Registering Motor Vehicles

How do I register or transfer plates to a vehicle, motorcycle, or trailer (utility, boat, or camper) in Salem?

The Town of Salem and State of NH have many laws and ordinances with respect to the registration of vehicles. As Municipal Agents for the NH Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Clerks for the Town of Salem, the Town Clerk's Office follows all current laws and ordinances. There are certain required procedures and documents that must be provided for all registration transactions.

Registering vehicles in the State of NH must start at the municipal / local level first; for Salem, that is done the Salem Town Hall (33 Geremonty Drive). As Municipal Agents for the NH DMV, we are able to perform most state registration functions such as issuing passenger, trailer and motorcycle plates. Specialty registrations and plates, such as Antique and Veteran, must be completed at the NH DMV. A $3 fee is automatically added to each transaction that the Town completes on behalf of the NH DMV, thereby saving you an additional trip to the NH DMV to complete the registration process.

Online Renewal

To renew your motor vehicle registration online, visit the Online Motor Vehicle Renewal page here.

Establishing Residency 

If you are a NEW resident, you must establish residency. Visit this page to find out more: https://salemnh.gov/1218/Establishing-Residency

Vehicles Purchased from NH Dealership

For vehicles, motorcycles or trailers (utility, boat or camper) purchased from a New Hampshire Dealership, please present the following at time of registration at the Town Hall:

  • Current, valid NH Driver's License (or Out-of-State license if within 60 days of moving into New Hampshire)
  • Completed and signed Application for Certificate of Title (Town Clerk's Copy), Certificate of Title, or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin, complete with required Seller's and Buyer's information and Odometer Reading
  • If transferring NH-issued license plates from a previous vehicle to the new vehicle: the original, valid, signed registration for those plates

Vehicles Purchased from Out-of-State Dealership, Private Sale, or Moving from Out-of-State

For vehicles, motorcycles or trailers (utility, boat or camper) purchased from an Out-of-State Dealership or Private Sale or Moved into Salem from Out-of-State, please present the following at time of registration at the Town Hall:

  • Current, valid NH Driver's License (or Out-of-State license if within 60 days of moving into New Hampshire)
  • Vehicle/motorcycle/trailer's Certificate of Title, or Application for Certificate of Title (from certain, authorized Massachusetts dealerships), or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin, completed with required Seller's and Buyer's information and Odometer Reading. See our Sample Title (PDF) for proper completion by the seller(s)
  • If Leased: all pages of the Lease Agreement designating the Leasing Company (Lessor) and Lessee(s)
  • If Financed: the Bill of Sale designating the Lender/Lienholder (i.e. bank, credit union, etc.)
  • If transferring NH-issued license plates from a previous vehicle to the new vehicle: the original, current, signed registration for those plates
  • If moving in from out-of-state: the original, current registration from the previous State of issue
  • If the manufacturer's year is 1999 or older, two of the following must be presented (essentially, we need two forms of identification of the vehicle/trailer/motorcycle you wish to register):

Registration Fee Estimator

For an estimate of registration fees on new and renewed vehicle registrations: NH Vehicle Estimator

  • The State of NH prorates new vehicle registration fees by the month not by the day. Your registration fees on January 1st will be the same on January 31st for new-to-you vehicle registrations.
  • Renewals are always for a 12-month period. The state does not prorate renewals for shorter periods of time. You may renew up to 4-months in advance at the 12-month rate (e.g. September renewals can renew as early as June).
  • The State of NH does not issue refunds for partially used vehicle registrations. The only way to retain the remaining value of registration fees paid is to transfer your vehicle registration and plates from an old vehicle to a new vehicle. Any remaining registration fees will be used as a credit towards your new vehicle's registration fees.