Industry News

Understanding Fee Increases Under HB 2: What Dealers Need to Know

Written by Jay O'Leary, Government Relations & Compliance Specialist | Dec 18, 2025 6:50:03 PM

As part of the recently enacted state budget (House Bill 2), motor-vehicle–related fees across New Hampshire have increased in multiple categories and shall take effect January 1, 2026. These adjustments were included to help close statewide budget gaps and ensure that essential state services remain adequately funded.

While no business welcomes increased operating costs, it is important for dealers to understand where these changes have occurred, how they may affect day-to-day operations, and where to anticipate additional expenses when processing customer transactions.

The following breakdown summarizes the major changes across Dealer Fees, Registration Fees, License Fees, Boat Fees, and Salvage Fees, along with context to help you communicate these adjustments internally and to customers if needed.

1.    Dealer Fees

Title-Related Fees

Service

Old Fee

New Fee

New Title

$25.00

$35.00

Title Transfer

$25.00

$35.00

Duplicate Title

$25.00

$35.00

Distinctive Title

$20.00

$40.00

Dealer Plates

Plate Type

Old Fee

New Fee

New/Used/Wholesale Dealer – First Set

$200.00

$400.00

Additional Dealer/Wholesale Plates

$12.00

$24.00

Repair Dealer – First Set

$24.00

$24.00 (unchanged)

Additional Repair Plates

$9.00

$18.00

Auto Recycler – First 7,000 lbs

$30.00

$60.00

Over 7,000 lbs (per 100 lbs)

$0.74

$1.44

Motorcycle Dealer – First Set

$12.00

$24.00

Additional Motorcycle Plates

$3.00

$6.00

Moped Dealer – First Set

$12.00

$24.00

Additional Moped Plates

$3.00

$6.00

Transport Dealer – First Set

$36.00

$72.00

Additional Transport Plates

$18.00

$36.00

Utility Dealer – First Set

$36.00

$72.00

Additional Utility Plates

$9.00

$18.00

 

2.    Registration Fees

Short-Term and Specialized Registrations

Registration Type

Old Fee

New Fee

20-Day Temporary Registration

$10.00

$20.00

Agricultural Vehicles

$3.60

$12.00

Agricultural Tractors

$1.80

$12.00

Air Compressor/Cement Mixer/Saw Rigs

$6.00

$11.00

Antique Motorcycle

$2.40

$12.00

Passenger & Light Truck (Weight-Based)

Weight

Old Fee

New Fee

0–3,000 lbs

$31.20 ($2.60/mo)

$42.00 ($3.50/mo)

3,001–5,000 lbs

$43.20 ($3.60/mo)

$48.00 ($4.00/mo)

5,001–8,000 lbs

$55.20 ($4.60/mo)

$66.00 ($5.50/mo)

8,001–73,280 lbs

$0.96 per 100 lbs

$1.06 per 100 lbs

Over 73,280 lbs

$1.44 per 100 lbs

$1.58 per 100 lbs

Trailers

Trailer Type

Old Fee

New Fee

0–1,000 lbs

$3.00

$3.30

1,001–1,500 lbs

$6.00

$6.60

1,501–3,000 lbs

$12.00

$13.20

3,001–5,000 lbs

$24.00

$26.40

5,001–8,000 lbs

$36.00

$39.60

8,001+ lbs

$0.60 per 100 lbs

$0.66 per 100 lbs

Semi (no TKTR, min 10,000 lbs)

$0.60 per 100 lbs

$0.66 per 100 lbs

Farm & Commercial

Category

Old Fee

New Fee

Farm Truck – First 16,000 lbs

$24.00

$36.00

Farm Truck – Over 16,000 lbs

$0.74 per 100

$1.44 per 100

Additional Semi Trailer w/ Farm Truck

$24.00

$36.00

1/3 Rate (SCOMM)

1/3 chart

1/3 chart

Motorcycles & Miscellaneous

Registration Type

Old Fee

New Fee

Motorcycles

$15.00

$30.00

Mopeds

$3.00

$14.00

Antique Auto

$6.00

$16.00

Construction Equipment

$25.00

$40.00 (+$15.00)

Replacement Decal

$1.00

$5.00

Duplicate/Certified Registration

$15.00

$20.00

Agricultural/Industrial Utility

1/3 chart

1/3 chart

Vanity Plates

$40.00

$60.00

 

3.    License Fees

Service

Old Fee

New Fee

Certified Copy of Registration, License, or Driving Record

$15.00

$20.00

Duplicate License

$10.00

$20.00

New License (Change of Address)

$3.00

$10.00

Non-Driver ID (NDID)

$10.00

$20.00

 

4.    Boat Fees

Service

Old Fee

New Fee

Boat Fee Decals – Lake Restoration & Preservation Fund

$9.50

$12.50

 

5.    Salvage Fees

Service

Old Fee

New Fee

NH-Issued VIN

$30.00

$40.00

Salvage Decal

$50.00

$60.00

 

What These Increases Mean for Dealers

These fee changes will have practical effects on dealership operations, both internally and in customer-facing transactions:

  • Overall operating costs will rise, particularly in areas where dealer plate and title fees have doubled or significantly increased.
  • Customer communication will be important, as buyers may have questions about higher state-imposed fees during the purchase or registration process.
  • Dealership processes may require updates, including revising fee charts in sales paperwork, updating software systems, and ensuring staff are aware of the new amounts.

These changes reflect broad adjustments made in the state budget, and dealers should be prepared for their financial and workflow impacts as they take effect.

Looking Ahead

Dealers should ensure all staff are fully familiar with the new fee structure so that questions can be answered accurately at every stage of the sales and registration process. Clear internal communication—paired with updated paperwork, signage, and digital tools—will help minimize confusion for both employees and customers.

Maintaining transparency about state-mandated fees not only helps avoid delays and transaction errors but also supports a smoother, more professional customer experience. As these changes take effect, proactive preparation will be the key to keeping operations running efficiently and preserving customer confidence in your dealership.