Hampshire authorized dealership, the dealership provides a 20-day temporary plate if the vehicle is deemed safe for road operation. During the 20-day period, the vehicle must be registered with the town and state for permanent registration plates. If a dealership does not provide a 20-day plate because the vehicle is deemed unsafe for operation, the dealership provides an Unsafe Motor Vehicle Form, and the vehicle is not eligible for temporary operation.

Private Sale Temporary Plates:

Pursuant to RSA 261:57, a 20-day temporary plate is available to New Hampshire residents for all vehicles purchased through private sale or purchased from an out-of-state dealer that does not provide temporary plates upon sale. If a third party other than the purchaser obtains the temporary plate, a notarized letter from the purchaser authorizing the third party is required.

Out-of-State Resident Temporary Registration:

Pursuant to RSA 261:57-b, an individual who is not a resident of New Hampshire but has purchased a vehicle through private sale from a New Hampshire resident may obtain a 20-day in-transit registration certificate. If the vehicle is exempt from title requirements, a bill of sale that includes the legal names and addresses of both the buyer and seller, signatures of both parties, the Vehicle Identification Number, and a detailed description of the vehicle must be provided.

Temporary Registration for New Residents with Out-of-State Lienholder:

When a vehicle owner establishes New Hampshire residency, but the vehicle title is held by an out-of-state lienholder, a temporary registration may be issued to allow sufficient time for the state to obtain the foreign title from the lienholder. This provision is available to new residents of New Hampshire who must register their vehicle within 60 days of establishing domicile.

Applicants must maintain liability insurance to operate any vehicle on New Hampshire public streets.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in New Hampshire

Commercial vehicles may require temporary operating authority in place of full credentials. New Hampshire recognizes the following temporary commercial permits:

International Registration Plan (IRP) Trip Permits:

For commercial vehicles subject to apportioned registration under the IRP, temporary trip permits are available for vehicles traveling to New Hampshire before full apportioned registration is established. These permits must be obtained before entering the state. The IRP is a cooperative agreement between the United States and Canadian provinces for the registration of commercial vehicles that travel through two or more jurisdictions. Vehicles registered under IRP are referred to as "Apportioned Vehicles" and are issued one set of license plates and one cab card from the base jurisdiction.

International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) Permits:

For commercial vehicles subject to fuel-tax licensing under IFTA, temporary permits are available when full fuel-tax licensing is not in effect. An IFTA permit is required by all motor carriers conducting interstate operations.

Nonresident Commercial Permits:

Pursuant to RSA 261:42 and RSA 261:163, a nonresident business entity conducting commercial operations in New Hampshire must obtain a nonresident commercial permit. The fee for a nonresident commercial permit is one-half the amount of the annual registration fee that would be charged for a comparable vehicle registered in New Hampshire.

Oversize and Overweight Permits:

Any vehicle, combination of vehicles, or load whose dimensions or weight exceed New Hampshire legal specifications requires an oversize or overweight permit issued by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. Legal dimensions and weights are established by state regulation. Permits are issued for single trips or annual periods, depending on applicant needs and load specifications.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle may require a temporary plate when a New Hampshire resident purchases a vehicle, and permanent registration cannot be immediately completed. This includes vehicles purchased through private sale or from out-of-state dealers that do not provide temporary plates.

A private vehicle may also require temporary registration when the vehicle owner has established New Hampshire residency but the vehicle title is held by an out-of-state lienholder.

An out-of-state resident may require a 20-day in-transit registration certificate when purchasing a vehicle by private sale from a New Hampshire resident and transporting the vehicle out of state for registration in another jurisdiction.

A commercial vehicle may require a temporary permit when:

• The vehicle is subject to International Registration Plan apportioned registration and is not yet registered for New Hampshire operations
• The vehicle is subject to the International Fuel Tax Agreement, and fuel-tax licensing and active fuel-tax credentials have not yet been obtained
• The movement involves dimensions or weight exceeding New Hampshire's legal specifications
• A nonresident carrier conducts business operations in New Hampshire

How to Get a Temporary Permit in New Hampshire

Where to Apply

For private vehicles, applications for temporary plates and temporary registrations are submitted via drop box services available at DMV locations or by appointment at select DMV locations. Applicants may also visit the town or city clerk in the municipality where they reside.

For commercial carriers, IRP and IFTA permits are processed at the following two locations:

NH Dept. of Safety DMV - Concord Registration Bureau
23 Hazen Drive
Concord NH 03305

NH Dept. of Safety DMV - Twin Mountain IRP
549 Route 302 West
Twin Mountain, NH 03595

For oversize and overweight permits, applications are submitted to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. Applications may be completed online, by mail, or by walk-in at the NHDOT Oversize/Overweight Permit Office.

Documents Commonly Required

For Private Vehicle Temporary Plates:

• Photocopy of the front and back of the title signed by the seller and buyer, or a photocopy of a bill of sale that includes the Vehicle Identification Number, the date of sale, the description of the vehicle (year, make, model, color, number of cylinders, body style), and signatures and addresses of both the buyer and seller
• Driver License or Non-Driver ID (if utilizing drop box services, a photocopy must be provided)
• Fee payment (made payable to State of NH-DMV)
• For out-of-state residents, proof of identity and a properly assigned title

For Commercial Vehicle Registrations and Permits:

• Proof of an established place of business in New Hampshire (for IRP and IFTA applications)
• Acceptable vehicle ownership documentation
• Vehicle inspection certificate
• Proof of sales tax payment (if applicable)
• Current proof of insurance meeting New Hampshire requirements
• Proof of Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 55,000 pounds or greater
• Emissions compliance documentation for applicable jurisdictions
• Records of the fleet showing distance by jurisdiction and total distance traveled

For Nonresident Commercial Permits:

• Business registration documentation
• Current vehicle registration from another state or jurisdiction
• Current proof of insurance
• Proof of emissions compliance

For Oversize/Overweight Permits:

• Application form completed in full
• Vehicle specifications, including dimensions and weight
• Route information for proposed movement
• Proof of vehicle registration

Temporary Permit Fees in New Hampshire

New Hampshire establishes the following fees for temporary vehicle permits:

Can a New Hampshire Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

For private vehicles, New Hampshire permits out-of-state residents to obtain a 20-day in-transit registration certificate for vehicles purchased through private sale from a New Hampshire resident. This temporary credential is designed to authorize one-way transportation of the vehicle out of New Hampshire for registration in another state.

For commercial carriers, an International Registration Plan trip permit valid in New Hampshire may authorize both interstate and intrastate operations if all applicable regulatory requirements are met and the vehicle is operating under valid insurance and other regulatory credentials.

Oversize and overweight movement remains subject to separate New Hampshire Department of Transportation permitting. Oversize and overweight permits are specific to the authorized route and load configuration and do not permit unrestricted interstate movement without additional permitting from other jurisdictions.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

New Hampshire imposes penalties for late registration, expired temporary credentials, and commercial operation without required permits.

Under RSA 261:40, operation of a vehicle without proper registration is a violation. The fine for a violation of this section shall be $100.

Under RSA 261:44, a vehicle owned by a nonresident and duly registered in another state may operate in New Hampshire without New Hampshire registration under certain circumstances specified by reciprocal agreement. However, operation in violation of these reciprocal provisions is subject to penalties.

Operation of a commercial vehicle without valid IRP or IFTA credentials when such credentials are required is subject to fines and penalties. Failure to maintain required insurance while operating a vehicle is a separate violation with additional penalties.

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