Motor Vehicle Registration - New Purchase

For purchases of vehicles with a model year 2000 or newer, you will need to present a certificate of origin, a title with completed transfer of ownership on the back, or a title application prepared by a NH dealer. 

For vehicles with a model year 1999 and older, a bill of sale is required along with a previously issued current or expired New Hampshire registration,OR a valid New Hampshire or out-of-state title (or copy), OR a completed VIN Verification Form 19A (available at the Town Clerk’s office or online at the State DMV website). A NH or out-of-state title with completed transfer of ownership on the back is acceptable as a bill of sale. If you wish to transfer your current NH license plates you must present your existing registration so that a determination as to whether or not the plates are transferable can be made.

VIN Verification Form Link: http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv/forms/documents/tdmv19a.pdf

For all transactions you will need ID and proof of residency.

Residency as defined:  “A resident is a person who maintains his or her true, fixed and permanent residence within the Town of Merrimack, NH.  Does not claim a residency in any other Town or State for any purpose, and who has, through all actions, demonstrated a current intent to designate that the permanent residence is his or her principal place of physical presence for the indefinite future to the exclusion of all others.”

Present to this office a minimum of (2) of the listed documents indicating your address in Merrimack. 

  • Notarized letter from property owner or property manager
  • Lease or rental agreement, duly signed and dated
  • NH motor vehicle insurance policy
  • Elderly or Veterans exemption showing on property tax bill
  • Utility bill listing address as “service address” (cable, electric, oil, sewer, gas)
  • Direct verification by parent or guardian at address provided
  • Copy of Federal Income Tax Return
  • Payroll check
  • Bank Statement

At the Town Clerk's office, you will pay a motor vehicle permit fee based on the original manufacturer’s price of the vehicle. A state registration fee based on the weight of the vehicle will be paid, at which time you will receive your plates.  Fees are prorated from the time of registration until the owner’s next birth month.

Vehicle permit fee rates are established by State law.  

Local permit fees (RSA 261:153)

Current year and next year’s models: $18.00 per thousand of the original manufacturer’s list price
Models one year old: $15.00 per thousand of the original manufacturer’s list price
Models two years old: $12.00 per thousand of the original manufacturer’s list price
Models three years old: $9.00 per thousand of the original manufacturer’s list price
Models four years old: $6.00 per thousand of the original manufacturer’s list price
Models five years old and older: per thousand of the original manufacturer’s list price

State registration fees (most vehicles):(RSA 261:141)

0-3000 pounds gross vehicle weight $31.20
3001 – 5000 pounds gross vehicle weight $43.20
5001 -8000 pounds gross vehicle weight $55.20

Temporary Plates: If you are purchasing a vehicle out-of-state or through a private sale, the State of NH-DMV may issue a 20-day temporary plate so that you may pick-up and legally drive the vehicle prior to permanent registration.  Temporary plates may be obtained at any State DMV registration office.  You must present a signed bill of sale/puchase and sales agreement, a NH driver's license, and a fee of $10.00 to the DMV.  DMV registration  locations:  http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv/locations/index.htm

The State of NH does NOT allow you to put plates in your possession on a vehicle prior to registration.

State of NH - DMV website: http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv/

Payment Methods:  The Town of Merrimack accepts cash, personal check (no 3rd party checks), money orders, and debit/credit cards.  There are fees associated with the use of debit/credit cards, paid by the consumer.  Checks are payable to the "Town of Merrimack".