Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Department of Safety
23 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
(603) 227-4000| www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv
Division of State Police, Department of Safety
James H. Hayes Safety Building
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
(603) 223-3850 | www.nh.gov/safety
New Hampshire Department of Transportation
John O. Morton Building
7 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03302-0483
(603) 271-3734 | www.nh.gov/dot
An application for a certificate of title shall be made by the owner of a motor vehicle to the DMV, on a form prescribed by the DMV.
The application shall contain: (a) the name, residence, and mailing address of the owner; (b) a description of the vehicle including, the make, model, vehicle identification number, model year, type of body, the number of cylinders, and whether the vehicle is new or used; (c) the date purchased by the applicant, the name and address of the person from whom the vehicle was acquired and the names and addresses of any lienholders in the order of their priority and the dates of their security agreements; and (d) if a new vehicle, the application shall be accompanied by the manufacturer’s or importer’s certificate of origin.
If the application for certificate of title refers to a vehicle last previously registered in another state or country, the application shall be accompanied by any certificate of title issued by the other state or country. The certificate shall either be in English or a notarized translation of the certificate shall be provided.
Any motor vehicle whose manufacturer’s model year is older than 15 years is not required to have a title except heavy trucks (heavy trucks are defined as having 3 or more axles) and truck tractors whose GVW exceeds 18,000 pounds.
The DMV, upon receipt of a properly assigned certificate of title, with an application for a new certificate of title and the required fee, shall issue a new certificate of title in the name of the transferee as owner and mail it to the first lienholder named in it or, if none, to the owner.
In an involuntary transder, the transferee shall promptly mail or deliver to the DMV the last certificate of title, if available, proof of the transfer, and the application for a new certificate.
Manufactured homes are considered to be real estate.
Motor vehicle registration is a 2-step process. A registration permit must first be obtained from the town or city where the registrant resides. Then, the permit must be taken to a DMV office or municipal agent to complete the state portion of the registration.
The application for the registration of a motor vehicle shall contain: the applicant’s name, mailing address, residential address, birth date, and signature.
The application of any person under the age of 18 to register a vehicle shall be signed by 1 of his parents or a guardian, or in the event there is no parent or guardian, by another responsible adult. This does not apply to a person under the age of 18 years who is emancipated by marriage or who has presented proof of insurance coverage at the time of the application.
No certificate of registration shall be issued to any person under 16 years of age.
There is no grace period for late registration.
When a non-resident has established a bona fide residency in New Hampshire, he or she shall have a maximum of 60 days from the date on which the residency was established to register the vehicle.
A non-resident who garages a vehicle exclusively in New Hampshire may register such vehicle as a non-resident, once approved by their town or city clerk.
The registration of a motor vehicle shall expire at midnight on the last day of the month in which the first anniversary of the registrant’s birth following the date of issue is observed.
20-Day Registration: Any resident who intends to purchase a vehicle in another state, from another person, or who is unable to register a vehicle because of limited hours of operation of the town clerk in the town where the person resides, may apply to the DMV for a registration to drive the vehicle on the roads of the state for a maximum period of 20 days. The resident shall appear in person at the DMV to obtain such registration and shall sign under penalty of perjury a statement that the vehicle meets all New Hampshire inspection requirements, and in the case of a person seeking an extension of his registration, that he was unable to register the vehicle because of the limited hours of the town clerk, before the 20-day registration may be issued. This type of registration is valid for 20 days. Only one 20-day registration shall be issued during any one calendar year for a vehicle.
In-Transit Registration: The owner of any vehicle intended to be driven upon the roads of the state only for the purpose of transporting the vehicle to another jurisdiction where it is to be registered may apply to the DMV for the issuance of an in-transit registration for such vehicle. The application shall be made on a form furnished by the DMV. If satisfied that the vehicle is to be driven as provided in this section, the DMV shall assign to such vehicle a distinctive number and deliver to the applicant an in-transit registration valid for a period of 20 days from the date of issuance. The registration shall specify the terms and conditions under which the vehicle may be driven upon the roads, and no such vehicle shall be operated in violation of such terms and conditions. An in-transit registration is only issued for private sale purchases from a NH resident and is only for the purpose of transporting the vehicle to its intended destination.
In addition to normal safety checks, 1996 and newer gasoline-powered and newer diesel-powered vehicles (8500 lbs. GVWR and less) must have a test of an on-board diagnostics system meeting the Federal EPA OBD II standards as part of the inspection process. This test checks whether or not the monitors are working properly and if they are detecting any problems. Visit the New Hampshire OBD and Safety Testing Program for more information.
Any vehicle registered by the DMV shall be inspected once a year, during the month of the owner’s birth date.
Trucks and buses exceeding 10,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight and all school buses, public and private shall be inspected semiannually. Newly registered vehicles inspected within 10 days from date of registration.
An inspection sticker shall be valid for the same duration as the vehicle’s registration, which shall not exceed 16 months.
OBD is utilized as part of the state emissions inspection process.
| Automobile | Motorcycle | Duplicates | ||||||
| Title Fee | Registration Fee | Title Fee | Registration Fee | Plate Fee | Registration Fee | Driver’s License Fee | Title Fee | Special Plates |
| $25.00 | * By weight | $25.00 | $16.00 | $4.00 per plate | $15.00 | $10.00 | $25.00 | n/a |
* 0-3000 lbs. $31.20, 3001-5000 lbs. $43.20, 5001-8000 lbs. $55.20, 8001-73,280 lbs. $ .96 per hundred lbs. gross weight
The DMV shall design and issue to every person whose vehicle is registered a license plate or plates.
Every vehicle driven on any road, if required to be registered, shall have one or more reflectorized number plates displayed with any current validation sticker issued by the DMV or an authorized agent.
Most registration plates for passenger vehicles shall have the color scheme green on white and display the state motto “Live Free or Die.”
Special license plates or hanging placards for disabled drivers are available by application to DMV. Letter from physician attesting to disability and possession of New Hampshire driver’s license or non-driver ID is required. All applicants must prove residency.
The new owner of a vehicle may be issued the same registration number as previously given to the vehicle if the owner applies to the DMV or municipal agent for registration and submits a written statement indicating the release of the plates to the new owner regardless of the plate type.
The owner of a vehicle may transfer the registration number between vehicles if the owner registers the new vehicle and is the primary owner on the registration.
The DMV shall issue driver’s licenses to applicants whose visual acuity is between 20/40 and 20/70. No license shall be issued to an applicant whose visual acuity is worse than 20/40 in both eyes, or worse than 20/30 if there is vision only in 1 eye, unless special consideration is granted by the DMV.
Written, visual, and road test are required.
State has a system of graduated licensing for teen drivers.
At age 16, teens who have successfully completed driver education are eligible for a Youth Operator’s License.
Youth operator must accumulate 40 hours of supervised driving with 10 hours at night in order to be eligible for a full license.
Applicants for a driver’s license must provide the following on a form provided by the DMV: (1) legal name; (2) residence address; (3) mailing address; (4) social security number, unless a waiver is requested and granted; (5) date of birth; (6) sex, height, weight, color of eyes, color of hair; (7) class(es) of driver’s license(s) desired; (8) where last driver’s license, if any, was held; and (9) proof of completion of an approved driver education course as a prerequisite of a non-resident. The following certified statements are also required: the applicant has paid all resident taxes for which he is liable; the applicant, if required, has filed with the DMV an insurance certificate; the applicant has no physical or mental handicap that would be detrimental or incapacitate the applicant from holding a license; the applicant does not hold a license in any other jurisdiction; and the applicant’s driving privileges are not subject to or under disqualification, suspension, or revocation by any jurisdiction. The signature of the applicant is also required.
No person shall drive any motor vehicle unless such person has a valid driver’s license.
Every person driving a motor vehicle shall have their driver’s license on their person or in the vehicle in some easily accessible place.
License normally includes a digital image. License does not include social security number.
All licenses shall expire on the 5th anniversary of the license holder’s date of birth following the date of issuance.
The DMV shall notify each holder of a license by mail addressed to the holder’s last known address, 30 days prior to the expiration date of a place and time where he or she shall appear for the issuance of a new license.
An applicant for a renewal driver’s license shall complete the vision screening examination. The DMV may require applicants for a license renewal to complete a road performance evaluation.
Any person who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and who, at the time of induction, call to active duty, or enlistment into the U.S. Armed Forces for 2 or more years, was a resident of New Hampshire and was a holder of a valid New Hampshire license to drive a motor vehicle in New Hampshire, is entitled to renewal of such license without cost. The spouse of any resident of New Hampshire on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces is able to renew his or her driver’s license through the mail; however, the fee is not waived.
Class D: Non-Commercial Operator’s License. May also be “moped only,” “motorcycle only,” or “motorcycle also.”
Class A Commercial: Authorizes holder to drive a combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of over 26,000 lbs. while towing over 10,000 lbs.
Class B Commercial: Authorizes holder to drive a single vehicle or a combination of vehicles with a GVWR over 26,000 lbs. while towing under 10,000 lbs.
Class C Commercial: Authorizes holder to drive a vehicle with a GVWR under 26,000 lbs. while transporting hazardous wastes or 16 or more passengers.
Text messaging or the use of two hands to type on or operate an electronic or telecommunications device is prohibited for all drivers. Anyone who drives a vehicle negligently or causes a vehicle to be driven negligently, or in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property shall be guilty of a violation.
Citizen band radio channel 9 is monitored for emergency calls. Cell number is 911.
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.
State law requires drivers approaching a crash or emergency area to slow to a safe speed and give wide berth to stationary emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights, including towing and recovery vehicles.
The state does not have a seat belt law for adults.
Riding in the cargo area of a pickup truck is permitted.
Seat belts are required for all passengers under age 18.
Children less than age 6 and under 55 inches must be properly fastened and secured by a child passenger restraint system.
Violation of the child restraint law is a standard offense.
Riding in the cargo area of a pickup truck is permitted for those over 18.
Driver’s approaching a railroad grade crossing under any of the following circumstances shall stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail: a clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a train; a crossing gate is lowered or a flagman gives or continues to give a signal of approach; a railroad train approaching within approximately 1,500 feet of the crossing emits a signal audible from such a distance that such train is an immediate hazard; or an approaching train is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to such crossing.
No person shall drive any vehicle through, around, or under any crossing or barrier at a railroad crossing while such a gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed.
The driver of any vehicle carrying passengers for hire, or any school bus carrying any school child, before crossing any railroad tracks, shall stop the vehicle within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of such railroad and, while stopped, shall listen and look in both directions for any approaching train, and for signals indicating the approach of a train, and shall not proceed until driver can do so safely.
The driver of a vehicle upon any road upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus, which has stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children, shall stop the vehicle before reaching such school bus but at least 25 feet away from such school bus. The driver shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion, or until flashing red lights cease to operate.
The height of a bumper of a private passenger vehicle must be between 16 and 20 inches from the ground.
The height of a bumper of any vehicle other than a private passenger vehicle must be between 16 and 30 inches from the ground.
Headlights are required to be on when visibility is less than 1000 feet or in conditions of insufficient light/adverse weather.
Hazard light use is permitted.
Tire chain usage is permitted for hazardous weather or other related incidents only, but may not damage the highway surface.
Studded tires are permitted.
No person shall drive a vehicle, registered in New Hampshire, which has after-market tinting installed on the windshield or on the windows to the left and right of the driver.
After-market tinting may be applied to the windows to the rear of the driver if such vehicle has rearview mirrors located on both the left and right sides of the vehicle. However, the light transmittance of after-market tinted windows shall not be less than 35%.
Persons who require after-market tinting on the windshield or on the windows to the left and right of the driver for medical reasons may apply to the DMV for a special permit.
After-market tinting of the 6-inch strip at the top of the windshield of any vehicle is allowed so long as the light transmittance of the strip is not less than 35%.
No person shall drive a motor vehicle while viewing a broadcast television image or a visual image from an image display device when the vehicle is in motion, or with an image display device intended to be visible to the driver in a normal driving position when the vehicle is in motion and when restrained by the vehicle seat belts adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Does not apply to image display devices are disabled when in motion, devices displaying images that provide the driver with navigation and related traffic, road, and weather information; providing vehicle information, controls, or information related to the driving task; or devices used to enhance or supplement the driver’s view forward, behind, to the sides of the motor vehicle, or to monitor vehicle occupants seated rearward of the driver.
Radar detectors are permitted.
No person shall drive any vehicle with a sign, poster, sticker, or other non-transparent material upon or adjacent to the front windshield, sidewings, or side or rear windows of such vehicle which shall obstruct the driver’s clear view of the road, unless such material is required by law. Stickers or other nontransparent material are allowed on a rear window if the vehicle has exterior rearview mirrors on both sides and the stickers are along the perimeter without obstructing the center of the window.
If a motorcycle is not equipped with a windshield or screen which protects the driver’s eyes and face when the driver is sitting erect, the driver shall wear either eyeglasses, goggles, or a protective face shield when driving the motorcycle.
Every motorcycle, driven during the period between one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, and whenever rain, snow, or fog shall interfere with the proper view of the road so that persons and vehicles on the road are not clearly discernible at a distance of 1,000 feet ahead, shall display at least 1 lighted head-lamp on the front. The headlamp shall throw sufficient light ahead to make clearly visible all vehicles, persons, or substantial objects within a distance of 150 feet. All headlamps shall be designed to prevent glaring rays. All headlamps shall be located at a height of not more than 54 inches or less than 24 inches from the ground.
Motorcycles must be equipped with:
No person shall drive a motorcycle of which the grips are higher than the shoulder level of the driver when in the seat or saddle. It shall be illegal to drive a motorcycle with improvised, defective, or repaired handlebars.
Every motorcycle shall have footrests for each person driving or riding.
Every motorcycle shall have a rearview mirror.
A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto. Such driver shall not carry any other person nor shall any other person ride on a motorcycle unless such motorcycle is designed to carry more than 1 person.
A person shall ride upon a motorcycle only while sitting astride the seat, facing forward, with 1 leg on each side of the motorcycle.
While driving a motorcycle, the driver must keep both hands on the handlebars.
Motorcycle Learner’s Permit: Upon application, the DMV shall issue a motorcycle learner’s permit to a person age 18 or older or to a person who is 16 or 17 and has successfully completed an approved driver education course. A motorcycle learner’s permit shall permit the holder of such permit to drive a motorcycle on any road after sunrise and before sunset. Passengers are prohibited. The permit shall be valid for 30 days from the date of issuance or until the holder of the permit obtains a special license to drive motorcycles.
Class D: Non-Commercial Operator’s License. May also be “moped only,” “motorcycle only” or “motorcycle also.”
No person shall operate a motorcycle which has a measured noise level of more than 106 decibels when measured 20 inches from the exhaust pipe at a 45 degree angle while the engine is operating at 2,800 revolutions per minute for 1- and 2-cylinder motorcycles and 3,500 revolutions per minute for any motorcycle with 3 or more cylinders.
No person may drive a moped upon any road in New Hampshire without a current valid driver’s license issued by any state, a special motorcycle license issued by any state, or a special moped license or endorsement, a 3-wheeled motorcycle endorsement, or a motorcycle learner’s permit.
No person shall drive a moped in the night time at a speed greater than 35 mph unless such moped is equipped with a lighted headlamp or lamps which are adequate to reveal a person or vehicle at a distance of 300 feet ahead.
Tail lamps and stop lamps are also required for mopeds.
No person shall operate a moped, except 1 equipped with clipless pedals, unless such moped has pedals equipped with a reflector that is visible from the front and rear of the moped from a distance of 200 feet.
No person, during darkness, shall operate a moped equipped with clipless pedals unless the operator is wearing either reflectorized leg bands on the lower exterior of either the operator’s legs or shoes.
Every moped shall be equipped with a brake or brakes which will enable its driver to stop the moped within 25 feet from a speed of 10 mph on dry, level, clean pavement.
Total length: not specified; trailer length: 48 feet (includes bumpers); width: 102 inches; height: 13 feet 6 inches.
No motor vehicle trailer or semi-trailer shall be driven on the ways of this state unless equipped with adequate brakes in good working order and sufficient to control the said vehicle at all times. Does not apply to a motor vehicle trailer or semi-trailer with a gross weight of less than 3,000 pounds if the axle weight of the towed vehicle does not exceed 40 percent of the sum of the rated axle weights of the towing vehicle.
Every combination of motor vehicle with a trailer or semitrailer when driven upon the roadways of the state shall at a speed of 20 mph be capable, at all times and under all conditions, of stopping on a dry, smooth, approximately level pavement free from loose material, upon application of the foot or service brake, within a distance of 30 feet.
Ball hitch shall be mounted on bumper or secured to frame; safety chain is required.
The tail lamps and reflectors on trailers may be located at a height of less than 20 inches from the ground, provided they are placed in such a manner as to indicate the extreme width of the vehicle and load, and the visibility of reflectors is not impaired at any time.
It shall be unlawful for any person to pull any trailer unless it is equipped with a stop lamp in working order at all times.
It shall be unlawful for any person to pull a trailer registered in New Hampshire, which was manufactured after January 1, 1952, unless such a vehicle is equipped with directional signals.
Every trailer, when driven at night, shall have on the rear, 1 lamp, displaying a red light visible for a distance of at least 1000 feet, and a white light illuminating the registration plate of such vehicle so that the characters thereon shall be visible for a distance of at least 50 feet. All tail lamps shall be located at a height of not more than 72 inches nor less than 20 inches from the ground. On a combination of vehicles, only the taillamp on the rearmost vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified.
Every trailer and semitrailer, with a weight of 3,000 lbs. or more, when driven on the roads at night, shall have displayed on the body or load carrying portion of the vehicle, the following: on each side, 1 amber reflector, located at or near the front, and 1 red reflector located at or near the rear. Such reflectors shall be located not less than 24 nor more than 48 inches from the ground. The visibility of any such reflector shall not be impaired at any time.
No person shall drive upon any road any motor vehicle so loaded that the driver is prevented from having a constantly free and unobstructed view of the road immediately in the rear, unless there is attached to the vehicle a mirror or reflector so placed and adjusted as to afford the driver a clear, reflected view of the road in the rear of the vehicle.
House trailers, 45 mph.
Every trailer or semitrailer, including farm and agricultural vehicles, shall have, in addition to the towbar or coupling device, a safety chain or cable to prevent breakaway from the towing vehicle. Each chain or cable shall have an ultimate strength at least equal to the gross weight of the trailer and the load being towed. Chains or cables shall be connected to the towed and towing vehicle to prevent the towbar from dropping to the ground in the event the towbar fails.
Except for duly registered wrecking vehicles and transporters or motor vehicles towing with a chain or cable for no more than 1 mile another vehicle which is disabled and unable to proceed under its own power, no motor vehicle shall be used to tow another vehicle on any road unless the 2 vehicles are connected by a tow bar of sufficient strength to control the movements of the vehicle being towed without manual steering of said towed vehicle.
No vehicle may tow on any road more than 1 vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, except one used exclusively for agricultural purposes or authorized by the DMV to do so.
No person or persons shall occupy any type of house trailer or automobile utility trailer while it is towed.
Crashes are required to be reported when property damage exceeds $1000.00.
The deadline to file a report is 15 days.
State has recognition of AAA arrest bond certificates of $200.
State has security-type law applicable in the event of accident causing property damage in excess of $1,000 or personal injury death.
State also has future proof law requiring motorists to show financial responsibility after conviction of certain serious traffic offenses.
State has non-resident service of process law; does not have guest suit law.
All drivers are required to have insurance liability policies of at least $25,000 for bodily injury or death to any 1 person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death to 2 or more persons, and $25,000 for injury to and destruction of property in any 1 accident.
The driver of every motor vehicle shall, upon request of any law enforcement officer, stop and submit such to a weighing of said motor vehicle by means of either portable or stationary scales. If such scales are not available at the place where the stopping occurs, upon request of a law enforcement officer, the driver shall drive said motor vehicle to the nearest public scales provided the distance to the public scales does not exceed 10 miles.
Bicycle helmets are required for riders under age 16.
Drivers passing a bicycle must pass with a space of 3 feet between the motor vehicle and the bicycle.
New Hampshire is party to the Non-Resident Violator Compact.
