How to Gift a Car in New Hampshire in 2026
Gifting a motor vehicle in New Hampshire is a transfer of ownership from one person to another without monetary consideration. The donor executes an assignment on the certificate of title, which the recipient then presents along with supporting documents to a town or city clerk's office to begin the registration process.
How Does Gifting a Car in New Hampshire Work?
In New Hampshire, motor vehicles that require a title are transferred through the same process regardless of whether the transaction constitutes a sale or a gift. The formal mechanics of a gift transfer differ minimally from those of a purchase transaction, though the tax treatment and documentation reflect the absence of consideration. When ownership of a titled vehicle passes from the donor to the recipient, the recipient is responsible for applying for a new certificate of title in their name through the town or city clerk's office in the municipality where they reside.
New Hampshire law does not impose a general sales tax on motor vehicles, and a genuine gift is not taxed based on transfer of ownership. However, the recipient is still subject to title fees, registration fees, and any applicable use-based assessments. The title transfer process is initiated at the local level through municipal agents, who coordinate with the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue the new certificate.
New Hampshire Car Gifting Rules You Should Know
Title Status
Under RSA 261:3, New Hampshire does not require titles for motor vehicles with a model year of 1999 or older, with specific exceptions for heavy trucks with three or more axles or truck tractors exceeding 18,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, which must always be titled regardless of age. Vehicles exempt from title requirements include mopeds, snowmobiles, trailers weighing less than 3,001 pounds, and vehicles moved solely by animal power. Owners of vehicles with a model year of 1999 or earlier may request a title at their discretion, but it is not mandatory.
For titled vehicles, the owner's name must appear on the certificate exactly as it is recorded. If the name on the supporting documentation differs from the name on the title or on prior ownership records, the discrepancy must be resolved before processing can proceed. When a vehicle is jointly owned, both names must be listed on the title application, and specific signing requirements apply depending on the co-ownership structure. If co-owners are joined by "and" on the title, both co-owners must sign the assignment. If co-owners are joined by "or," only one owner needs to sign, as this designation creates joint tenancy with rights of survivorship.
License Plates
When ownership of a vehicle transfers, the original registration and license plates may be retained by the previous owner, transferred to another vehicle owned by the same person, or surrendered. If the donor intends to transfer the license plates to another vehicle they own, both vehicles must be registered to the same primary owner for transfer credit to apply. Town and city clerks process all plate transfers and may charge transfer fees in addition to state fees.
New Hampshire requires two license plates to be displayed on all registered motor vehicles. Upon receiving the vehicle as a gift, the recipient should arrange for registration before operating the vehicle on public roads. If a temporary operation is necessary before registration is completed, the recipient may apply for a temporary plate through the town or city clerk's office.
Taxes and Fees
Gifted vehicles are not subject to New Hampshire sales tax, as the state does not impose a general sales tax on personal property. A bona fide gift involves no consideration, and state tax law recognizes the distinction between a sale and a transfer of ownership without payment. However, the recipient is obligated to pay applicable title fees, registration fees, and any municipal fees assessed by the town or city clerk's office.
Under RSA 261:20, the state title transfer fee is $35 per vehicle, effective January 1, 2026. The town or city clerk may collect an application fee, and registration fees vary based on the motor vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating. State registration fees for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 0 to 3,000 pounds are $42 per year (or $3.50 per month), adjusted annually. Vehicles heavier than 3,000 pounds may incur higher registration fees. Municipal agents who are not the town or city clerk may collect an additional municipal commission for processing the title application and registration.
Step-By-Step Process To Gift a Car in New Hampshire
Step 1: Confirm whether the vehicle requires a title.
Verify the model year and vehicle type. If the vehicle was manufactured in 1999 or earlier and is not a heavy truck or truck tractor weighing more than 18,000 pounds, it is not required to be titled. For non-titled vehicles, the transfer is documented by a bill of sale, a Report of Sale, or a Report of Sale and Transfer of a Non-Titled Motor Vehicle (TDMV 22A). For vehicles manufactured in 2000 or later, a certificate of title is mandatory, and the title assignment process applies.
Step 2: Complete the title assignment.
The donor should sign the reverse side of the certificate of title, entering the recipient's full name, address, and the current odometer reading. The signature must match exactly how the donor's name appears on the face of the title. Both the donor and recipient must sign the document, certifying the accuracy of the information provided. If there is a lienholder on the title, the lienholder may also need to sign the assignment depending on the loan agreement terms; consult with the lienholder if unsure.
Step 3: Obtain an odometer disclosure statement.
For titled vehicles, most transfers require completion of an Odometer Disclosure Statement (TDMV 12). The donor certifies the current odometer reading and indicates whether the mileage is actual, not actual, or unknown. Federal law requires odometer disclosure when a motor vehicle changes ownership. Both the donor and recipient must sign this form under penalty of perjury. For non-titled vehicles, the odometer disclosure is included as part of the Report of Sale or Transfer of a Non-Titled Motor Vehicle (TDMV 22A).
Step 4: Gather supporting documents.
Collect the properly assigned certificate of title (for titled vehicles), the completed odometer disclosure statement, and proof of the recipient's residency in New Hampshire. If the vehicle is jointly owned with co-owners joined by "and," both co-owners must sign the title assignment. If co-owners are joined by "or," either owner may sign. For non-titled vehicles, gather the completed TDMV 22A form, proof of prior ownership, and residency verification.
Step 5: Present documents to the town or city clerk.
The recipient must go to the town or city clerk's office in the municipality where they reside. The recipient should bring the assigned title (or TDMV 22A for non-titled vehicles), odometer disclosure statement (TDMV 12 for titled vehicles or the disclosure section within TDMV 22A for non-titled vehicles), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid form of identification. The recipient must be present in person to establish residency and initiate the registration process.
Step 6: Complete the registration process.
After the town or city clerk confirms residency, the recipient pays all applicable title and registration fees. If the town or city clerk is a municipal agent of the state, the clerk can often complete both the local and state portions of the registration transaction. If not, the state portion must be submitted through a DMV office or drop box. Processing times vary by municipality, so verify with your local clerk's office.
Step 7: Register the vehicle if it will be operated.
If the recipient intends to operate the vehicle on public roads in New Hampshire, the recipient must obtain license plates and registration. Registration becomes effective once the fees are paid and the title is processed. Vehicles may be registered using existing plates if the recipient has transferred plates from another vehicle, or new plates may be issued at an initial plate fee of $8.
Documents Needed for Gifting a Car in New Hampshire
The documents required to complete a gift transfer of a titled vehicle in New Hampshire typically include:
- The original certificate of title, properly assigned on the reverse by the donor with the recipient's name and address
- A completed Odometer Disclosure Statement (TDMV 12), signed by both the donor and recipient
- Proof of the recipient's residency in New Hampshire, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement showing the recipient's name and current address
- A valid government-issued photo identification for the recipient
- Any lien release documentation if the vehicle was financed by the donor, and the lien must be removed; both the donor and the lienholder typically must sign to authorize the release of the lien
For non-titled vehicles, the following documents are required:
- A Report of Sale or Transfer of a Non-Titled Motor Vehicle (TDMV 22A), completed and signed by both the donor and recipient
- A completed vehicle identification verification form (TDMV 19A)
- Proof of prior ownership, such as a copy of a previous registration or certificate of title
- Proof of residency and identification for the recipient
If no certificate of title exists for the vehicle, the town or city clerk may issue a registration permit based on the TDMV 22A form and supporting ownership documentation.
Applicable Fees and Taxes When Gifting a Car in New Hampshire
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Title Transfer Fee | $35.00 | Required per RSA 261:20 for certificate of title after transfer |
| Initial Plate Fee | $8.00 | Charged when plates are first issued |
| State Registration Fee (0–3,000 lbs.) | $42.00/year (or $3.50/month) | Effective January 1, 2026; rates vary by vehicle weight |
| Duplicate Title Fee | $35.00 | If a duplicate title is needed |
| Municipal Application Fee | Varies | Each town or city clerk may charge a separate fee |
Under RSA 261:20, the state title transfer fee is $35. Town and city clerks may also charge municipal fees authorized under RSA 261:153 for municipal agent services, application processing, and other local administrative costs. These municipal fees vary by locality, and residents should contact their town or city clerk's office for specific fee information.
Because New Hampshire does not impose a sales tax on motor vehicles, a genuine gift does not incur sales or use tax. The recipient is responsible only for title fees, registration fees, and any municipal fees assessed by the town or city clerk.
Contact Information
New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305
Phone: (603) 227-4000
Official Website: New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
