New Hampshire Vehicle Bill of Sale

Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in New Hampshire?

It depends on the vehicle's model year. For titled vehicles (model year 2000 and newer), the title transfer is the primary ownership document and a bill of sale is recommended but not strictly required. For title-exempt vehicles (model year 1999 and older), a bill of sale is required — the seller must provide a properly executed Report of Sale or Transfer (Form TDMV 22A) along with a Verification of Vehicle Identification (Form TDMV 19A) or a copy of the previous registration or title.

Does a New Hampshire bill of sale need to be notarized?

No. New Hampshire does not require the bill of sale or the title assignment to be notarized. The seller signs the title over to the buyer using the assignment spaces on the back of the certificate, and neither signature requires notarization. Notarization is optional and some sellers choose it for added security, but it has no effect on the document's legal validity. A notarized gift affidavit is required only for vehicles transferred as gifts.

How long do I have to register a vehicle after purchase in New Hampshire?

Under RSA 261:45, the buyer has 60 days to register the vehicle. Registration in New Hampshire is handled through the buyer's town or city clerk's office, not the DMV directly. The clerk prepares the title application and forwards it to the Division of Motor Vehicles for processing. The buyer needs the assigned title (or bill of sale for title-exempt vehicles), proof of identity, and payment for the $35 title fee and applicable municipal registration fees.

Is there sales tax on vehicle purchases in New Hampshire?

No. New Hampshire does not impose a sales tax on vehicle purchases — or on any purchases. There is no state sales tax, no use tax, and no excise tax on motor vehicles. This applies to both dealer and private-party transactions. The buyer pays municipal vehicle registration permit fees, which are based on the vehicle's weight and model year, but these are registration fees, not sales taxes. This makes New Hampshire one of the most tax-favorable states for private vehicle purchases.

Is an odometer disclosure required in New Hampshire?

Yes. Federal law requires odometer disclosure at the time of title transfer. The reading is entered in the assignment section on the back of the certificate of title. For vehicles not covered by the title (title-exempt vehicles), the New Hampshire DMV provides Form TDMV 12 (Odometer Disclosure Statement). The disclosure requirement applies to vehicles model year 2011 and newer that weigh less than 16,000 pounds, under the updated NHTSA rules effective since 2021.

Does New Hampshire require a vehicle inspection for private sales?

New Hampshire requires an annual safety inspection for all registered vehicles. The inspection must be current at the time of registration. Inspections cover brakes, lights, tires, steering, exhaust, windshield, and other safety equipment. While the seller is not required to pass a new inspection specifically for the sale, a current inspection sticker facilitates the buyer's registration. Inspections are performed at state-authorized inspection stations.

How does New Hampshire's registration process differ from other states?

New Hampshire uses a town and city clerk system for vehicle registration rather than a centralized DMV. When the buyer purchases a vehicle, they bring the assigned title, bill of sale, and payment to their local town or city clerk. The clerk processes the registration, collects the municipal permit fees, and forwards the title application to the state Division of Motor Vehicles. This means the buyer's first stop is local government, not a state office. The DMV handles title issuance and takes approximately 30 to 50 calendar days to issue the new certificate.

What if my vehicle is title-exempt in New Hampshire?

Vehicles with a model year of 1999 or older are title-exempt in New Hampshire — the state does not issue certificates of title for these vehicles. Instead, ownership is established through a bill of sale (Form TDMV 22A) and a Verification of Vehicle Identification (Form TDMV 19A) or a copy of the previous registration. The bill of sale becomes the primary transfer document and should include the vehicle's year, make, model, VIN, sale price, and signatures of both parties. Mobile homes and trailers under 3,001 pounds are also title-exempt.

What if the vehicle has multiple owners?

If the vehicle is titled to more than one person, all owners on the title must sign the bill of sale. Use the "Add a co-seller" option on the form to add the second seller's name and address. Both sellers' names and signature lines will appear on the document. For electronic signing, each co-owner can sign on the same device in sequence, or the document can be passed from one device to another via QR code or shared link. Both buyers can likewise be named on the bill of sale using the "Add a co-buyer" option.