Selling or junking a car in New Hampshire

How do I sign over a car title in New Hampshire?

On the back of the title, fill in the buyer's name, the buyer's address and the current odometer reading. The seller and the buyer both sign, and the seller gives the title to the buyer at the time of sale. The buyer applies for a new title at their town or city clerk and pays a $35 title fee.

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in New Hampshire?

Model year 1999 and older vehicles are title-exempt, except heavy trucks with 3 or more axles and truck-tractors over 18,000 lbs gross weight, which are always titled. To sell an exempt vehicle, the seller gives a bill of sale (DMV form TDMV 22A, Report of Sale or Transfer of a Non-Titled Motor Vehicle) plus a current or expired NH registration, a copy of the previous registration or title, or a completed VIN verification (TDMV 19A). Per RSA 261:148 and the DMV bill-of-sale page, the bill of sale must show the date of sale; the make, model, color, VIN, model year, year of manufacture, body type and number of cylinders; and the name, signature and legal address (no PO box) of both buyer and seller. A model year 2000 or newer vehicle needs a title, so if yours is lost, get a duplicate before you sell.

How do I get a duplicate title in New Hampshire?

File the Application for Duplicate Title (TDMV 18) with a $35 fee. If a lien was recorded, attach a Release of Lien (TDMV 20). All joint owners must sign.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in New Hampshire?

Plates and registration don't go to the buyer automatically. You can transfer your registration and plates to another vehicle you own at your town or city clerk, bringing the current registration and proof of ownership of the new vehicle. Transfer credit applies only if the primary owner's name stays the same. Once the plates are moved, the old vehicle is no longer legally registered and can't be driven.

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in New Hampshire?

When an insurer declares a non-exempt vehicle a total loss, it files an Application for a Salvage Certificate with a $10 fee and the original title, within 20 days of the total-loss payment (RSA 261:22). DMV then issues a title branded 'Salvage', and the vehicle can't be registered or titled until it is rebuilt and passes a salvage inspection. The facility that first crushes, shreds or bales a vehicle reports it to NMVTIS within 30 days, and the title is assigned to that facility and sent to DMV. Under RSA 261:30 the DMV must suspend or revoke the title of a scrapped, dismantled or destroyed vehicle, and the holder must then return it.

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in New Hampshire?

Under RSA 262:40-a, a private property owner can have a vehicle that is parked without permission or apparently abandoned removed, either directly with notice to police as soon as reasonably possible, or by asking police. RSA 262:34 requires notice of the removal to the vehicle owner. If the owner can't be identified or notified, notice is filed with the DMV within 30 days using form TDMV 71. The vehicle owner has 15 days to challenge the towing authority.

Official sources

1. NH DMV - Exempt Vehicles
2. NH DMV - Title Frequently Asked Questions
3. NH DMV - Purchasing or Selling a Titled Vehicle
4. NH DMV - Bill of Sale
5. NH DMV - Vehicle Registrations
6. NH DMV - Salvage and Rebuilt Vehicles
7. NH DMV form TDMV 18 (Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title)
8. NH DMV form TDMV 22A (Report of Sale or Transfer of a Non-Titled Motor Vehicle)
9. NH DMV form TDMV 71 (Notice of Removal)
10. RSA 261:148 Permit Required (bill of sale contents)
11. RSA 261:22 Destruction of Vehicles; Total Loss, Salvage, and Rebuilt Vehicles
12. RSA 261:30 Suspension or Revocation of Certificate
13. RSA 262:34 Notice of Removal
14. RSA 262:40-a Vehicles Removed From Private and State Property

This guide summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (NH Department of Safety); registrations and title applications start at your town or city clerk before you sell.