License Plates & Placards in New Hampshire

SUMMARY: New Hampshire License Plates

Apply for your NH license plates when you register your vehicle at the DMV, and renew your license plates when you renew your registration in person. You can transfer tags from one car to another, and you can order replacement plates or decals if yours are lost, stolen, or damaged.

Continue reading this page to learn more about license plates from the NH Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Need information about vanity plates? See our pages about NH Specialty Plates and Applying for Specialty Plates for more details.

Applying for handicapped parking access? Learn more on our Disabled Plates and Placards page, including how and where to apply.

Types of NH License Plates

Most vehicles require plates displayed on both the front and back. Motorcycles and trailers only need one license plate on the back.

Your license plate will also have month and year stickers that show when your tags expire. The stickers go in the bottom corners of your plate and cannot block the plate number.

Special Plate Designs

The NH DMV issues standard license plates unless you apply for a different type of plate, such as a personalized plate or organizational plate.

If you have a qualifying disability, you can apply for a disability license plate or placard that allows parking in designated handicap spaces. Learn more from our Disability Parking Permits page.

Temporary Tags

When you buy a car, you may need a temporary tag so that you can drive your vehicle while waiting for your NH license plates from the NH DMV.

Temporary permits for newly purchased vehicles are valid for 20 days. You can get one from your vehicle dealer or in person at a NH DMV branch.

To apply for a temporary tag at the DMV, you will need:

  • A bill of sale that must show:
    • Your name, address, and signature (as the buyer).
    • The seller's name, address, and signature.
    • The vehicle identification number (VIN).
    • A description of the vehicle.
  • Proof of your identity, such as a valid NH driver's license.
  • Payment for the $10 fee.

The DMV offers other temporary permits for non-residents and new residents.

Apply for License Plates

To apply for license plates in New Hampshire, simply register your vehicle with the NH DMV.

Registration is required within 60 days for new residents and 20 days of buying a vehicle.

Learn more about registration requirements, fees, and other details on our Vehicle Registration page.

Renew New Hampshire Tags

You must renew your license plates by renewing your registration in person at a NH DMV office. You'll get a new expiration sticker to put on your license plate.

Our Registration Renewal page includes complete instructions.

Replace Vehicle License Plates

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license plates or decals in person at a New Hampshire vehicle registration office.

You'll need:

  • The Application for Replacement Plates and/or Decals (Form RDMV 125).
  • Payment for fees:
    • $4 per license plate.
    • $1 for a decal.
  • Any remaining plates IF you want to keep your license plate number.
    • If your plates are stolen, you CANNOT keep your plate number.

You are not required to report loss or theft of tags to the police, but filing a report can help prevent illegal use of your tags.

Transfer or Surrender Tags

You can transfer plates from one vehicle to another as long as the vehicles are registered in the same name. You CANNOT transfer your plate to the person who buys your car.

You'll transfer the tags when you register the vehicle you've bought. If you buy your vehicle from a dealer, let them know that you have tags to transfer.

You may have to surrender your license plates when you:

  • Move outside of the state.
  • Get a different type of license plate, such as a personalized plate.

Contact the DMV at (603) 227-4000 for more information about surrendering plates.

Fees for License Plates in NH

  • New standard plates: $8 plate fee PLUS state and local fees. Contact the DMV at (603) 227-4000 for your total fees.
  • Renewal of standard plates: Fees vary by location. Contact the NH DMV at the number above for an estimate of your renewal fees.
  • Replacement license plate: $4 per plate.
  • Replacement decals: $1.

Forms

RDMV 125
Application for Replacement Plates and Decals
Request replacement license plates AND/OR vehicle registration decals from the New Hampshire DMV if the originals were stolen, lost, destroyed, or traded.
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