New to Manchester, NH: a newcomer's checklist

Get your NH driver's license and register your car

New Hampshire gives new residents 60 days after establishing residency to get an NH driver's license (RSA 263:35); licenses are handled by the NH Division of Motor Vehicles. Manchester's Tax Collector's office registers cars as an agent of the NH DMV, including new registrations and plates. Any unpaid Manchester parking tickets must be paid before a car can be registered. The city's site lists documents required and has a registration cost estimator. Questions: 603-624-6575.

• Motor Vehicle Registration · NH DMV

Property tax bills

Manchester's 2025 total rate is $20.24 per $1,000 of assessed value (NH DRA). The Tax Collector bills and collects property taxes; you can look up your account online. If your mortgage company pays through escrow, forward any bill to them.

• Tax Collector · Manchester property taxes and records

Trash and recycling

Curbside trash and recycling are run by the Department of Public Works (Solid Waste and Environmental Programs); outside downtown, pickup is by city contractor Casella Waste Systems. The city's lookup tool shows your schedule. Bulky items have a pickup service, and the Drop Off Facility is at 500 Dunbarton Road (603-624-6504).

• Trash and recycling

Water

Manchester Water Works supplies city water; its business office is at 281 Lincoln Street (603-624-6494). Ask how a home gets its water and sewer before you buy, especially near the city line.

• Manchester Water Works · Well and septic guide

Dog license

Dogs 4 months and older must be licensed every year (RSA 466:1), with a current rabies certificate, through the City Clerk's office.

• City Clerk licenses and permits

Library card

Manchester City Library's main library is at 405 Pine Street.

• Manchester City Library

Registering to vote

Register with the City Clerk's office, or at the polls on Election Day. Bring proof of identity, age, citizenship and domicile.

• Voter registration and elections · NH Secretary of State

Schools

Manchester's public schools are run by the Manchester School District; enrollment information is on its website.

• Manchester School District

Your first year as a homeowner

• Escrow: your first escrow review usually comes about a year after closing; a tax change can change the payment.
• Abatement: if your assessment looks too high, the application is generally due by March 1 after the year's final tax bill. Manchester's Assessors list the steps: Abatements and appeals.
• Keep your closing documents: they speed up any future refinance.

Buying or settled in Manchester? Tom MacDonald, a loan officer with Elite Mortgage Group who lives in nearby Litchfield, is glad to help. NMLS #2748687 · Company NMLS #2502308MBR.