Registering and titling your vehicle in New Hampshire involves different processes, depending on your vehicle and your situation. At some point, you're probably going to have questions.

The Unofficial DMV Guide has covered the basics of registration and titling, as well as paperwork such as the Bill of Sale, special inspection considerations like emission compliance, and even the different kinds of license plates you can get.

However, we realize that not every situation may be covered thoroughly throughout the site. Therefore, we have developed a list of frequently asked questions to further assist you as a New Hampshire driver.

There are very few specific fees mentioned here. Why is that?

Most fees for registration depend on the individual vehicle. You can contact town or city with your vehicle information to get specific fees.

I've lost one of my license plates, but the other is still on my car. Is this OK?

It's OK in that you're only going to have to pay $4 for one replacement plate and $10 for a set of two. New Hampshire requires you to have two license plates on your vehicle, so apply for a replacement as soon as possible.

I just tried to renew my registration online using C.O.M.P.A.S.S., and I can't. Why?

There are several reasons for not being able to renew your registration with C.O.M.P.A.S.S..

You might not live in a town or city that participates in C.O.M.P.A.S.S.; New Hampshire provides an online list of the towns and cities that do participate.

Other reasons include having a vehicle that is registered by a cooperation, having outstanding fees, and having a different address that what was originally documented on your registration.

C.O.M.P.A.S.S. provides an online list of requirements for using the system.

Where should I go to register my vehicle?

New Hampshire also provides an online list of registration substations.

Be sure to check the hours and holiday schedule before heading to your local substation.

I've heard that some vehicles aren't required to be titled. Which ones are required to be titled?

You must title any vehicle that is no more than 15 years old, all trucks and tractors weighing more than 18,000 pounds, and all trailers no more than 15 years old and weighing more than 3,000 pounds.

You also have the option to request a title for an antique vehicle that's 26 years old or older.

How do I apply for a duplicate title?

It's very easy. Just submit an appropriately named Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title along with a $25 duplication fee. If a lien exists, you will also have to mail a Release of Lien or Other Encumbrances form.

I lost my registration. How do I obtain a duplicate?

No worries. Submit an Application for Copy of Registration along with a $10 duplication fee at any DMV location.

How do I get replacement decals?

Submit an Application for Replacement Plates and/or Decals, and be sure to include $1 for each decal.

Hey! I sent in my renewal. Where's my registration?

Don't worry, you're not in trouble. Contact your nearest DMV office and explain the situation. You'll either be issued a temporary registration certificate until the original is found, or you'll be given a new one.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.

If my vehicle has been nonoperable, what steps do I take to make it road-legal?

Visit your town clerk with proof that your vehicle has been nonoperational. If applicable, a storage receipt will suffice. Your town clerk can then help you re-register the vehicle.

Our content is updated based on input from users like you. Help make it better!