Car titles are designed to prove ownership of the vehicle in question. The person (or persons) named on the title owns the vehicle. When that ownership changes, either through buying or selling, or through gifting or inheriting, the title must be changed to reflect the new ownership situation. This is a title transfer, and you’ll need to know how to transfer a car title in New Hampshire.
Information for New Hampshire buyers
For those in the state buying a car from a private seller, there are a few steps that must be completed before you can be legally considered the vehicle’s owner. You’ll need to:
- Sign the title with the seller.
- If the vehicle is exempt from having a title, you’ll need a bill of sale from the seller.
- Have the VIN verified.
- Have proof of insurance.
- Get a lien release from the seller.
- Bring all this information, as well as your driver’s license, to the county clerk’s office. You’ll need to pay $25 for the title transfer. You’ll also need to pay the registration fees, which include both state and city fees and can vary from under $30 to over $60 depending on the number of fees and their amounts.
Common mistakes
- Not having the seller sign the back of the title
Information for New Hampshire sellers
If you’re selling a car in New Hampshire, you have to follow some simple steps to ensure that the buyer can get the title transferred to their name.
- Make sure to complete and sign the title.
- Make sure to provide a bill of sale if the car is exempt from having a title.
- If the car is exempt from having a title, you’ll also need either a VIN verification or a copy of the current registration.
Common Mistakes
- Not signing the title
For inheriting or gifting a car in New Hampshire
New Hampshire makes gifting a vehicle relatively simple. The process is the same as outlined above, but you’ll need to provide proof of a relationship if the transfer is within the family to avoid paying sales tax.
The process followed for inheriting a vehicle is similar to that outlined above, but there are some differences. For instance, you’ll need:
- Proof of inheritance (a copy of the will, for instance)
- A signed title certificate (the executor must sign)
- A death certificate to prove death of the previous owner
For more information about how to transfer a car title in New Hampshire, visit the state’s DMV website.
