Private-party transfer in New Hampshire: closing the sale without surprises
Steps for buyer and seller, documents, payment and state-specific plate conditions.
A private sale calls for checking the title, payment, plate and applicable state procedures. This guide is written for both sides of the table, with New Hampshire's rules.
The place and the moment
Ask the titling office (At the Town Clerk or City Clerk office of the town or city where you live. Only there can the title application (TDMV 23A) be filled out. You pay the town part of the registration first; then the clerk (if it is a state agent) or a DMV office does the state part. If you buy from a dealer, the dealer sends the application to the DMV within 10 days of the sale, or within 40 days if a lender holds the title (RSA 261:4, II)) in advance about accepted signatures, documents, appointments and payments. Where available, coordinate the handover with that office and verify payment with the issuing bank before releasing the car or documents.
Step by step
| # | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm the title is in your name and lien-free. If there is a loan, get the bank's release before listing. | Ask for the VIN and check title, recalls and history before seeing the car. |
| 2 | Allow an independent inspection. Agree in writing how and when it will take place. | Pre-purchase inspection with your own mechanic. |
| 3 | Agree the total price in writing on a bill of sale: VIN, year, make, model, price, date, names, signatures. Two copies. | Same. The bill of sale is your proof of price for the tax. |
| 4 | On the title: your signature, the buyer's name and address, price, date and the applicable odometer disclosure, including exemptions and any required mileage-discrepancy indicators. The exact mileage goes on the title assignment, or it is declared not to be the actual mileage (federal law, 49 CFR 580). Never sign an assignment with the buyer's name left blank. | Check that the VIN on the title is the car's and that the person signing is the titled owner. |
| 5 | Receive payment: cashier's check verified at the issuing bank, confirmed transfer, or cash inside the bank. | Pay only when the signed title is in your hand. |
| 6 | Handle the seller's plate. Follow the state conditions below for removal, transfer or return. | Confirm the registration, permit and plate you need before driving; do not assume you can use the seller's. |
| 7 | Confirm the applicable sale notice, plate return or registration cancellation; keep written proof of the handover. | Confirm the required documents, fees, taxes and deadline with the agency, including the event that starts the deadline. Bring the applicable insurance or financial-responsibility documents. |
| 8 | Ask your insurer when to cancel or transfer coverage, and first confirm the registration and plate conditions. | Confirm the coverage or proof of financial responsibility required for your transaction and before driving. |
The plate in New Hampshire
When the car is sold, its registration expires (RSA 261:66). The seller keeps the plates and can move them to the next car at the Town/City Clerk, with credit if the primary owner is the same. The buyer can get a 20-day registration in person at a DMV office for $20.00; you sign under penalty of perjury that the car is safe to drive and you must keep a valid bill of sale in the car. No more than one 20-day registration is issued for the same car in 12 months, and never more than 3 for that car in 12 months. It is only for New Hampshire residents (RSA 261:57). You have 20 days from the date of sale to deliver or mail the title application to the DMV (RSA 261:4, V); if it arrives more than 20 days after the day it was due, the law charges a penalty equal to the fee for the transaction (RSA 261:20, II). A private seller does not have to send any notice of sale: that duty falls only on dealers (RSA 261:110). If the car is model year 2000 or newer, the seller signs the title over to the buyer at the time of sale.
What each one must bring
Seller
- Title (or printout of the electronic one)
- Photo ID
- Lien release, if any
- Signed bill of sale
- A screwdriver for the plate
Buyer
- State forms (TDMV 23A, TDMV 19A, TDMV 18)
- Photo ID
- Insurance card
- Payment for fees and tax
- If out of state: whatever VIN verification the state requires
Three special situations
- Lost title. The seller requests a duplicate before selling. Don't accept "I'll send it later."
- Two owners on the title. If the names are joined by "and," both sign. With "or," one is usually enough.
- The seller is an heir or holds a power of attorney. Extra documentation is needed (estate papers or POA). Confirm at the office before paying.
Keep the records; check the official process
Sources
- NH DMV — Apply for a Title
- NH DMV — Title Frequently Asked Questions
- NH DMV — Buying a Vehicle from a Private Party
- NH DMV — Vehicle Registrations
- NH DMV — Temporary Plates
- NH DMV — Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Verification
- NH DMV — Forms
- RSA 261:20 — Title fees
- RSA 261:141 — State registration fees
- RSA 261:153 — Municipal permit fees
- NH Department of Justice — Consumer Sourcebook: Auto Titles
- NH Insurance Department — Automobile Insurance Consumer FAQ (2022)
- RSA 261:4 — Application for certificate of title (20 days, private sale; 10 or 40 days, dealer; $2 preparation fee)
- RSA 261:27 — Release of security interest (title in electronic format)
- RSA 261:57 — Twenty-day registration ($20 fee)
- RSA 261:75 — Number plates ($4.00 per plate)
- RSA 261:110 — Notice of sale (dealers only)
- RSA 259:61 — Motor vehicle liability policy (25/50/25)
- RSA 264:15 — Uninsured or hit-and-run motor vehicle coverage
- RSA 264:16 — Medical payments ($1,000)
- Official reference — gc.nh.gov
- 49 CFR Part 580 — Federal odometer disclosure requirements
This guide informs; it is not legal or financial advice, nor an offer, quote or appraisal. Every figure carries its source and date; check it is still current before you decide.