Title & Proof of Ownership
New Hampshire titles motor vehicles with model year 2000 or newer and heavy trucks and truck tractors over 18,000 lbs. GVW regardless of age, unless exempt. Vehicles more than 25 years old, implements of husbandry, and special mobile equipment may be titled at the owner’s request.
Title-Required and Exempt Units
Title Required
Motor vehicles model year 2000 or newer and heavy trucks/truck tractors exceeding 18,000 lbs. GVW regardless of age.
Optional Title
Vehicles more than 25 years of age, implements of husbandry, and special mobile equipment may be titled at the owner’s request.
Title Exempt
Mopeds, mobile homes, snowmobiles, OHRVs, watercraft, trailers with gross weight under 3,001 lbs., vehicles moved solely by animal power, self-propelled wheelchairs or invalid tricycles, vehicles owned by the U.S. government or New Hampshire National Guard, and roadable aircraft.
Registration Still Required
Even if title-exempt, many units still require registration or permits, including vessels, OHRVs, snowmobiles, aircraft, and trailers operated on New Hampshire roads or waters.
Application for Title
An Application for Certificate of Title (TDMV 23A or TDMV 23B) is completed by a New Hampshire dealer or lienholder at purchase, or by the Town/City Clerk when the vehicle is registered, and sent to DMV for processing. Handwritten applications are rejected.
| Title Item | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Certificate of title | $25.00 |
| Town clerk title fee | $2.00 in addition to other fees |
| Dealer / financial institution prep fee | May charge up to $2.00 per application |
| Duplicate title | $25.00 using TDMV 18 |
| Corrected title | $25.00; no fee for departmental error |
| Salvage certificate | $10.00 using TDMV 24 |
| Salvage inspection | $50.00 |
| Assigned VIN | $30.00 |
| Assignment of lien | $2.00 |
Make checks payable to State of NH-DMV. New Hampshire-licensed dealers must submit Title Application Summary Sheet (TDMV 101) with the title application. Standard title delivery is approximately 40–50 days. If title is not received within 60 days, a Status of Application (TDMV 10) may be submitted by the requesting agency or lienholder.
No Electronic Signatures
Electronic signatures are not accepted. All signatures must be original. Facsimile and stamp signatures are not accepted.
Title Only
A New Hampshire title may be issued without registration.
Out-of-State Lienholder
A registration may be issued to a new resident when the title is held by an out-of-state lienholder. The Title Bureau sends a title request letter, but the owner remains responsible for follow-up.
Street-Legal Conversions
Statement of Fact (TDMV 114) is required for a vehicle or motorcycle not originally intended for street use that has been modified to be legally registered for public ways.
Proof of Ownership
New Vehicles
Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin. Assignment need not be notarized if a New Hampshire title application is involved.
Used Vehicles
Certificate of Title.
Non-Title Issuing Jurisdiction
Original or certified copy of registration and bill of sale on Report of Sale or Transfer of a Non-Titled Motor Vehicle (TDMV 22A) or notarized equivalent.
Government Surplus Vehicles
U.S. Government Certificate to Obtain Title to a Vehicle (SF97-1).
Foreign Vehicles
Foreign ownership documents plus properly executed import documentation such as HS-7 and TDMV 22A or similar foreign-jurisdiction form. DD-430 and GSA forms may be accepted from military personnel. Canadian registration is required for Canadian vehicles. Notarized English translation is required for foreign-language documents.
Surrender / NMVTIS
Proof of ownership must be surrendered. Documents are not returned to the issuing state. New Hampshire fully participates in NMVTIS.
Special Titles, Brands, Duplicate, Corrected & Odometer
Bonded Title
If proper ownership documents cannot be submitted, a bond equal to 1½ times the vehicle value may be required, along with a statement explaining why ownership documents cannot be obtained. Bond may be returned after three years unless the vehicle is no longer registered in New Hampshire and current title is surrendered or an action to recover the bond exists.
Title Brands
Brands are shown under “Brands/Pertinent Information” or older “Legend(s)” section. New Hampshire carries forward legends shown on supporting documents and in NMVTIS. Brands include Bonded, Direct Import, Lemon Law, Manufacturer Buyback, Nonresident, Prior Damage, Rebuilt, Reconstructed, Recovered Theft, Replica, Salvage, Water/Flood Damage, odometer brands, and others.
Duplicate Title
Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title (TDMV 18) is submitted with $25.00 fee. If jointly owned, all owners must sign. New liens cannot be perfected on a duplicate title application. Duplicate is mailed to lienholder, or to owner if no lien. Allow 5–10 days.
Corrected Title
Existing title is surrendered to Town/City Clerk, who prepares TDMV 23A for DMV with $25.00 fee. Mileage correction requires notarized statement from the person who made the error. Improper assignments require voiding, correct reassignment on TDMV 17A or dealer block, and explanation or Voided Assignment Letter (TDMV 111).
Odometer Disclosure
Odometer disclosure is required at transfer. Odometer Disclosure Statement (TDMV 12) may be used. Model year 2010 or older vehicles, trailers and other vehicles without odometer devices, and trucks over 16,000 lbs. GVWR are exempt.
VIN / HIN Inspection
Verification of Vehicle Identification (TDMV 19A) or Verification of Vessel Identification (RDMV690) is required upon initial title or vessel registration. VIN inspection is also required for abandoned vehicles, U.S. government vehicles, antique vehicles, homemade trailers under 3,000 lbs., and VIN discrepancies. HIN inspection is required for homemade vessels or missing/non-12-digit HIN.
Stolen, Salvage, Rebuilt, Junk, Abandoned & Unclaimed Units
Stolen Vehicle / Vessel
Owner or lienholder may report vehicle theft to DMV. Registration is suspended and no title issues until recovery. If recovered with no damage, vehicle must be inspected at a Salvage Inspection Location and Salvaged Motor Vehicle Affidavit Application (DSMV 545A) is submitted; title is branded Recovered Theft. Vessel theft or recovery must be reported in writing within 15 days.
Salvage Vehicle
Salvage includes total loss by insurer due to damage or theft. Total loss includes unrecovered stolen vehicles, economically impractical repair, or repair cost of 75% or more of fair market value when damage occurs during model year or four subsequent calendar years. Submit title with Application for Salvage Certificate (TDMV 24) and $10.00 within 20 days of total loss payment.
Rebuilt Vehicle
After repair, salvage vehicle must pass salvage inspection before registration. Submit prior title, insurance adjuster report, repair proof, component bills of sale or titles, and $50.00 inspection fee. Owner completes DSMV 545A. After approval, salvage decal is permanently affixed and Salvage Inspection (DSMV 547) is used to register and title. Subsequent titles bear “Rebuilt Vehicle.”
Junk / Destroyed Vehicle or Vessel
Vehicles crushed, shredded, baled, or sheared must be reported electronically to NMVTIS within 30 days and title surrendered to DMV. Vessel owner must notify the Department within 15 days of vessel destruction.
Abandoned Vehicle
Law enforcement may remove and store abandoned vehicles. Notice of Removal (TDMV 71), Release of Motor Vehicle Records (DSMV 505), and Certificate of Authority must be submitted within 30 days of tow. Owner/lienholder notice, public postings, publication when value exceeds $1,000, and claim periods apply. Purchaser submits TDMV 22A, Notice of Compliance (TDMV 109), TDMV 19A, and fees.
Abandoned Vessel / Unclaimed Vehicle
Vessel owners must notify the Department within 15 days of abandonment. Marine Patrol or local law enforcement may be notified. If not redeemed within 90 days after removal, vessel may be disposed of. Businesses storing/repairing/parking vehicles must report unclaimed vehicles on TDMV 71 within five days after 30 days of unclaimed status, or they forfeit claims/liens and may be fined.
Lien Law
A New Hampshire lien is perfected by submitting the existing title, if any, and a Title Application (TDMV 23A or TDMV 23B) showing lienholder name, address, lien date, and title fee. If delivery is completed within 20 days, lien is perfected as of creation; otherwise, perfection occurs at delivery.
Filing Responsibility
New Hampshire dealers must prepare and submit title applications and supporting documents for retail sales to New Hampshire residents. Lienholders may prepare title applications for out-of-state purchases. All lienholders are responsible for ensuring lien perfection and title issuance.
Second Liens
If adding a second lien, the possessory lienholder must deliver title to the second lienholder or, after receiving application and title fee, deliver the application and title to DMV.
Lien Expiration
Liens remain valid until a release is submitted.
Title with Lien
Title showing a lien is mailed to the lienholder. Lien records are on file with the DMV Title Bureau in Concord. New Hampshire has no Electronic Lien and Title Program.
Assignment, Mechanic’s Lien, UCC & Release
Assignment of Lien
Assigning lienholder must properly release lien on title and name the assignee as lienholder. Fee is $2.00. Until assignee is named on title, the assigning lienholder remains liable as lienholder.
Mechanic’s / Storage Lien
Repair, storage, parking, airport/hangar, or trailer-court lienholders may hold the item while charges are unpaid. If charges remain unpaid 60 days, property may be sold at public auction after verified-mail notice to owner/lienholder at least 14 days before sale, public postings, and newspaper notice if value exceeds $100. Purchaser submits TDMV 22A, notarized Affidavit of Sale (TDMV 108), and TDMV 19A.
UCC
Liens on non-titled vehicles are filed through Secretary of State, UCC Division, State House Room 204, 107 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301, 603.271.3276, fax 603.271.3247, ucc@sos.nh.gov.
Release of Lien
Lienholder must release lien within 10 days after demand and in any event within 30 days, on the face of title, Release of Lien or Other Encumbrances (TDMV 20A), or other lien release. Separate lien releases must be notarized.
Transfer of Title
Transfer is completed by assignment of title. Transfer must be completed within 20 days to avoid a penalty equal to the transaction fee. New Hampshire dealers must submit title applications within 10 days of sale, or within 40 days if title is in the possession of a lienholder at trade or sale.
Dealer Transfer, Pending Title & Damage Disclosure
If title is held by a lienholder at time of trade or sale, Pending Title/Assignment of Title and Authorization for Payoff (TDMV 25A) is required. Sellers must disclose in writing that a vehicle is salvage or rebuilt and state the reasons for that designation. Rebuilt New Hampshire vehicles have a salvage decal attached to the rear of the left front door post. Vessel owners must notify DMV within 15 days of vessel transfer.
Add / Remove Owner
Same procedures as any other transfer, including forms, fees, and taxes. When removing an owner, existing liens must be released against the deleted party.
Add Vessel Owner
To add an additional owner to a vessel, submit current registration, request letter, copy of additional owner’s identification, completed Application for a Copy of a Registration (RDMV110), and $15.00 fee.
Joint Ownership
“And” requires both signatures to transfer or encumber. “Or” requires only one signature, but one joint owner may not transfer interest to themself as sole owner. “Or” is considered joint tenancy with rights of survivorship. “And” may also have JTWROS indicated on title application.
Transfer Upon Death
Surviving spouse or civil union partner may transfer vehicle with title and death record copy. No fee if transferred within 13 months of death. Survivor may sell without titling in their name by assigning title and providing death certificate copy. Probate applies for “and” ownership without survivorship or estate transfers.
Transfer on Death
There is no beneficiary/TOD procedure, but joint owners may provide survivorship with JTWROS.
Notarization / POA
Notarization on title transfer is not required. A notarized Power of Attorney may appoint an agent to act for the owner.
Limited Assignment Space
When no assignment space remains, dealer must submit Registered Owner’s Assignment/Reassignment of Title to a Motor Vehicle (TDMV 17A) or comparable out-of-state form. Individuals must title in their own names before transfer.
Improper Assignment
Improper assignment must be voided and corrected on TDMV 17A or dealer assignment block, with explanation or TDMV 111. Conflicting lienholder information requires lien release or lienholder letter explaining no lien was created.
Repossession
Upon default under a security agreement, the secured party may take possession without judicial process if it proceeds without breach of peace. Within two hours of repossession, law enforcement where repossession occurred must be notified.
Affidavit of Repossession
To transfer a repossessed vehicle, lienholder must execute Affidavit of Repossession (TDMV 16) and provide it to purchaser with assigned title showing lien released.
No Repo Title Required
Lienholder does not need to secure a new title before selling the repossessed vehicle.
Out-of-State Repossessors
The repossession information also applies to out-of-state lienholders and repossessors.
Dealer / Lender Checklist
Confirm perfected lien, no breach of peace, law-enforcement notification within two hours, lien release, odometer requirements, and completed TDMV 16 before resale.
Registration
All vehicles used on New Hampshire roadways and all vessels, OHRVs, snowmobiles, and aircraft must be registered unless exempt. Implements of husbandry, U.S. government vessels, nonmotorized sailboats under 12 feet, rowboats, and canoes are exempt.
Application for Registration
Vehicle registration is made by mail or through the Town/City Clerk in the town or city of residence before registering with DMV. Most towns/cities are municipal agents and can complete the state portion for an additional fee. Registration must be carried in the vehicle or vessel. New residents must register vehicles within 60 days.
- Boat Registration Application (RDMV 612) may be made in person at a Drop Box Location, through an authorized boat agent, or by mail.
- Vessels must display registration decals and yearly boat decal.
- OHRV and snowmobile registrations may be completed through OHRV/snowmobile agents, Fish and Game Headquarters, or by mail.
- Antique, dealer, rental, and trail maintenance OHRV/snowmobile registrations must be completed at headquarters.
- Aircraft must be registered within 10 days of purchase through the Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics; roadable aircraft may register with DMV.
IRP
IRP registrations are processed at Concord Registration Bureau, 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305, or Twin Mountain IRP, 549 Route 302 West, Twin Mountain, NH 03595. Phone: 603.227.4110.
Nonresidents
Reciprocal privileges are granted for vehicles other than OHRVs or snowmobiles that are owned by nonresidents and properly registered at home. Nonresident Affidavit (RDMV1001) is required when registering a vehicle principally garaged or regularly kept overnight in New Hampshire while the owner has another vehicle registered and insured in their home state.
Vessel / Aircraft Nonresidents
Vessels registered elsewhere must register in New Hampshire if used on New Hampshire waters for 30 consecutive days or more, or if used primarily in New Hampshire, 51% or more. Nonresident aircraft engaged in commerce in New Hampshire or located in New Hampshire more than 90 days during a registration year must register.
OHRV / Snowmobile Nonresidents
Nonresident OHRVs and snowmobiles must obtain a temporary permit to operate in New Hampshire.
Planned Non-Operation
Motor vehicles and vessels not used on New Hampshire roadways or waterways do not require registration, though local ordinances may prohibit storage. Aircraft owned by New Hampshire residents or businesses must be registered annually regardless of flyable condition or location.
Renewal
Renewal may be in person, by mail, or online in certain towns/cities. Contact the Town/City Clerk before using a Drop Box Location. Municipal agents may charge extra to process the state portion. Additional $5.00 EVR fee applies when processed electronically. OHRV/snowmobile online renewals are expected beginning September 2025.
Expiration, Special Permits, Military & Plates
Expiration
Passenger vehicles expire on the last day of the primary owner’s birth month. Antique vehicles and street rods expire in April. OHRVs and snowmobiles expire April 30. Motorcycles expire July 1. Vessels expire December 31. Corporate vehicles expire by first letter of company name, and aircraft expire based on first numeral of N-number.
Temporary Permits
20-Day Temporary Plates are issued to residents purchasing a vehicle; fee $10.00. 20-Day Intransit Plates are issued to nonresidents transporting a vehicle purchased in a private sale from a New Hampshire resident to home state; fee $10.00. 48-Hour Permits are used to operate a vehicle to an authorized inspection station. Nonresident Commercial Permits cost half the vehicle registration fee.
Military Registration
Active-duty members deployed outside the U.S. may request registration suspension and prorated refund. Military vehicles with U.S. Armed Forces plates may be operated up to seven days after entering New Hampshire to travel to residence or duty point. Nonresident military stationed in New Hampshire may retain valid home-state title and registration.
Veteran Plates
No fee is charged to title or register one motor vehicle owned by a qualifying permanently and totally disabled veteran. Initial plates are free for former POW, Purple Heart recipient, or Pearl Harbor survivor. Gold Star Family plates are issued at no charge, but regular registration fees apply.
Plates
Two plates are issued; one plate for trailers, tractors, motorcycles, mopeds, street rods, dealers, carriers, temporary plates, and construction equipment. Plates remain with owner and may transfer to another vehicle. New residents do not have to surrender out-of-state plates.
Dealer / Manufacturer / Transporter Plates
Dealer plates are used for demonstration, delivery, and personal use. Fee is $200.00 for first plate and $12.00 each additional plate. Motorcycle/moped dealer plate is $12.00 first and $3.00 each additional. Utility dealer registration is $36.00 with $9.00 additional plates. Manufacturer plates follow dealer plate fees. Transporter plates are $36.00 and $18.00 for additional sets.
Fees, Plates & Registration Costs
New Hampshire fees vary by title type, town/city clerk charges, municipal agent processing, state registration class, gross weight, trailer class, boat length/age/motor type, OHRV/snowmobile status, EV surcharge, municipal waste/reclamation fees, and transportation improvement fees.
| Common Fee | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Vehicle title | $25.00 |
| Duplicate title | $25.00 |
| Corrected title | $25.00; no fee for department error |
| Town clerk title/application fee | $2.00 |
| Dealer / financial institution title prep | Up to $2.00 |
| Salvage certificate | $10.00 |
| Salvage inspection | $50.00 |
| Assigned VIN | $30.00 |
| Plate manufacturing fee | $4.00 per plate when plates are issued |
| Municipal agent administrative fee | Up to $3.00 for issue, renewal, or transfer |
| EVR electronic registration fee | $5.00 |
| Electric vehicle surcharge | $100.00 annually |
| Plug-in hybrid surcharge | $50.00 annually |
| 20-Day Temporary / Intransit Plate | $10.00 |
| Dealer plate | $200.00 first plate; $12.00 each additional |
| Motorcycle / moped dealer plate | $12.00 first plate; $3.00 each additional |
| Utility dealer registration | $36.00; $9.00 additional plates |
| Transporter plate | $36.00; $18.00 additional sets |
| State Registration Fee Example | Amount |
|---|---|
| Motor vehicle 0–3,000 lbs. | $31.20 |
| Motor vehicle 3,001–5,000 lbs. | $43.20 |
| Motor vehicle 5,001–8,000 lbs. | $55.20 |
| Motor vehicle 8,001–73,280 lbs. | $0.96 per 100 lbs. gross weight |
| Truck-tractor with semitrailer up to 73,280 lbs. | $0.96 per 100 lbs. gross weight; add $1.44 per 100 lbs. over 73,280 lbs. |
| Additional semitrailer used with truck-tractor | $24.00 |
| Auto utility trailer / semitrailer up to 1,000 lbs. | $3.00 |
| Auto utility trailer / semitrailer 1,001–1,500 lbs. | $6.00 |
| Auto utility trailer / semitrailer 1,501–3,000 lbs. | $12.00 |
| Auto utility trailer / semitrailer 3,001–5,000 lbs. | $24.00 |
| Auto utility trailer / semitrailer 5,001–8,000 lbs. | $36.00 |
| Motorcycle | $15.00 |
| Moped | $3.00 |
| Antique motor vehicle or motorcycle | $6.00 |
Municipal Fees and Boat Fee
A city/town permit must be issued before registration. Manufacturer list price is rounded to nearest $100, permit fee to nearest $1, with $5.00 minimum. Certain towns may collect a motor vehicle waste/reclamation fee and municipal transportation improvement fee. Boat fees are based on vessel age, length, and motor type, with $10.00 minimum; certain small/nonmotorized/commercial vessels are exempt.
Taxes
Sales / Use Tax
New Hampshire has no state sales/use tax on vehicle purchases.
Residence Tax
A tax collector’s receipt showing payment of resident taxes for the preceding or current year is required before vehicle registration. An affidavit must be made.
Boat Fee
Every vessel registration application must be accompanied by the required fee or receipt. Vessels less than 10 feet, canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats under 20 feet, sailboards, sailing canoes, and commercial vessels are exempt. Fee is based on vessel age, length, and motor type, with $10.00 minimum.
Municipal Registration Permit
No vehicle may be registered until a city/town permit has been issued. Exempt vehicles receive a permit at no charge. Current model-year municipal permit rate begins at 18 mills, with depreciation by model year and $5.00 minimum.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax
Proof of filing or payment is required to register motor vehicles with gross weight of 55,000 lbs. or more.
EV / PHEV Surcharges
Electric vehicles are assessed a $100.00 annual surcharge, and plug-in hybrid vehicles are assessed a $50.00 annual surcharge.
Dealer Quote Reminder
Because New Hampshire combines state registration fees, municipal permit fees, town clerk fees, possible municipal agent fees, EVR fees, plate manufacturing fees, boat fees, and local optional fees, total customer cost should be calculated with the town/city clerk or DMV fee calculator before quoting.
Official Forms & Resources
Key New Hampshire DMV, Fish and Game, Marine Patrol, Bureau of Aeronautics, Secretary of State UCC, title, lien, vessel, OHRV, snowmobile, salvage/rebuilt, abandoned/unclaimed, repossession, registration, permit, tax, and dealer resources commonly used for dealer and lender workflows.
General Information
Dealer Workflow
New Hampshire licensed dealers must prepare and submit title applications and supporting documents for retail sales to New Hampshire residents and include TDMV 101. Dealer title applications are due within 10 days of sale, or 40 days when title is held by a lienholder and TDMV 25A applies.
No ELT / No E-Signatures
New Hampshire has no Electronic Lien and Title Program, and electronic signatures are not accepted for title documents. Use original signatures, no facsimile or stamp.
Boat / OHRV / Snowmobile Workflow
Boat registrations may be completed by drop box, authorized boat agent, or mail. OHRV and snowmobile registrations may be handled through agents, Fish and Game Headquarters, or mail, with certain classes requiring headquarters processing.
Inspection Workflow
VIN/HIN verification is required for initial New Hampshire title or vessel registration and several special title/abandoned/homemade situations. Inspection may be completed by New Hampshire authorized inspection station, authorized vehicle dealer, or law enforcement.
Records
Title and lien records are maintained by the DMV Title Bureau in Concord. New Hampshire participates fully in NMVTIS.
Aircraft
Aircraft must be registered within 10 days of purchase through Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aeronautics. Roadable aircraft may register with DMV and owe motor vehicle registration fees plus a $2,000 municipal registration permit fee.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Fees, requirements, forms, taxes, and procedures may change. Always verify current information with New Hampshire DMV, the applicable Town/City Clerk, Fish and Game, Marine Patrol, Bureau of Aeronautics, Secretary of State UCC Division, or another applicable agency before submitting paperwork or payment.