Title Exempt Vehicles

Model Year 1999 & Older


Vehicles which are model year 1999 and older are title exempt, which means they will not be issued a title at the time of registration. If you haven't registered a vehicle within the last year in the City of Lebanon or you are a new resident, please bring Residency Requirements for Motor Vehicle Registrations (PDF). We will also ask to see photo identification.

Payment is expected at the time of service. We accept cash, checks, debit and credit cards. Please note, a processing fee of 2.79% with a minimum fee of $1.50 will be assessed on debit and credit cards.

To register a vehicle from 1999 or older, please bring:
  • A Bill of Sale that includes seller and buyer information and signatures, VIN, year, make, model and color of vehicle.
  • And one of the following, as a supporting document:
    • Previous owners NH registration (current or expired - we can't accept out-of-state registrations)
    • A valid title (NH or out-of-state)
    • Verification of VIN Form (PDF) (forms can be obtained online, at the City Clerk's office or through the State DMV)

Motor Vehicles Registered in Another State


If you are a new resident and the 1999 or older vehicle was registered in your name in another state please bring:
  • Your current out-of-state registration.
  • And one of the following, as a supporting document:
    • A valid title (NH or out-of-state)
    • Verification of VIN Form (PDF) (forms can be obtained online, at the City Clerk's office or through the State DMV.
If you require proof for a different State that your 1999 or older vehicle is exempt from titling in the State of New Hampshire, you may present a State of New Hampshire Title Exempt Letter (PDF).

For either of the above mentioned scenarios, if you are not able to appear in person, a friend or family member can complete your transaction on your behalf. It is recommended that you contact our office prior to sending someone in, to ensure that the correction documentation is provided. In general, your designee will be asked to provide photo identification at the time of the transaction, as well as a Permission to Register Form (PDF).

On this form you will provide your vehicle information and indicate which plate type you would like to purchase. This form must be completed even if the person processing for you will appear as the second owner on the registration. This is because the first person on the registration is considered to be the owner of the license plates. Please note, you do no need to complete this form if you are transferring plates that have not yet expired. 


Processing During COVID 19 Closure



Please submit the documents listed below to our office either by email (cityclerk@lebanonnh.gov), by mail or by placing them in
our green drop box. If you mail or place them in the drop box, please put them in an envelope marked City Clerk's Office and include your contact information. 

~ Proof of VIN:  VIN Verification OR NH Registration OR Vehicle Title
~Proof of ownership: Bill of Sale OR your out-of-state registration.
~Proof of residency if you are a new resident
~Photo ID
~Requested plate type OR Registration if you transfer plates
~We will also need to know the color of the vehicle, if that is not on your documentation

Depending on your circumstances, we may contact you for additional information or documents.

When we receive your documents, we will place your transaction on hold and contact you with the amount due. We will then explain the process of submitting payment and original copies of the documents, if needed. Once the transaction is completed, your registration and plates will be mailed to you. New car registrations can take one to two business days. 


Additional Information


Registrations will be processed through the first owner's birth month. First time registrations cannot be issued for less than 5 months or more than 16 months. The first time is prorated. Renewals are done at twelve month intervals and are not prorated.

New residents have 60 days upon establishing residency to obtain a New Hampshire drivers license and register their vehicles.