Administration and Documentation Fees

All dealerships have an Administration and Documentation fee.  

Why an Administration Fee?

The Administration Fee (sometimes called a services fee) covers costs our dealership must handle that are separate from the purchase price of the vehicle itself.

This fee helps offset the expense of complying with state and federal laws designed to protect consumers and ensure vehicle safety. These requirements include:

• Anti-theft measures and vehicle history checks

• Safety and consumer protection filings

• Certifications, notifications, and other official paperwork

Behind the scenes, a significant amount of work happens before any sales document reaches your hands. Dealerships must train staff to follow legal mandates, prepare and review documents, and maintain compliance across every transaction.

Not every sale involves the exact same services, but every transaction requires a substantial amount of documentation and compliance work. The Administration Fee helps us meet these legal obligations while keeping the sales process transparent and secure.

Car and truck dealerships must follow a wide range of state and federal laws governing vehicle sales, service, financing, safety, and workplace practices. These rules are implemented and enforced by numerous agencies, including:

New Hampshire State Agencies

• Department of Safety (Division of Motor Vehicles, Inspection & Dealer Program, New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board, Vehicle Emissions Program, State Police)

• Banking Department

• Department of Environmental Services

• Attorney General's Office

• Insurance Department

• Department of Labor

Federal Agencies

• Transportation & Safety: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Federal Highway Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Research & Special Programs Administration

• Trade, Finance & Consumer Protection: Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Federal Reserve Board, U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), U.S. Customs Service

• Labor & Workplace Safety: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)

• Environmental Protection: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• Law Enforcement & Security: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS)

Administration Responsibilities

• Check vehicle safety, history and titles
• Provide full condition information on the window label
• Discover and disclose accurate vehicle mileage
• Check for recalls on used vehicles where required
• Complete required forms and contracts that protect your interests
• Process titles and plates
• File and clear liens
• Keep your information private and secure
• Fulfill vehicle emissions laws
• Pass along manufacturer information including lemon law notices
• Process rebates on your purchase
• Keep you informed of your rights and obligations
• Keep you informed of your rights and obligations
• Keep important records of your purchase
• Purchase required forms and supplies
• Maintain technology to process your paperwork faster
• Train staff to carry out laws that protect you
• Maintain professional licenses that ensure quality service
• Maintain required Dealer Bond

---

Why so many forms?
Most forms are required to fulfill New Hampshire and Federal laws; others are often necessary for accounting, financing, or manufacturer rebate reimbursement or notification.

Privacy
Dealers must collect non-public, personal information that may be required as a result of a credit or title application.  They do not ask for personal information unless it is required, because dealers take your privacy seriously.

It's the New Hampshire way
Dealers share an interest in creating consumer laws that keep customers' satisfaction high and the industry healthy. For that reason, NHADA dealer member companies have joined the NH Department of Safety - Division of Motor Vehicles, the NH Banking Department of Justice- Consumer Protection Division, and other agencies in creating strict laws regarding sales.

Peace of mind
New Hampshire dealers must be licensed by the state. In order to qualify for a license, they must meet requirements regarding financial stability, proper dealership facilities, record-keeping and more.  Licensing offers you the peace of mind that dealership staff have the knowledge they need to do business the right way.

---

The lists of rules and regulations and administrative responsibilities contained on this page are not meant to be comprehensive or exhaustive but are, instead, used for explanatory and illustrative purposes only.  Actual expenses incurred and recovered through and Administration or services fee, as well as the size of the fee, may vary by dealer, location, and transaction.