How to Sell a Motorcycle 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 |
| Emissions / inspection | Standard — DOT sticker on frame is sufficient |
| Lien release form | TDMV 18A |
How to Sell a Motorcycle Privately in New Hampshire — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the VIN — on motorcycles the 17-character VIN is stamped on the steering neck (headstock) and on the frame near the engine. New Hampshire requires this on every bill of sale and the title.
- 2Note the engine displacement — engines under 50cc are classified as mopeds/scooters in many states and may have different titling rules with New Hampshire DMV; bikes 250cc+ register as motorcycles in every state.
- 3Clear any liens — if the motorcycle was financed, request a payoff quote and lien release letter. New Hampshire uses TDMV 18A.
- 4Gather documentation — clean New Hampshire title (no liens), current registration card, maintenance records, original owner's manual if available, and DOT compliance certificate (sticker on the frame) for any mods.
- 5Price the motorcycle — check Kelley Blue Book Motorcycles, NADA Guides (motorcycles), and recent New Hampshire Cycle Trader / Craigslist comps. Mileage, condition, and aftermarket parts all affect value.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — VIN, year/make/model, engine displacement, odometer in miles, sale price, sale date, and both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the New Hampshire title with buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. New Hampshire requires odometer disclosure for motorcycles under 15 years old.
- 8Notify New Hampshire DMV — buyer must title and register within 20 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with New Hampshire DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability.
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 Motorcycle Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — New Hampshire
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a motorcycle in New Hampshire?▾
Yes. New Hampshire requires a written bill of sale for private motorcycle transfers to document the VIN, year/make/model, odometer reading, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the motorcycle with New Hampshire DMV.
What is the New Hampshire motorcycle title transfer deadline?▾
New Hampshire requires the buyer to transfer the title 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 motorcycle sale in New Hampshire?▾
New Hampshire charges 0% sales/use tax on private motorcycle sales. New Hampshire has no state sales tax; local permit fees vary The buyer typically pays the tax at New Hampshire DMV when titling the motorcycle.
Do I need a notary for a New Hampshire motorcycle bill of sale?▾
New Hampshire does not require notarization for a private motorcycle bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for New Hampshire DMV.
How does a buyer register a motorcycle purchased privately in New Hampshire?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to New Hampshire DMV and pays the title 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