Frequently Asked Questions

If you have purchased the vehicle from a Licensed New Hampshire Auto Dealer and the vehicle is a model year 2000 or newer, you will need a Title Application (blue or white); it is strongly recommended that you bring in the window sticker for your vehicle to ensure the correct MSRP is used for your transaction. If the vehicle was purchased through a private sale and is a model year 2000 or newer, you will need to bring in the title fully executed by the seller, signed over to you. 

For all vehicles 1999 and older you will need a properly executed TDMV-19A (VIN Verification Form) or a copy of a previous New Hampshire registration as well as a bill of sale. 

If you plan to use plates from a previous vehicle you must bring in the current (not expired) original of the registration from the previous vehicle (a photocopy cannot be accepted). 

RSA 261:148, III The bill of sale required by the provisions of paragraph II shall contain the following information:

(a) The date of the sale;
(b) A description of the vehicle including:
(1) Make;
(2) Model;
(3) Vehicle identification number;
(4) Model year;
(5) Year of manufacture;
(6) Type of body; and
(7) Number of cylinders.
(c) Name and address of purchaser; and
(d) Signature and address of seller.

We accept cash, checks, Mastercard, Visa, American Express & Discover for over the counter transactions, you must have the physical card. We cannot process cardless payments like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Wallet (there is an additional 2.99% convenience fee for all credit card transactions minimum $2.50 fee). 

If you are paying by check, you will need to bring one check, payable to the City of Laconia. We will not accept "pre-signed" checks. The person filling in the dollar amount must be the signer of the checks.

Any change in residency requires you to personally appear to complete your registration. If you cannot come in personally to complete a new registration or transfer plates, you must send written permission with the person who will be completing the registration. That person will be required to present a valid photo I.D.

If you are unable to complete your renewal in person please provide them with a copy of your signed registration. However, we cannot make any changes to a registrants information if you do not appear in person and a registration will not be processed. Additionally, if there are any changes that appear in your DMV file that are not printed on your registration we cannot give the registration back to anyone other than the registered owner.

All persons completing any motor vehicle transaction will be asked to provide a photo I.D.

If you are unable to complete a new registration in person and it requires a signature on the title application, you may assign someone permission to complete your motor vehicle transaction with the motor vehicle power of attorney. 

Yes, you must fill out an Vanity plate application that includes the meaning of the plate. You will receive a cardboard temporary plate in office while your plates are made and mailed to you from the DMV. We also offer Conservation & Heritage (moose) plates, State Park plates, Decal Plates and Veteran plates. Please contact our office for additional information on the different plates we offer at 603-527-1265.

A replacement can be issued from our office at an additional charge for the State of New Hampshire. For replacement plates or decals you will need to bring your current registration. Motor Vehicle Fees are $4 per Plate, $5 per set of Decals, and $20 per Registration. There is an additional agent fee for the City of Laconia of $3 per transaction for all replacements. 

Boat Registrations are $15 per and $6 for a replacement set of decals. there is an additional agent fee for the City of Laconia of $5 per transaction for all boat replacements. 

Need the forms? Find them on the City Clerks Page under Helpful Forms