Just Sold My Boat in New Hampshire — What’s Next? (2026)
Need New Hampshire bill of sale documentation?
If you haven’t generated a New Hampshire-compliant bill of sale yet, do it now — your proof-of-sale window closes the moment the buyer leaves.
Start My New Hampshire Boat Bill of Sale →New Hampshire boat sale facts
| Titling agency | New Hampshire DMV ↗ |
| Title transfer deadline | 20 days from sale |
| Release of liability | File with New Hampshire DMV within 5 days |
| Buyer’s sales / use tax | Private-party exempt (New Hampshire has no state sales tax; local permit fees vary) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Title fee (buyer pays) | $25 |
| Boat identifier | HIN (Hull Identification Number) |
Your New Hampshire boat post-sale checklist
- 1
Keep your signed New Hampshire bill of sale
This is your proof that you sold the boat on the sale date. If the buyer gets a ticket, is in an accident, or fails to transfer the title within 20 days from the sale date, the New Hampshire bill of sale shields you from liability. Keep both your copy and a scan for at least 5 years.
- 2
File a release of liability with New Hampshire DMV
Most New Hampshire sellers file this online through New Hampshire DMV within 5 days of the sale. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, tolls, or accidents become the buyer's responsibility, not yours. New Hampshire requires the buyer to title the boat within 20 days — your release filing protects you if the buyer misses that deadline.
- 3
Cancel or transfer your boat insurance
Contact your insurer the same day you hand over the keys. New Hampshire does not require you to maintain insurance on a vehicle you no longer own, but you must not cancel before the sale is complete. If you are replacing the boat with another, transfer the policy instead — many insurers offer a short grace period to bind coverage on the new vehicle.
- 4
Remove your registration decal and registration decal
In New Hampshire, the registration decal stays with the seller, not the boat. Remove the decal before handover and return any current registration to the New Hampshire boating authority. The buyer will register the vessel in their name and receive new decals.
- 5
Verify the 20-day title transfer window
New Hampshire requires the buyer to retitle the boat at New Hampshire DMV within 20 days of the sale date. If you have not received confirmation that the title has been transferred by day 25, contact New Hampshire DMV with your bill of sale and release-of-liability filing number to confirm the change of ownership.
- 6
Confirm your New Hampshire tax obligations (seller's side)
New Hampshire does not impose state sales tax on private-party boat sales (New Hampshire has no state sales tax; local permit fees vary). The buyer typically pays a flat title fee (~$25) at New Hampshire DMV. If you sold the boat for more than your original purchase price, you may owe federal capital gains — most private boat sales are at a loss and not taxable.
- 7
Watch for liens or loan payoff confirmation
If you had a loan on the boat, confirm the lender received the buyer's payoff and has released the lien on the New Hampshire title before you deliver the title. New Hampshire uses TDMV 18A as the lien release form — your lender will file this with New Hampshire DMV to clear the title record.
Boat-specific note
Boats use a Hull Identification Number (HIN) instead of a VIN — confirm the HIN on the transom matches the title and bill of sale. If the vessel is U.S. Coast Guard documented (5+ net tons, typically 26ft+), file an abstract-of-title transfer with the National Vessel Documentation Center in addition to state registration.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions — New Hampshire
How long do I have to file a release of liability in New Hampshire?▾
New Hampshire sellers should file a release of liability with New Hampshire DMV within 5 days of the sale. Most New Hampshire sellers can file this online directly through New Hampshire DMV. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, tolls, or accidents fall on the buyer.
What is the New Hampshire title transfer deadline for a boat?▾
New Hampshire requires the buyer to title the boat within 20 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Do I owe New Hampshire sales tax on the boat I just sold?▾
New Hampshire does not impose state sales tax on private-party boat sales. New Hampshire has no state sales tax; local permit fees vary. Sellers generally owe no New Hampshire sales tax. You may owe federal capital gains tax if the boat sold for more than your original purchase price — most private sales are at a loss and not taxable.
Does New Hampshire require a notary on the boat bill of sale?▾
No. New Hampshire does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' full names, addresses, signatures, and the date is sufficient for New Hampshire DMV.
How does the buyer register the boat in New Hampshire?▾
The buyer brings the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to New Hampshire DMV, pays the title fee (~$25) plus any applicable use tax, and receives a new New Hampshire title in their name. Transfer must be completed within 20 days of the sale date.
What is U.S. Coast Guard documentation and do I need to file anything with the USCG?▾
USCG documentation is a federal title for vessels 5+ net tons (typically 26ft+) used in commerce or international waters. Recreational boats under 26 feet usually do not need USCG documentation — state registration and a bill of sale are sufficient. If your boat IS USCG-documented, file an abstract of title transfer with the National Vessel Documentation Center in addition to state registration.
Where do I find the HIN on my boat?▾
The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a 12-character serial stamped on the starboard side of the transom (back of the boat) above the waterline. It is also recorded on the title. Confirm the HIN on the transom matches your bill of sale and title before the buyer pulls away on the trailer.
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Source: New Hampshire DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07