Title Application

Residents of New Hampshire are required to apply for a New Hampshire title for any motor vehicle that meets New Hampshire requirements for a title. Vehicles that are being registered in New Hampshire and require titles must have a New Hampshire title application prepared. All owners that purchase vehicles are required to apply for a new title within twenty (20) days of the date of the sale. A title application must be mailed or delivered to the Title Bureau after preparation by the New Hampshire selling dealer, the New Hampshire Town/City Clerk or the lien holder. Vehicles that have a model year of 1999 or older are not titled, except for heavy trucks with three (3) or more axles. The DMV's Bureau of Title and Anti-Theft administers all title applications for proper transfer of ownership, recording of liens and to check for federal odometer requirements.

Buying a Vehicle from a Private Party

When a used vehicle is sold in New Hampshire, a New Hampshire title shall be signed over to the buyer at the time of the sale unless that vehicle is title exempt. For title exempt vehicles, the seller must provide a properly executed Bill of Sale along with either a current or expired New Hampshire certificate of registration or a valid NH or out-of-state certificate of Title. The buyer shall apply for a new Title in his or her name at the Town Clerk's office and register the vehicle. A $27.00 title fee will apply, along with the appropriate registration fees. A VIN verification may be required.

Buying a Vehicle from a New Hampshire Dealership
​When a New Hampshire resident purchases a vehicle from a New Hampshire dealer, the dealership will complete the title application and will send it in to the DMV to be processed, along with the $25.00 fee. The dealer will provide the buyer with a blue carbon-copy of the title application which must be brought to the Town clerk in order to register the vehicle.

Buying a Vehicle from a Dealership in Another State
​Out of state dealers may not prepare a New Hampshire Title application. If a New Hampshire resident buys a vehicle from an out-of-state dealer, the dealership shall provide the owner with either the Certificate of Origin or the Title. The buyer must apply for a new Title in his or her name at the town/city clerk's office and register the vehicle. A $25.00 title fee will apply, along with the appropriate registration fees. A VIN verification may be required.