How to Sell a Boat Privately in New Hampshire (2026)
| Titling agency | New Hampshire DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 20 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 0% (New Hampshire has no state sales tax; local permit fees vary) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | TDMV 18A |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in New Hampshire — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. New Hampshire requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with New Hampshire DMV only. Boats 26 ft+ may need USCG documentation (federal title) in addition to state registration. Check vessel length and use.
- 3Clear any liens — if the boat was financed, request a payoff and lien release letter. New Hampshire uses TDMV 18A.
- 4Gather documentation — current New Hampshire registration card, state title (if titled), USCG documentation (if applicable), trailer title, engine serial number records.
- 5Price the vessel — check NADA Guides (boats), BUCValu, or recent New Hampshire dealer comps. Factor in trailer condition, engine hours, and recent service.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — HIN, vessel make/year/length, engine make/model/serial, trailer VIN (if included), sale price, sale date, both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the New Hampshire registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify New Hampshire DMV — buyer must register within 20 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with New Hampshire DMV to remove liability for future fines.
New Hampshire lien release procedure
- Obtain Form TDMV 18A from the New Hampshire DMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs TDMV 18A releasing the lien.
- Submit TDMV 18A with the existing title and title application at a NH DMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean New Hampshire title.
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Start My New Hampshire Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — New Hampshire
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in New Hampshire?▾
Yes. New Hampshire requires a written bill of sale for private boat transfers to document the hull identification number (HIN), engine details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vessel with New Hampshire DMV.
What is the New Hampshire boat title transfer deadline?▾
New Hampshire requires the buyer to transfer registration within 20 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in New Hampshire?▾
New Hampshire charges 0% sales/use tax on private boat sales. New Hampshire has no state sales tax; local permit fees vary The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with New Hampshire DMV.
Do I need a notary for a New Hampshire boat bill of sale?▾
New Hampshire does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. However, USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet) require notarization on Form CG-1340 regardless of state.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in New Hampshire?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to New Hampshire DMV and pays the registration fee plus 0% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 20 days of the sale date.
Source: New Hampshire DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07