Just purchased a vehicle in New Hampshire — or bought one out of state and need to drive it home? Understanding the state’s temporary license plate system is essential before you hit the road. New Hampshire issues 20-day temporary registration plates under two main statutes: RSA 261:56 (dealer purchases) and RSA 261:57 (private sales and out-of-state dealers). This guide breaks down exactly who qualifies, how to apply, and what to expect.
What Are New Hampshire Temporary Plates?
New Hampshire temporary plates (also called NH temp plates or 20-day registration plates) are short-duration license plates issued to new vehicle owners who need to drive legally while completing the permanent registration process. They are physical plates — not paper tags — issued either directly by an authorized dealership or by the NH Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
The 20-day period gives vehicle buyers time to register their vehicle with both their local town clerk and the state DMV, a two-step process unique to New Hampshire’s decentralized registration system.
Two Types of New Hampshire Temporary Plates
Type 1: Dealer-Issued 20-Day Plates (RSA 261:56): When a New Hampshire resident purchases a vehicle from a New Hampshire-authorized dealership, the dealer provides a 20-day temporary plate at the point of sale — provided the vehicle is deemed safe for the road. During this 20-day window, the vehicle owner must complete both local (town) registration and state registration to receive permanent plates.
If the dealer determines the vehicle is unsafe, they issue an Unsafe Motor Vehicle Form instead, and the vehicle is not eligible for a temporary plate at all.
Type 2: DMV-Issued 20-Day Plates (RSA 261:57)
This type of temporary plate is available for NH residents who:
- Purchase a vehicle through a private sale
- Purchase from an out-of-state dealer that does not provide temporary plates
These plates are obtained from the NH Division of Motor Vehicles — not from town clerk offices, which do not issue temp plates.
How to Get NH Temp Plates: Step-by-Step by Situation
If You Bought from a New Hampshire Dealership
The dealership handles your 20-day temporary plate automatically if the vehicle passes their safety assessment. No additional steps are needed at purchase — use the plate immediately, and begin the permanent registration process within the 20-day window.
If You Bought via Private Sale or from an Out-of-State Dealer
- Gather all required documents (see below).
- Visit a NH DMV office that offers temporary plate services, or use the drop box service at participating locations.
- Submit your documents and pay the $20.00 fee.
- Receive your 20-day registration plate.
- Display the plate on the rear of the vehicle.
- Complete full permanent registration before the 20-day period expires.
Required Documents for New Hampshire Temporary Plates
Whether applying in person at a DMV substation or using the drop box service:
- Photocopy of the front and back of the Title signed by both buyer and seller — OR — a photocopy of the Bill of Sale that includes: VIN, date of sale, vehicle description (year, make, model, color, number of cylinders, body style), and signatures and addresses of both buyer and seller
- Valid New Hampshire driver’s license or Non-Driver ID (or photocopy if using drop box)
- $20.00 fee payable to ‘State of NH-DMV’
If someone other than the buyer is picking up the temporary plate on their behalf, they must also provide a notarized letter of authorization from the buyer and their own proof of identity.
NH Temp Plate Fees: What Does It Cost in 2026
| Standard 20-Day Plate (private sale / out-of-state dealer): | $20.00 |
| In-Transit Certificate (non-NH residents, per RSA 261:57b): | $10.00 |
Dealer-issued plates: typically included in transaction; verify with your dealer. Fee payable to ‘State of NH-DMV’. Check with your specific DMV location for accepted payment methods.
Where to Get NH Temp Plates (Not at Town Clerks)
Temporary plates in New Hampshire are NOT available at town clerk offices — only at NH DMV substations. Participating DMV locations offer:
- In-person appointments at select DMV locations
- Drop box services at some locations — helpful if you cannot visit during regular hours
To find your nearest DMV substation offering temporary plates, call the NH DMV at 603-227-4000 or visit dmv.nh.gov. Note: not all DMV offices handle temporary plate requests, so confirming availability at your intended location before traveling is important.
Special Cases: NH Temporary Plates for Unusual Situations
Non-NH Residents Buying a Vehicle in New Hampshire: If you are not a New Hampshire resident but buy a vehicle from a private NH seller, you may obtain a 20-day in-transit registration certificate from any DMV office under RSA 261:57b. The fee is $10.00 and you will need your ID and a properly assigned title or qualifying bill of sale.
New Residents Moving to New Hampshire: New residents with out-of-state vehicles involving an out-of-state lienholder or lease agreement may qualify for a 60-day temporary plate under RSA 261:57-A. This extended permit gives additional time to arrange full NH registration.
Massachusetts Residents — Important Note: Per NH DMV policy, 20-day temporary plates are not issued to Massachusetts residents because Massachusetts does not recognize temporary plates from other states. If you are a Massachusetts resident purchasing in NH, alternative arrangements will be necessary — contact the DMV for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. New Hampshire does not offer an online application for temporary license plates. You must visit a DMV substation in person or use the drop box service at qualifying locations.
New Hampshire temporary plates are valid for 20 days. A 60-day option exists under RSA 261:57-A, but only for qualifying new residents with out-of-state lienholders or lease arrangements.
Yes, but they need a notarized letter of authorization from you (the buyer) and must provide their own valid photo ID. The plate will only be issued to the buyer or to an authorized third party with this documentation.
No. Temporary plates are issued exclusively by authorized dealerships and NH DMV substations. Town clerk offices handle standard registration and renewal but cannot issue temp plates.
Temporary plates are available for most vehicle types. Motorcycles and trailers follow the same basic process. Contact your nearest DMV substation to confirm requirements for your specific vehicle category.
Consequences of Not Registering Within 20 Days
Driving on an expired New Hampshire temporary plate is illegal. After 20 days, the plate is no longer valid, and you are operating an unregistered vehicle on public roads. Penalties include fines and potential issues with your vehicle’s insurance coverage. Permanent registration must be completed before the plate expires — there is no standard extension option.
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