New Hampshire License Plate Options
New Hampshire offers several license plate categories for different vehicles and preferences. This guide breaks down each option, its fees, and how to apply.
Standard License Plates
The standard plate is the default option issued at registration. It features the Old Man of the Mountain and Cannon Mountain design. The words Live Free or Die appear centered at the top. This plate meets every legal requirement without any added fee.
Vanity License Plates
Vanity plates let you choose your own combination of letters and numbers. Confirm your vehicle is registered in New Hampshire before applying. You must also hold a valid New Hampshire driver's license. Submit the Application for Vanity Plates, known as Form RDMV 120.
Vanity Plate Fees
Vanity plates carry an additional fee beyond your standard registration cost. This fee increased as part of New Hampshire's 2026 fee changes. Confirm the current exact amount with the DMV before applying. This fee applies at both initial issuance and renewal.
Applying for a Vanity Plate
Check your desired combination using the DMV's online vanity plate search tool. Submit your completed application along with the required fees. The DMV reviews every request to confirm compliance with content rules. Approval times can vary, so apply well ahead of any deadline.
Vanity Plate Content Rules
Offensive, obscene, or profane language is not permitted on a vanity plate. Combinations that could be confused with government or emergency vehicle plates are rejected. Registered trademarks or copyrighted material also cannot be used. Review these rules carefully before submitting your request.
Specialty License Plates
Specialty plates support causes, organizations, or interests important to you. Options include conservation, veterans, and collegiate affiliation designs. Each specialty plate may carry its own additional fee. Review specific requirements before applying for a particular design.
Popular Specialty Plate Causes
Conservation plates support environmental and wildlife programs statewide. Veteran and military plates honor service members and often require proof of service. Collegiate plates let drivers show support for their alma mater. Each design channels part of its fee to the related cause or institution.
Antique License Plates
Antique plates are available for vehicles over 25 years old. These plates often carry their own distinct design and customization options. Eligibility depends on your vehicle's age and registration category. Contact the DMV to confirm your vehicle qualifies.
Disability Plates and Placards
New Hampshire offers plates and placards for drivers with qualifying disabilities. A medical provider typically must certify eligibility for this option. These plates allow certain parking privileges under state law. Contact the DMV for the current disability plate application.
Combining Personalization With a Specialty Plate
Some specialty plate designs also allow a personalized message. This lets you support a cause while adding a custom combination. Character limits may shrink slightly to fit the specialty artwork. Confirm your chosen design supports this option before applying.
Municipal and Government Plates
Government-owned vehicles use distinct plates marked for official use. These plates follow separate assignment rules within each agency. Personal vehicles cannot legally resemble an official government plate. Contact your municipality for questions about government vehicle plates.
Selling or Transferring a Vanity Plate
New Hampshire allows certain vanity plates to be sold or transferred. Both parties typically need to complete specific DMV paperwork. Confirm current transfer rules with the DMV before attempting a sale. This process differs from a standard plate transfer.
Motor Home and RV Plate Options
Motor homes register under their own weight-based fee category. Owners can choose standard, vanity, or specialty designs for a motor home. Personalized motor home plates follow the same character rules as passenger vehicles. Confirm your motor home's weight class before completing registration.
Motorcycle Plate Options
Motorcycles use a smaller plate format than standard passenger vehicles. Standard, vanity, and some specialty designs are available for motorcycles. Character limits may differ due to the smaller plate size. Confirm your motorcycle's specific plate requirements with the DMV.
Commercial Plate Options
Commercial vehicles register under their own plate category. Fees are typically based on the vehicle's weight classification. Some specialty designs may also be available for qualifying commercial vehicles. Contact the DMV for commercial-specific plate options.
Trailer Plate Options
Trailers require their own registration and plate category. Fees vary based on the trailer's weight and intended use. Some trailers may qualify for a vanity or specialty design. Confirm your trailer's specific classification before applying.
Where to Apply for Any Plate Option
Vehicle registration always begins at your town or city clerk's office. Some plate categories may require an added step at a DMV office. Confirm which office handles your specific plate request. Contact your town clerk first for the most direct guidance.
Choosing the Right Plate Option
Most drivers start with a standard plate at the time of registration. You can switch to a vanity or specialty plate at any renewal. Confirm your vehicle type qualifies for the category you want. Contact your town clerk or the DMV with eligibility questions.
Switching Between Plate Options
You do not need to wait for a new vehicle to change plate types. Visit your town clerk or the DMV during renewal to switch. A new plate typically carries its own issuance fee. Your registration schedule otherwise stays the same after switching.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged Plate
Request a duplicate plate if your current one is lost or damaged. Standard, vanity, and specialty plates all follow a similar replacement process. Contact your town clerk or the DMV to start a replacement request. A replacement fee typically applies to any plate type.
Find the New Hampshire Plate That Fits You
New Hampshire's plate options cover passenger cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles. Choose a standard plate for simplicity or a specialty plate to support a cause. A vanity plate lets you add a personal touch for an extra fee. Contact the DMV to explore your specific options.