Vehicle Registration Information

If you have a vehicle to register for the first time, you will need to come to the Durham Town Offices. Re-registrations can be done online or at the Town Office. 

Excise tax is paid as a percentage of the MSRP when the vehicle was new. 

Excise Tax as Percent of MSRP

Year 1.024
Year 2.0175
Year 3.0135
Year 4.01
Year 5.0065
Year 6+.004

Various specialty license plates are available in our office and are an additional $20 for the first year, with most falling to $15 every year thereafter.  Vanity plates are an additional $25 each year and are available only through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

To register a new vehicle purchased from a dealer please bring:

  • Proof of residency 
  • Application for Title (blue form) or Title (all vehicles 1995 and newer require Titles)
  • Bill of sale (proof of sales tax payment)
  • Munroney Label (this is the window sticker and is only required on new vehicles)
  • Proof of automobile insurance (the card must list the new vehicle)

To register a new vehicle purchased in a private sale please bring:

  • Proof of residency 
  • Title transferred by a signature on the back (all vehicles 1995 and newer require Titles)
  • Bill of sale (please include VIN number, description of vehicle, seller's name and address, and the price)
  • Proof of automobile insurance

To register a vehicle previously registered in a different state please bring:

  • Proof of Durham residency
  • Title (all vehicles 1995 and newer require Titles) or name and address of lien holder
  • Original registration from previous state
  • Proof of automobile insurance

To re-register a vehicle please bring:

  • Proof of residency (if the vehicle was not previously registered in Durham)
  • Most recent registration
  • Proof of automobile insurance