How To Get a Car Title in New Hampshire 2026
New Hampshire residents owning motor vehicles with a model year of 2000 or newer must obtain a certificate of title. The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles, operating within the Department of Safety, functions as the state authority responsible for issuing vehicle titles and preserving ownership documentation for all titled motor vehicles registered throughout the state.
Where to Apply for a New Hampshire Certificate of Title
New Hampshire employs a decentralized system requiring residents to initiate title transactions through local authorized agents rather than directly with the state office. Designated application centers include:
- Town and City Clerk Offices – Primary processing locations operating in all New Hampshire municipalities, managed by elected or appointed clerks who prepare title applications
- New Hampshire Licensed Automobile Dealers – Authorized dealerships may complete title applications electronically at the time of vehicle purchase and submit directly to the DMV
- Financial Institutions – Lienholders with active loans may prepare title applications when processing lease buyouts or refinancing transactions
- Mail Submission – Completed applications may be sent to the DMV Title Bureau at 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305 for processing
Required Documents for Title Application in New Hampshire
Individuals seeking a New Hampshire certificate of title must provide specific documentation to establish lawful ownership and comply with state requirements.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Origin or Existing Title | Must display proper assignment to applicant with signatures | Out-of-state titles must be surrendered; electronic titles not currently accepted |
| Title Application (Form TDMV 23A) | Prepared by authorized agent only | Cannot be completed by vehicle owner; must be prepared by town/city clerk, licensed dealer, or lienholder |
| Proof of Residency | Documentation establishing New Hampshire residence | Required for all new registrations; utility bill, lease agreement, or paystub dated within 30 days |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Certain transactions require supplementary materials based on specific circumstances:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| VIN Verification (Form TDMV 19A) | Physical inspection confirming vehicle identification number authenticity | Required for out-of-state vehicles never previously titled in New Hampshire; completed by authorized inspection station, law enforcement, or licensed dealer |
| Lien Release (Form TDMV 20A) | Confirms satisfaction of outstanding secured debt | Must be original document properly signed by lienholder; required even if lien previously satisfied when requesting duplicate title |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form TDMV 12) | Records mileage for vehicles model year 2011 and newer | Federal Truth-in-Mileage Act requires disclosure for self-propelled vehicles 16,000 pounds or less until 20 years old |
| Bill of Sale (Form TDMV 22A) | Report of Sale or Transfer for non-titled vehicles | Required for model year 1999 and older vehicles exempt from title requirements |
| Power of Attorney | Authorizes representative to sign on owner's behalf | Must be notarized original document; allows designee to sign title application only |
New Hampshire Title Fees and Costs
The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles assesses uniform fee schedules for title services, with separate registration fees determined by vehicle classification and weight.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| New Title Application | $35.00 |
| Duplicate Title Certificate | $35.00 |
| Title Correction or Amendment | $35.00 |
| Add or Remove Owner | $35.00 |
Additional Processing Fees
Vehicle owners should anticipate supplementary expenses beyond basic title fees:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal Agent Fee | Varies by locality | Town/city clerks charge additional service fees for processing; contact local clerk for specific amounts |
| State Registration Fee | $31.20 - $42.00 | Passenger vehicles 0-3,000 pounds; fee structure varies by weight classification |
| License Plate Fee | $8.00 | One-time charge for initial plate issuance; waived for plate transfers |
| 20-Day Temporary Plate | $20.00 | Available when out-of-state lien exists or vehicle being leased; valid 20 days |
| VIN Verification Fee | No charge | Free at authorized inspection stations and law enforcement agencies |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Determine Title Requirement
Verify whether your vehicle requires a New Hampshire title by confirming the model year. New Hampshire mandates titles for all motor vehicles with a model year of 2000 or newer. Vehicles manufactured in 1999 or earlier are considered exempt from title requirements unless previously titled in New Hampshire or another state. Off-highway recreational vehicles, certain trailers, and special mobile equipment may also qualify for exemptions under RSA 261:3.
Step 2: Establish Residency at Town or City Clerk's Office
Visit your local town or city clerk's office to establish residency as the initial step in the registration and title process. Present valid identification, such as a New Hampshire driver's license or ID card, along with two forms of residency documentation. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill in your name dated within 30 days, a notarized lease agreement, a property tax bill, or a paystub showing your New Hampshire address. The clerk will verify your residency status before proceeding with the title application.
Step 3: Complete VIN Verification If Required
For vehicles being titled in New Hampshire for the first time that were previously registered in another state, obtain a completed VIN Verification form (TDMV 19A). Authorized parties who may complete this inspection include New Hampshire law enforcement officers, authorized inspection stations, licensed New Hampshire dealers, or DMV authorized agents. Bring the vehicle and ownership documents to the inspection location. The inspector will physically examine the vehicle and verify that the VIN matches the documentation provided.
Step 4: Gather Ownership Documents and Lien Information
Collect the properly assigned out-of-state title or manufacturer's certificate of origin showing clear transfer to your name. All sellers listed on the title must sign the assignment section exactly as their names appear. If the vehicle has an outstanding loan or lease, contact your lienholder to request that they complete the title application or provide authorization. When a previous lien has been satisfied, obtain an original lien release on Form TDMV 20A signed by the financial institution.
Step 5: Have Town Clerk Prepare Title Application
Return to your town or city clerk's office with all required documentation, including the assigned title or certificate of origin, VIN verification if applicable, proof of residency, and lien information. The clerk will prepare the official title application Form TDMV 23A on your behalf, as New Hampshire law prohibits vehicle owners from completing this controlled document themselves. Pay the municipal agent processing fee along with the state title fee of $35.00 and registration fees based on your vehicle specifications. Many clerks serve as municipal agents and can complete both the local and state portions of the transaction for an additional fee.
Step 6: Await Title Issuance from DMV
Once your town or city clerk forwards the completed title application to the DMV Title Bureau in Concord, processing typically requires 40 to 50 calendar days for new title applications. The DMV will verify the vehicle identification number through the National Crime Information Center and National Motor Vehicle Title Information System databases to check for theft reports or existing brands before issuing the title. The certificate of title will be mailed directly to the registered owner's address or to the lienholder if a security interest was recorded. New Hampshire requires titles to be mailed to the owner or lienholder unless a notarized authorization requests delivery to a third party.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
New Hampshire statutes exempt specific vehicle categories from certificate of title mandates under RSA 261:3:
- Motor vehicles with a model year of 1999 or older, unless previously titled in New Hampshire or another state
- Off-highway recreational vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles and trail bikes registered under OHRV laws
- Antique motor vehicles over 25 years old used exclusively for exhibitions, club activities, parades, and other public interest functions
- Farm tractors and equipment used exclusively for agricultural purposes
- Mopeds requiring only basic registration without title documentation
- Certain utility trailers, depending on weight classification and usage
Contact Information
New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305
Phone: (603) 227-4150
Official Website: New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
