New Hampshire Vanity Plate Availability, Fees & How to Apply
New Hampshire handles vanity plate availability through the NH DMV's vanity plate page, so you can confirm a combination before paying for it. Passenger plates take up to 7 characters (6 on motorcycles), cost $48 to order and $40 a year to renew, and the application can be completed online. Everything below is the detail behind those answers.
Already have a plate in mind? Check it against the official New Hampshire availability tool.
Different state? See every state's availability checker.
Get New Hampshire plate ideas
Describe yourself — name, job, hobbies — and we'll suggest personalized plate ideas you can preview on a New Hampshire plate.
Stuck for an idea? Browse our plate lists for nurses, teachers, jeep owners, dog lovers and fishing, or all plate idea lists. Every idea fits New Hampshire's character limit or can be trimmed to it.
How to Get a Personalized New Hampshire Plate
- Check Plate Availability: Before applying, verify if your desired plate combination is available using the New Hampshire DMV's Vanity Plate Availability tool.
- Submit an Application:
- In Person: Visit your local town or city clerk's office to complete the town portion of your registration and submit your vanity plate application.
- By Mail: Complete the Application for Vanity Plates (Form RDMV 120) and mail it, along with the appropriate fees, to the address listed on the form.
- Await Approval: The DMV will review your application to ensure the requested plate combination adheres to state guidelines. Once approved, the personalized plate will be manufactured.
- Receive Your Plate: You will be notified when your personalized plate is ready for pickup at your town or city clerk's office. Processing times may vary.
Important Notes for New Hampshire Residents
- Character Limits:
- Standard Plates: Up to 7 characters for passenger vehicles.
- Motorcycle Plates: Up to 6 characters.
- Prohibited Content: Plates must not contain offensive or inappropriate language. The DMV reserves the right to deny any combination deemed offensive to good taste and decency.
- No Punctuation: Punctuation marks or special characters are not permitted. Spaces are allowed and count as characters.
- Plate Ownership: Personalized plates are generally tied to the vehicle owner, not the vehicle itself. If you sell your vehicle, you may transfer the personalized plates to another vehicle registered in your name.
- Renewal: Personalized plates must be renewed annually, along with your vehicle registration.
Fees:
| State | Initial Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $48 | $40 |
These fees are in addition to standard vehicle registration fees.
New Hampshire DMV - Vanity Plates