Vehicle Registration, Titles, and Inspections
What this domain tests
This domain covers how New Hampshire registers vehicles, transfers titles, and enforces annual safety inspections. A key New Hampshire feature is that vehicle registration is handled by the town or city clerk, while the DMV handles certificates of title. Exam questions often test which office does what and which deadlines apply.
Core rules
- Registration is annual and is completed at the town or city clerk's office, not at the DMV. Fees are based on vehicle weight and age, and plates are issued for the vehicle.
- New residents must register their vehicles in New Hampshire within 60 days of establishing residency.
- A New Hampshire certificate of title is required for vehicles model year 2000 and newer. Vehicles older than model year 2000 are registered but not titled in New Hampshire.
- A title application must be submitted within 20 days of purchase. A lienholder is recorded on the title.
- New Hampshire requires an annual safety inspection at a state-licensed inspection station. The sticker shows the inspection month and year, and the vehicle must display two New Hampshire plates.
Worked example
A buyer purchases a 2015 sedan from a private seller. The seller signs the title over and provides a bill of sale. The buyer takes the documents to the town clerk, pays the registration fee, and receives plates. The buyer must also submit the title application within 20 days. If the buyer waits 30 days, the title application is late even though the registration was completed.
Traps that cost marks
Do not go to the DMV to register a car; registration is a town or city clerk function. Do not try to title a 1998 vehicle in New Hampshire, because it falls outside the title requirement. Do not treat the 20-day title deadline as the same as the 60-day new-resident registration deadline.
Key points
- Registration: annual, at town or city clerk.
- New residents: register within 60 days.
- Title required: model year 2000 and newer.
- Title application: within 20 days of purchase.
- Inspection: annual safety inspection at a licensed station.