Registration > Temporary Plates

Dealer 20-Day Temporary Plate

Pursuant to RSA 261:56, if a New Hampshire resident purchases a vehicle from a New Hampshire authorized dealership, the dealership will provide a twenty (20) day temporary plate if the vehicle is safe for the road. During that 20-day period, the vehicle must be registered with the town and state for permanent registration plates. If a dealership does not provide a 20-day plate because the vehicle is deemed unsafe, the dealership will provide an Unsafe Motor Vehicle Form and the vehicle is not eligible for a 20-day plate. Please note that 20-Day temporary plates are not issued to residents of the State of Massachusetts as temporary plates are not recognized in that state.

Private Sale 20-Day Temporary Plate

Pursuant to RSA 261:57, if a New Hampshire resident purchases a vehicle through a private sale, the purchaser may obtain a 20-day registration plate from any DMV office. The fee is $10.00, and the purchaser is required to provide proof of identity and a bill of sale which includes the legal names of both the buyer and the seller, signatures of the buyer and seller, the Vehicle Identification Number, and a brief description of the vehicle, (make, model etc.). Please note that 20-Day temporary plates are not issued to residents of the State of Massachusetts as temporary plates are not recognized in that state.

In-Transit 20-Day Temporary Plate

Pursuant to RSA 261:57-b, if you are not a resident of New Hampshire, but have purchased a vehicle through private sale from a New Hampshire resident, you may obtain a 20-day in-transit registration certificate from any DMV office. The fee is $10.00, and the purchaser is required to provide proof of identity and a properly assigned title. In the event, the vehicle is exempt from having a title, a bill of sale that includes the legal names of both the buyer and the seller, signatures of the buyer and seller, the Vehicle Identification Number, and a detailed description of the vehicle, (make, model etc) must be provided. Please note that 20-Day temporary plates are not issued to residents of the State of Massachusetts as temporary plates are not recognized in that state.

New Resident 60-Day Temporary Plate

If you are a new resident of New Hampshire and have a vehicle that has an out-of-state lienholder or is leased, you may qualify for a 60-day, temporary plate when you register your vehicle pursuant to RSA 261:57-A.