How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in New Hampshire?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all New Hampshire residents to maintain legal driving privileges. The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees the state's vehicle registration system, while town and city clerk offices handle registration services on behalf of the DMV.
New Hampshire Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
New Hampshire vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Valid Driver License or Photo ID: Current New Hampshire driver license or non-driver identification card
- Current Registration Certificate: Registration renewal notice or current registration certificate
- Proof of Residency: Required if establishing residency for the first time in a town or city
- Payment Method: Cash, check, credit card, or debit card (processing fees may apply for electronic payments)
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Registration Expiration: Registrations expire at midnight on the last day of the owner's birth month (for individual owners) or on the assigned month for business-owned or leased vehicles
- Early Renewal: Registration renewal can begin up to four months prior to expiration
- Minimum and Maximum Terms: New registrations cannot be issued for less than five months or more than sixteen months
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in New Hampshire in 2025
2025 New Hampshire Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
New Hampshire vehicle registration involves a two-part fee structure: state fees and municipal (town/city) fees. State registration fees are calculated based on vehicle weight and registration period.
| Vehicle Weight | Monthly State Fee | Annual State Fee (12 months) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 3,000 lbs. | $2.60 | $31.20 |
| 3,001 - 5,000 lbs. | $3.60 | $43.20 |
| 5,001 - 8,000 lbs. | $4.60 | $55.20 |
| 8,001 - 10,000 lbs. | $5.40 | $64.80 |
Motorcycle and Trailer Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Annual State Fee |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles | $30.00 |
| Moped | $8.00 |
| Trailers | Varies by weight |
Municipal Permit Fees
Municipal permit fees vary by town or city and are based on the vehicle's original manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) and model year. The fee calculation uses the following rates per thousand dollars of MSRP:
| Model Year | Rate Per $1,000 MSRP |
|---|---|
| Current Model Year | $18.00 |
| Previous Model Year | $15.00 |
| Two Years Prior | $12.00 |
| Three Years Prior | $9.00 |
| Four Years Prior | $6.00 |
| Five Years Prior and Older | $3.00 |
Example Calculation: A vehicle with an MSRP of $30,000 in its current model year would pay: ($30,000 ÷ $1,000) × $18 = $540.00 in municipal permit fees for a 12-month registration.
Additional Registration Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| License Plate Fee | $8.00 | One-time fee for initial plate issuance |
| Municipal Agent Fee | $3.00 - $5.00 | Charged when town/city clerk completes state portion |
| Registration Surcharge | Varies | Applies to certain plate types |
| Duplicate Registration | $15.00 | Replacement for lost or damaged registration |
| Replacement Plates/Decals | $8.00 | Per set for lost, stolen, or damaged plates |
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in New Hampshire
Online Renewal Platforms
New Hampshire provides vehicle registration renewal services through both a centralized state online system and individual municipal town and city clerk online portals. The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles operates an official statewide online renewal platform accessible through NH.gov, while many municipalities also offer their own local online renewal systems for resident convenience.
Online Renewal Requirements: To renew vehicle registration online through the New Hampshire centralized system, you must have the following:
- Your current vehicle registration certificate or renewal notice received in the mail
- A valid New Hampshire driver license or non-driver identification card
- A valid credit or debit card (you must be an authorized user of this card)
- Your email address
- Your phone number
- Vehicle identification information (license plate number and VIN)
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Confirm eligibility for online vehicle registration renewal by verifying the following conditions:
- Vehicle registration is current or has not expired beyond the timeframe permitted for online renewal processing
- Valid New Hampshire vehicle safety inspection certificate is on file (if applicable based on vehicle age and type)
- No change of registered owner name, address, or vehicle information has occurred since last registration that would require in-person documentation updates
- No outstanding parking citations, traffic violations, or unpaid municipal fees that would prevent registration renewal
- Vehicle is a standard passenger vehicle, motorcycle, or light truck eligible for online renewal (commercial vehicles, new registrations, and registration transfers typically require in-person processing)
Step 2: Gather Required Information
Collect the following information and documents before accessing the online renewal system:
- Vehicle registration renewal notice containing identification information mailed by the state or town/city clerk office
- Valid New Hampshire driver license or non-driver identification card
- Vehicle identification information including license plate number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Payment method: credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or debit card (you must be an authorized user of the card)
- Email address for electronic confirmation receipt delivery
- Phone number for contact purposes
- Current vehicle odometer reading (if required)
Step 3: Access Online Renewal Portal
Navigate to the New Hampshire centralized online renewal system through NH.gov or access your municipal town or city clerk's online renewal portal:
- Enter the identification information requested by the online system (information from renewal notice, license plate number, or driver license number)
- Provide required personal identification verification details
- Review vehicle information displayed by the system including make, model, year, current registration expiration date, and owner information
- Verify all displayed information is accurate and current; report any discrepancies to the appropriate office before proceeding
Step 4: Review Registration Fees
Review the detailed fee breakdown displayed by the online renewal system. New Hampshire vehicle registration fees consist of two primary components:
- Municipal Permit Fee: Calculated based on vehicle manufacturer's list price (MSRP) and model year using the mill rate system established under New Hampshire Revised Statute 261:153
- State Registration Fee: Based on vehicle weight classification as specified in New Hampshire Revised Statute 261:141
- Optional Municipal Fees: Additional fees such as municipal transportation improvement fund fees or town reclamation trust fund fees (if adopted by the municipality)
- Online Processing Fee: Payment processing convenience fees that may apply to credit or debit card transactions
Verify the total registration renewal amount shown matches your expectations based on the vehicle type, age, and municipality.
Step 5: Submit Payment and Receive Confirmation
Complete the payment transaction using your valid credit or debit card:
- Enter payment card information as requested (you must be an authorized user of the card)
- Provide required billing information associated with the payment card
- Review payment authorization and transaction total including any processing fees
- Submit payment authorization to complete the registration renewal transaction
- Receive electronic confirmation receipt immediately upon successful payment processing via email
- Print or save confirmation receipt as temporary proof of registration renewal until physical registration documents arrive by mail
- Record confirmation number, transaction number, or receipt number for future reference
Alternative Renewal Methods
In-Person Renewal
Visit your local town or city clerk office with:
- Current registration certificate or renewal notice
- Valid New Hampshire driver license or identification card
- Payment for all applicable fees
Town and city clerk offices typically operate Monday through Friday during business hours, with some offering extended evening hours. Contact your local clerk office to confirm hours and whether appointments are required.
Mail-In Renewal
Submit the following documents by mail to your town or city clerk office:
- Completed renewal notice or letter indicating vehicle and owner information
- Payment by check or money order made payable to your town or city
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return mailing of registration and decals
Allow additional processing time for mail-in renewals and confirm your clerk office accepts mail renewals before submitting.
Contact Information
New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305
Phone: (603) 227-4000
Official Website: New Hampshire DMV
Town and city clerk offices handle registration services statewide. Contact your local clerk office directly for office hours, services offered, and online renewal availability. A comprehensive directory of New Hampshire city and town officials is available through the New Hampshire Municipal Association or by contacting the DMV customer service line.
DMV regional service centers are located throughout New Hampshire, including offices in Colebrook, Concord, Dover, Epping, Gorham, Keene, Manchester, Milford, Nashua, North Conway, Plymouth, Rochester, Salem, and Twin Mountain. Locate your nearest DMV office through the DMV Hours and Locations Directory.
