New Hampshire Title Transfer Guide (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 |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · |
| Lien release form | TDMV 18A |
New Hampshire title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (TDMV 18A) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. New Hampshire requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Complete VIN inspection — New Hampshire requires VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Schedule with New Hampshire DMV or a licensed inspector.
- 5Buyer files at New Hampshire DMV — within 20 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to New Hampshire DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 0% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — New Hampshire DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with New Hampshire DMV the same day as the sale.
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.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
New Hampshire estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to New Hampshire DMV.
Need a New Hampshire bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with New Hampshire DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create New Hampshire Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — New Hampshire
How long do I have to transfer a car title in New Hampshire?▾
New Hampshire requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 20 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a New Hampshire title transfer cost?▾
New Hampshire charges 0% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. New Hampshire has no state sales tax; local permit fees vary The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in New Hampshire?▾
Yes — New Hampshire requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. New Hampshire DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in New Hampshire?▾
In New Hampshire, the lender must complete TDMV 18A confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to New Hampshire DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in New Hampshire?▾
New Hampshire inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to New Hampshire DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: New Hampshire DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07