Vehicle Registration

Vehicle Registration

Vehicle registration in New Hampshire is done at the Town Clerk’s Office in the town in which you reside.  There are two fees that you will be paying; the local fee is a personal property tax and is based on the original list price of the vehicle.  The annual tax rate for the current model year is $18/$1000 of the list price.  The rate drops annual in $3 increments; $15, $12, $9, $6, and ending at $3.  Vehicles are registered in the birth month of the owner; initially the fees will be pro-rated from the date of registration to the birth month.  The second fee is a state fee and is based on the weight of the vehicle.  Most vehicles fall in the $43.20 or $55.20 weight category.  Payments may be made by cash, check or credit card (additional fees apply).  Registrations and safety inspections are done annually.

If you are coming from another town in New Hampshire you will need to bring your current registration and proof of your residency here in Durham.  A bill, bank statement or lease is sufficient proof of residency.

If you are coming from another state, YOU MUST FIRST VISIT THE NH-DMV TO OBTAIN A NH DRIVER'S LICENSE BEFORE COMING TO THE CLERK'S OFFICE TO REGISTER YOUR CAR. After obtaining your driver's license from the NH-DMV, please visit the Durham Town Clerk's office to register your car.  You will need to bring your title and proof of your residency here in Durham.  A bill, bank statement or lease is sufficient proof of residency.  If your vehicle is being financed and you do not have the title, you will need to contact your lienholder.  Explain you have moved to another state and need an address for the State of New Hampshire to request your title.  If the vehicle is jointly owned, all owners must be present to initially register the vehicle.

The first time you register a vehicle or apply for a title, you must visit the Town Clerk’s Office to do so.  

There are several options to renew your vehicle registrations.  You can renew registrations in person, by mail or online (additional fees apply).  Renewal reminder notices are sent the month prior to your expiration by mail or e-mail.  Renewal registrations can be done up to four months early.

NOTE:  File your renewal notice away for income tax time it is the perfect record of what you paid.  The local portion of the vehicle registration is a personal property tax and is deductible if you itemize.  Unfortunately, the state portion is not deductible.  

Now you can also register your car online at the link below.