Motor Vehicle FAQ'S
1. I have just moved to Barnstead from out of state. What do I need to register my cars?
- Residency:
Post marked mail
Lease agreement
Notarized letter from property owner (if home is owned)
No residency needed if you have a valid NH ID, issued within 60 days.
- Current out of state registration and ORIGINAL TITLE if you hold title to the vehicle. If you do not hold your title we will need the full name and address of your lien holder and/or lease agreement.
- Current mileage.
- The date of your purchase
- If there is more than one owner on your title, both owners will need to sign the title application that we will print.
**You must get a NH license within 60 days of moving to NH.
Per RSA 261:148, we are required to see a government issued photo ID for anyone coming in to register a vehicle, regardless if the vehicle is under your name or not.
2. I just moved to Barnstead from another town in New Hampshire, do I need to change my address on my registration and drivers license?
Yes, all address changes must be made within 30 days of moving. Please complete the following change of address form and return it to the Town of Barnstead. This must be completed for every person who has an address change before we can register your vehicle.
Per RSA 261:148, we are required to see a government issued photo ID for anyone coming in to register a vehicle, regardless if the vehicle is under your name or not.
Record Change Request Form (DSMV 30).
3. If I move out of state prior to the expiration of my registration do I receive a refund for the unused portion?
No, the State of New Hampshire / Town of Barnstead does not refund if you move.
4. I just bought a new car, what do I need to bring with me to register it?
Effective January 1st, 2015: Any motor vehicle whose manufacturer’s model year is 2000 and newer will always be titled. RSA 261:1
I) If you purchased your car from a New Hampshire dealership you will need to bring the title application marked ‘Town Clerk’s Copy’.
II) If you purchased your vehicle out of state you will need to bring the original title or certificate of origin, and a bill of sale.
III) If you purchased your vehicle from a private sale you will need to bring a bill of sale and the original title correctly assigned by the SELLER.
IV) If you have purchased a vehicle that is a model year 1999 or older, you will need a bill of sale, and one of these three items; an original title, a previous NH registration for that vehicle, or a verification of the vehicle identification number (VIN verification)
V) If you are registering a vehicle under a trust name for the first time, we will need the trust paperwork
Per RSA 261:148, we are required to see a government issued photo ID for anyone coming in to register a vehicle, regardless if the vehicle is under your name or not.
Verification of Vehicle Identification
5. How do I transfer my license plates from my old car to my new car?
You will need to provide us with the current/unexpired registration for the old vehicle, and the paperwork from the dealer/seller on the new vehicle. The registration must be an original, not a photocopy.
Plates can only be transferred if the first owner on the old vehicle matches the first owner on the new vehicle, even if your leasing company has changed.
Per RSA 261:148, we are required to see a government issued photo ID for anyone coming in to register a vehicle, regardless if the vehicle is under your name or not.
6. Vehicles Registered Under a Company Name
If you are a new business to town or moving within town:
Must be registered with the Secretary of State and in good standing
You must show one of the following for residency:
Post marked mail
Lease agreement/closing documents
Business card with correct address
Business check with correct address
You will then sign the corporate address change form signing under penalty of perjury the address information provide is correct
Per RSA 261:148, we are required to see a government issued photo ID for anyone coming in to register a vehicle, regardless if the vehicle is under your name or not.
7. How do I know if the title has been assigned to me correctly?
Please note that the assignment MUST be filled out by the seller, not the buyer. The buyer should ONLY be signing and printing their name where it says buyer signature.
View a sample of the
New Hampshire Title Assignment
8. What do I need to renew a registration?
Per RSA 261:148, we are required to see a government issued photo ID for anyone coming in to register a vehicle, regardless if the vehicle is under your name or not.
If you are registering a vehicle for yourself, please bring in either the registration, renewal notice, and/or driver's license.
If you are registering for someone else, please bring in the registration, renewal notice, AND your driver's license.
9. Can I renew a boat for someone else?
Yes, but we will need the SIGNED renewal notices that the state sent. We cannot renew a boat for someone not on the registration without this notice, as we keep a copy of it. If you are renewing a boat for yourself, we can use just your driver's license. Please note that there is a $5 charge for registering the boat at the Town Offices.
Per RSA 261:148, we are required to see a government issued photo ID for anyone coming in to register a vehicle, regardless if the vehicle is under your name or not.
10. Can I get any plate type at the town offices?
The Town of Barnstead can issue:
regular number plates ($8 one time fee)
vanity plates ($40/annually)
moose plates ($30/anually)
motorcycle plates ($4 one time fee)
trailer plates ($4 one time fee)
state park plates ($85/annually)
decal plates ($15/annually plus the initial cost of the decal)
farm plates ($8 one time fee)
agricultural plate ($8 one time fee)
farm tractor plates ($4 one time fee)
Temporary plates are only issued at a DMV, not the Barnstead Town Offices.
11. What type of payment does the Town of Barnstead accept?
The Town of Barnstead accepts cash, certified bank checks, cashiers check, personal checks, or a money order. Credit and debit cards are also accepted, but are subject to a 2.79% fee of the transaction total with a minimum of $1.50.
12. How soon can I renew a registration?
You may register up to 4 months in advance.
Per RSA 261:148, we are required to see a government issued photo ID for anyone coming in to register a vehicle, regardless if the vehicle is under your name or not.
13. What do I need to obtain a New Hampshire drivers license?
Driver’s licenses are obtained through any DMV office. The Concord office can be reached at 603-227-4000. The DMV hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
NH Division of Motor Vehicles Driver Licensing
New Registrations, Renewals, Transfers, Plates, Decals, Reports
Cost: Determined according to the vehicle's year, make, base list price and gross weight.
Visit the Town Clerk/Tax Collector's Office or the State of New Hampshire Website for forms.