New Hampshire
Title Fee
$25.00
Sales Tax Rate
n/a
Other Tax Rate
n/a
Who must title a vehicle in New Hampshire?
All motor vehicles with a model year 2000 or newer and heavy trucks/truck tractors >18,000 lbs. GVW must be titled unless exempt.
Exempt: Vehicles 25+ years old (optional), implements of husbandry, special mobile equipment, mopeds, mobile homes, snowmobiles, OHRVs, watercraft, trailers <3,001 lbs., animal-powered vehicles, self-propelled wheelchairs, U.S. government/NH National Guard vehicles, roadable aircraft.
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Application: Certificate of Title (TDMV 23A/23B) at Town/City Clerk or by dealer/lienholder at purchase/registration.
Fee: $25.00 + $2.00 town clerk fee; $2.00 dealer/financial institution prep fee allowed.
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title.
Non-title states: Registration + bill of sale or TDMV 22A (notarized if needed).
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs, HS-7, and TDMV 22A or similar; DD-430 and GSA forms accepted for military.
How are special titles or brands handled?
Bonded Title: If ownership docs unavailable, bond = 1.5x value, valid 3 years.
Brands: Additional Liens, Antique, Bonded, Direct Import, Glider Kit, Hail, Homemade, Lemon Law, Buyback, Nonresident, Odometer brands, Prior Damage, Rebuilt, Reconstructed, Recovered Theft, Replica, Salvage, Special Mobile Equipment, Undisclosed Lien, Water/Flood, and more. Out-of-state brands carried forward.
Salvage: Required for total loss (theft/damage, ≥75% of value within current/four following calendar years); insurer/owner must apply within 20 days of total loss.
Rebuilt: Salvage vehicles must be inspected and pass salvage inspection ($50.00 fee), submit adjuster’s report, repair proof, bills of sale, and Salvaged Motor Vehicle Affidavit (DSMV 545A); decal affixed and title branded “Rebuilt Vehicle”.
Junk: Title must be surrendered within 30 days of destruction; report to NMVTIS; cannot be retitled.
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Duplicate: Application (TDMV 18), $25.00 fee; all owners must sign.
Corrected: Submit existing title to Town/City Clerk; $25.00 fee; no fee for DMV error.
Other notes:
Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN/HIN inspection required for initial title/registration, abandoned, antique, homemade, or VIN discrepancy.
Are electronic signatures accepted?
No; all signatures must be original.
What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?
Sales/Use Tax: None.
Residence Tax: Collector’s receipt for prior/current year required before registration.
Other taxes/fees:
Boat Fee: Based on vessel age/length/motor type; minimum $10.00.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.
How are liens recorded and perfected?
Submit existing title + application (TDMV 23A/23B) with lienholder info and $25.00 fee.
Second lien: Possessory lienholder delivers title to second lienholder or DMV.
Perfected as of creation if delivered within 20 days; otherwise, at delivery.
How are liens released or assigned?
Lienholder must release lien on title, TDMV 20A, or other release within 10 days of demand (30 days max); deliver to next lienholder or owner. Separate releases must be notarized.
How does repossession work in New Hampshire?
Secured party may repossess without judicial process if peaceful; must notify law enforcement within 2 hours.
Lienholder executes Affidavit of Repossession (TDMV 16) for purchaser with assigned title and lien release; no new title needed before sale.
Other notes:
Mechanic’s liens: After 60 days unpaid, may sell at public auction after certified notice to owner/lienholder, public posting, and (if >$100 value) newspaper publication.
Department of Safety
23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305
603.227.4000 or 711 TDD
Enforcement Agency:
New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305
603.227.4000 | NH.DMVHelp@dos.nh.gov
NH DMV
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
NH State Police, 33 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305
Key Regulations:
Insurance required: $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 minimum.
Proof of insurance not required for registration (except for-hire vehicles).
Annual safety inspection required; emissions for light-duty gas vehicles/trucks (model year >1996), diesels >1997.
Two plates for most vehicles; one for trailers, motorcycles, etc. Plates transferable.
Title records kept 15 years; registration records 7 years.