What to Do If You Have Not Received Your Registration Sticker in New Hampshire
If your NH registration sticker is not received, then it is important that you request a duplicate registration as well as avoid common missteps that can lead to a missing registration. If your DMV sticker is not received, then it could be due to an incorrect address, an incomplete application, human error, technical difficulties or problems with the mail. While you cannot control all of the circumstances that could result in a registration sticker not received, you can make sure that you fully complete your application for registration as well as update the New Hampshire DMV of any changes to your address.
A missing DMV registration sticker can occur after requesting initial registration, performing a registration renewal or replacement request. Each of these registration processes will have a varying postage time, but it is important that you do watch your mail carefully while awaiting any state documents in order to ensure that you do not go without proof of registration or registration decals.
Common Reasons for a Registration Sticker Not Being Received in New Hampshire
If your license plate sticker is not received, then there are a number of reasons that your registration may be missing. The most common reason for a DMV sticker not received is due to a change of address. New Hampshire law requires residents to report changes to residential or mailing addresses to the NH DMV. This is due to the fact that the United States Postal Services (USPS) does not forward state mail. Therefore, failing to update the DMV of your address could result in lost registration documents, title documents and drivers license documents.
Your car tag sticker may also never be fully processed if your application for registration was left incomplete or incorrect. Additionally, a license plate sticker not received may be the result of human error and technical difficulties. Lastly, registration can be lost in the mail, as an uncommon occurrence that may be.
Can I legally drive if my New Hampshire registration sticker was not received?
If your DMV registration sticker is not received, then it is important that you have some form of proof of registration before you operate your motor vehicle. New Hampshire law requires that motorists display a registration sticker on their vehicle’s license plate.
A license sticker not received after a renewal is not a valid reason to not have the required tag, as it’s the driver’s responsibility to verify he or she has the adequate documentation. However, if you are in the process of obtaining duplicate registration decals, then you must at the very least have proof of your registration in order to legally operate your vehicle.
Additional Consequences of a Car Sticker Not Received in New Hampshire
If your New Hampshire license sticker is not received, then you may still operate your motor vehicle as long as you have temporary registration or proof of registration on your person when operating the vehicle. However, it is important that you request a car plate sticker replacement right away, as you can still be stopped by law enforcement for not having registration decals.
If you do not have proof of registration due to a DMV registration sticker not received, then it is very important that you do not operate the vehicle. If you operate a vehicle that does not have proof of registration, then you can be issued fines, have your vehicle can be impounded and be forced to appear in court to prove that you do have registration.
Steps to Take If Your New Hampshire DMV Sticker Was Not Received
If your NH registration sticker was not received, then it is important that you contact your local DMV office in order to verify whether or not your registration was processed. If you requested a car plate sticker renewal, registration replacement or initial registration, then it is important that you also verify whether or not the DMV has your correct and complete address on file to ensure that the documents were not sent to an incorrect address.
If your registration request was not processed or your documents were sent to the wrong address, then it is important that you request duplicate registration right away. In any case, the cost of replacing a registration credential in NH is $15.
If your lost New Hampshire DMV registration sticker may be missing, then it is also strongly recommended that you file a report with local law enforcement officials. While you are not legally obligated to do so, it will help police officers be aware of the potential theft as well as protect you from being associated with any violations committed with your vehicle’s registration.
Where to Get Registration Sticker Replacements in New Hampshire
You cannot replace a sticker online, but you can request replacement registration documents and decals by mail or in person by visiting your local New Hampshire DMV. Should you choose to request a DMV sticker replacement by mail, it is important to know that your request may take longer to process due to postage transit times.
While you cannot get a registration sticker online, the in-person process is the fastest of the two options. Should you need your registration sticker and proof of registration sooner, it is recommended that you visit your local DMV office in person.
Applications must be completed fully and accurately in order to ensure that you duplicate request is not denied. If you visit your local office, then your replacement registration can be issued during your visit. This will allow you to legally operate your vehicle if you were previously missing any form of proof of registration.
Registration Replacement Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Vehicle Registrations from NH.gov