How To Sell a Car in New Hampshire

Selling a motor vehicle in New Hampshire requires compliance with state motor vehicle statutes administered by the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which establish procedures for title transfer, bill of sale execution, odometer disclosure, and registration processes. Private-party sellers must provide a properly signed title or bill of sale documentation to the purchaser, depending on the vehicle's model year.

What You Need To Know Before Selling a Car in New Hampshire

Title Law and Ownership Requirements

A seller must own the vehicle shown on the certificate of title or on the vehicle registration to complete a valid sale. When multiple parties hold a joint title and signatures are required, the certificate must be executed by all owners. Under New Hampshire Revised Statutes Chapter 261, a title transfer requires the seller to provide the properly signed title or, for title-exempt vehicles, a bill of sale executed by the seller at the time of delivery to the purchaser.

Vehicles Exempt From Title Requirements

New Hampshire does not issue titles for vehicles with a model year of 1999 or older, except for heavy trucks with three or more axles or truck tractors whose gross vehicle weight exceeds 18,000 pounds, which must always be titled regardless of age. For these title-exempt vehicles, the seller must provide a properly executed Bill of Sale along with either a current or expired New Hampshire certificate of registration or a valid certificate of title. The purchaser applies for registration based on the bill of sale and registration documentation rather than a certificate of title.

Satisfying an Existing Lien

If a security interest or lien is recorded against the vehicle, the lienholder must release the lien before the vehicle can be sold. The lienholder must complete and sign a Release of Lien or Other Encumbrances (Form TDMV 20) or provide written release documentation. The seller should obtain this documentation before completing the sale and deliver it to the purchaser for presentation to the town or city clerk at the time of the title application.

Inspection, VIN Verification, or Emissions Requirements

The status of New Hampshire's vehicle inspection program remains in transition. Per recent New Hampshire DMV guidance, the vehicle inspection program is currently suspended until further notice pending court proceedings and legislative action. Drivers remain responsible under current law to ensure that any vehicle driven in New Hampshire is safe to operate, but no state inspection sticker requirement is currently being enforced. A VIN verification may be required when applying for a title, particularly for vehicles with out-of-state titles or other circumstances warranting verification of the vehicle's identification.

Documents Required To Sell a Car in New Hampshire

Certificate of Title

For titled vehicles (model year 2000 or newer), the seller must transfer the certificate of title to the purchaser. The seller completes the title assignment on the reverse side by entering the buyer's name and address, the date of sale, and the current odometer reading. All owners listed on the title must execute the assignment section and sign it. The buyer must also sign the title. No alterations, erasures, or corrections are permitted. The title must be properly filled out and delivered to the purchaser at the time of sale.

Bill of Sale

A bill of sale for a motor vehicle must include the date of the sale, a detailed description of the vehicle, the vehicle identification number, the make, model, year, color, number of cylinders, and any other distinguishing marks or features. For title-exempt vehicles, a properly executed bill of sale must be provided to the purchaser. The Report of Sale or Transfer of a Non-Titled Motor Vehicle (Form TDMV 22A) is an acceptable form for documenting a title-exempt vehicle sale. Both seller and buyer should sign the bill of sale, and each party should retain a copy.

Odometer Disclosure Statement

Federal law requires odometer disclosure upon transfer of ownership. The seller must state the mileage upon transfer of ownership on the Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form TDMV 12). The seller certifies whether the stated odometer reading represents actual mileage, whether mileage exceeds the instrument's mechanical limits, or whether the reading does not reflect actual mileage. The buyer must acknowledge receipt of the odometer disclosure by signature. Failure to properly complete the odometer disclosure is a federal violation subject to criminal penalties.

Lien Release Documentation

If a lien exists on the vehicle, the lienholder must complete a Release of Lien or Other Encumbrances (Form TDMV 20) prior to sale. This form must be signed by the lienholder and delivered to the buyer for presentation during title application.

How To Transfer a Car Title in New Hampshire

Step 1: Review the Title Before the Sale

The seller must verify possession of the current certificate of title or vehicle registration and confirm that the seller's name matches the vehicle owner designation. The seller should examine the front of the title to verify whether any liens, security interests, or other claims are recorded. If the title is lost or unavailable, the seller must contact the town or city clerk where the vehicle is registered to request a replacement or duplicate title before proceeding with the sale.

Step 2: Complete the Title Assignment

For titled vehicles, the seller executes the title assignment by entering the buyer's full name and address, the date of sale, and the current odometer reading on the reverse side of the title. All owners listed on the title must sign the assignment section, and their signatures must match their printed names. The buyer must countersign as well. No erasures, corrections, or alterations are permitted. The completed and signed title must be delivered to the buyer at the time of sale.

Step 3: Prepare the Bill of Sale and Disclosure Paperwork

The seller and buyer jointly complete a Bill of Sale containing all required vehicle information, the sale date, the vehicle identification number, a description, and both parties' signatures. If applicable, the seller completes the Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form TDMV 12), certifying the accuracy of the mileage reading or noting any discrepancy. Both the seller and buyer sign the odometer disclosure form.

Step 4: Deliver the Documents to the Buyer

The seller delivers the original signed title (for titled vehicles) or bill of sale (for title-exempt vehicles), along with the odometer disclosure statement if applicable, and any lien release documentation to the purchaser at the time of sale. The seller should remove the license plates from the vehicle prior to transfer of possession. Plates remain the seller's property and do not transfer with the vehicle.

Step 5: Buyer Submits Application Through a Local Office

The purchaser must apply for title registration at the town or city clerk's office in the buyer's municipality of residence. For titled vehicles, the buyer presents the assigned title, proof of identification, proof of residency, and payment of the $35.00 title fee (effective January 1, 2026) plus any applicable registration fees. For title-exempt vehicles, the buyer presents the bill of sale, current or expired registration, proof of VIN, proof of identification, proof of residency, and any other required documentation. A VIN verification may be required. The town or city clerk processes the title application and issues the registration.

Title Transfer Fee Schedule in New Hampshire

The following vehicle title-related fees have been implemented beginning January 2026:

Registration fees vary based on vehicle type, model year, and gross vehicle weight rating. Purchasers should contact their local town or city clerk's office for specific registration fee calculations.

Sales Tax on Private Vehicle Sales

New Hampshire does not impose a state sales tax on any vehicle purchase, including private-party sales. New Hampshire is one of five states that do not collect a general sales tax or automotive sales tax. The purchaser incurs no sales tax liability on the purchase price but must pay title and registration fees to the town or city clerk.

What To Do After Selling Your Car in New Hampshire

Remove License Plates

The seller must remove the license plates from the vehicle at the time of sale. Plates remain the property of the seller and do not transfer to the purchaser. The seller may retain the plates for use on another vehicle or surrender them to the town or city clerk for cancellation.

Surrender License Plates or Transfer Registration

If retaining the plates for another vehicle, the seller must contact the town or city clerk to arrange transfer to the replacement vehicle. If the plates are not transferred, the seller should surrender them to the town or city clerk to avoid continued liability for violations or use.

Cancel Automobile Insurance

The seller should cancel the vehicle's liability insurance policy or terminate coverage, effective as of the date of sale. Maintaining insurance on a vehicle no longer owned by the seller is not required.

Retain Documentation

The seller should preserve copies of the executed title or bill of sale, the odometer disclosure form, any lien release documentation, and registration cancellation records. These documents establish proof of sale and protect the seller against future liability disputes or claims related to the vehicle.

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