New Hampshire License Plate Lookup
NH License Plate Lookup powered by NHTSA. The NH license plate lookup tool above returns make, model, year, trim, recalls, and crash ratings for any New Hampshire-registered vehicle in seconds.
NH License Plate Lookup: Quick Facts
| Agency | New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles |
| Issuance year | 1905 |
| Current format | 1234 56 — Six characters on the current 'Live Free or Die' design with the Old Man of the Mountain: typically four digits, a space, and two digits. New Hampshire is a two-plate state. |
| Plates required | Two (front and rear) |
| Replacement fee | $8 |
| Registration validity | 1 year |
| Registered vehicles | 1.4M (approx.) |
| DMV contact | 1-603-227-4000 · www.dmv.nh.gov |
How do I look up a New Hampshire license plate?
Three steps to a complete nh license plate lookup. The NH license plate lookup workflow below works for any New Hampshire-registered plate.
- 1Enter the New Hampshire license plate number in the search field above. Spaces and dashes are optional.
- 2Confirm NH is selected in the state dropdown — plate numbers can repeat across states, so the state is required for accurate matching.
- 3Press Search Plate. You'll see make, model, year, trim, engine, open recalls, and NHTSA crash safety ratings in seconds.
What does a New Hampshire license plate lookup reveal?
Free New Hampshire plate searches return vehicle-level data: make, model, year, recalls, and NHTSA crash ratings. Personal information (driver name, address, contact) is protected under the DPPA and is not available here.
This New Hampshire license plate lookup returns vehicle information only — make, model, year, recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA's public database. We do not return the registered owner's name, address, phone number, email, driving record, or any other personal information about the driver. Personal driver and owner information is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not lawfully accessible through any free public lookup.
- check_circleMake, model, year, and trim
- check_circleBody style, doors, curb weight
- check_circleEngine size, cylinders, fuel type
- check_circleTransmission and drivetrain
- check_circleOpen NHTSA safety recalls
- check_circleNHTSA crash test ratings
- check_circleEPA fuel economy (MPG)
- check_circleManufacturing plant & country
- boltTitle brand history (salvage, flood, rebuilt)
- boltReported accident history
- boltOdometer rollback detection
- boltNumber of previous owners
- boltLien and loan history
- boltAuction & insurance records
- boltState of registration history
- boltTheft / total-loss records
Registered owner name, address, contact details, and driving records are protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and are not returned by this site or any other free public lookup. This tool provides vehicle-level data only — make, model, year, recalls, safety ratings, and EPA fuel economy — sourced from NHTSA and EPA public databases.
What does a New Hampshire license plate format look like?
Six characters on the current 'Live Free or Die' design with the Old Man of the Mountain: typically four digits, a space, and two digits. New Hampshire is a two-plate state. The New Hampshire license plate number lookup tool above accepts spaces, dashes, and historical New Hampshire plate formats.
New Hampshire license plate number lookup: format history
| Era | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1905–1956 | Sequential numeric | 12345 |
| 1957–1976 | Numeric / alphanumeric variations | AB 1234 |
| 1977–2000 | 3 letters + 3 digits ('Live Free or Die', Old Man of the Mountain) | ABC 123 |
| 2000–2017 | Numeric ('Old Man of the Mountain' refreshed, green on white) | 1234 56 |
| 2018–present | Numeric / mixed (commemorating the collapsed Old Man, still memorialized on the plate) | 1234 56 |
| Specialty (Moose, conservation) | Up to 7 characters with cause backgrounds | ABC 123 |
New Hampshire license plate laws you should know
Below are the four laws that most often trip up New Hampshire drivers. Rules are enforced at the stop, the inspection station, and at registration renewal.
Two plates required
New Hampshire requires two plates — front and rear — on every passenger vehicle under RSA § 261:75. Failure to display either plate can result in fines.
Front plate rule
No exemption exists for vehicles lacking a front mounting bracket. Owners must install a bracket or face a citation under § 261:75.
Registration stickers & display
New Hampshire issues a registration sticker affixed to the upper-right corner of the rear plate showing the month and year of expiration. Registration is renewed annually based on the owner's birth month.
Inspection / smog check
New Hampshire requires an annual combined safety + emissions (OBD-II) inspection for all registered passenger vehicles 4+ model years old. Newer vehicles get safety-only. The sticker is displayed on the windshield. There is no state sales tax in NH (one of only five US states with none).
Types of New Hampshire license plates
New Hampshire issues dozens of plate designs. These are the main categories you'll encounter on the road or see at the DMV counter.
Standard NH / Live Free or Die
Default plate with the 'Live Free or Die' motto and Old Man of the Mountain silhouette. Two plates required.
Personalized / Vanity
Up to 7 characters on the standard or specialty backgrounds. $40 initial + $40/year through NH DMV.
Disabled / Disabled Veteran
ISA wheelchair symbol; qualifies for accessible parking statewide. DV plates carry waived fees for qualifying veterans.
Military specialty
Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, POW, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Gold Star Family, and branch-specific plates.
Special interest
UNH Wildcats, Conservation (Moose), Old Man of the Mountain memorial, Veterans, and a curated selection of cause plates.
Antique Motor Vehicle / Vintage
For vehicles 25+ years old used primarily for exhibitions, parades, and club events. Restricted to occasional use.
How much does a New Hampshire license plate cost?
Typical New Hampshire DMV fees for plates, registration, and related services. Always confirm current amounts on the official DMV site before paying.
| Annual registration (passenger, base) | $31.20 + municipal permit fee (calculated by town from MSRP) |
| Replacement plate (per pair) | $8 |
| Personalized plate (initial) | $40 |
| Personalized plate (annual) | $40 |
| Title fee | $25 |
| Inspection (annual safety + emissions) | Typically $30–$50 at private inspection stations |
Source: New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles — https://www.dmv.nh.gov
What if my New Hampshire plate is lost, stolen, or damaged?
Follow these steps to replace a New Hampshire license plate. Do not keep driving with a missing plate — it is a citable offense in most states.
- 1File a police report immediately if the plates were stolen.
- 2Visit your local New Hampshire DMV office or your town/city clerk (registration starts at the town level in NH).
- 3Complete the Replacement Plate / Registration Application with vehicle information.
- 4Pay the $8 replacement fee.
- 5Surrender any remaining plate from the pair before substitute plates are issued.
New Hampshire DMV contact & privacy
Personal information tied to a New Hampshire license plate — driver name, address, date of birth, phone number, email, and driving record — is protected by the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not returned by this site. This page and the lookup tool provide vehicle-level data only: make, model, year, trim, recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA's public database.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about New Hampshire license plate lookups, DMV rules, and plate replacement.
How do I run a New Hampshire license plate lookup?
Does New Hampshire require a front license plate?
How much does a replacement New Hampshire plate cost?
What is the current New Hampshire license plate format?
Are New Hampshire license plate records public?
Does New Hampshire require an inspection?
How do I get a personalized New Hampshire plate?
Why does New Hampshire still show the Old Man of the Mountain?
Beyond NH plate lookup
Have a 17-digit VIN, want recall info, or need a full title history? Use any of these free tools — same NHTSA-grade data behind each one.
The bigger picture on New Hampshire drivers
Statewide statistics and trend reports compiled from NHTSA, FBI UCR, IIHS, and CDC data — the same sources behind every NH plate lookup result.
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