New Hampshire title guide
Selling a junk car without a title in New Hampshire
The short answer
It depends on the car's age. New Hampshire does not require a title for a motor vehicle with a model year before 2000, except heavy trucks and truck-tractors over 18,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Newer vehicles need the title, or a duplicate from the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles.
First published November 4, 2026. Rules checked against official New Hampshire sources on and reviewed by Paola Reniery, Operations Manager (see the sources).
What does New Hampshire ask of sellers?
In New Hampshire, a replacement title costs $35. Each card links to the official page it came from.
- Replacing a lost title
- Duplicate certificate of title, through your town or city clerk. Fee: $35.
- Official source
What do you do if you have the title?
Sign and print your name where the seller signs, fill in the odometer reading if there's a space for it, and leave the buyer section blank. If your title has a notary section, the signatures have to be notarized. If it doesn't, you sign in front of the driver at pickup. Don't sign the title until the driver is there and you've agreed the price.
What if the title is lost or damaged?
New Hampshire replacement titles come from the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles, using the Duplicate certificate of title, through your town or city clerk, for a fee of $35. You'll need the VIN, which is on the dashboard by the windshield, on the driver's door jamb and on your registration. If you're in a hurry, tell our buyer partner when it contacts you: it can buy some cars without a title, so ask whether that works for your car in New Hampshire.
Older cars that don't need a title
New Hampshire does not require a title for a motor vehicle with a model year before 2000, except heavy trucks and truck-tractors over 18,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Bring your registration, a photo ID and a bill of sale with the VIN, the sale price and both signatures.
For the full walkthrough, including the states that exempt older cars and what to avoid, read how to sell a junk car without a title.
What if there's a loan, or the owner has died?
If a lender is still listed on the title, you'll need its lien release, or the loan gets paid off as part of the sale. If the owner has died, only someone with legal authority, usually the executor, can sell the car, and the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles can tell you which estate papers New Hampshire accepts.
What do you do after the sale?
- Ask the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles whether New Hampshire has a notice of sale or release of liability form, and file it if it does, so tickets and tolls stop coming to you.
- Keep a photo of the signed title, and cancel the insurance once the car has been picked up.
Title rules change, so confirm them with the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles before you sell; this page is general information, not legal advice.
Can you junk a car without a title in New Hampshire?
Yes, if the car is old enough. New Hampshire does not require a title for a motor vehicle with a model year before 2000, except heavy trucks and truck-tractors over 18,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. For newer cars you'll need the title or a duplicate from the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles.
How do I get a duplicate title in New Hampshire?
Apply to the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles with Duplicate certificate of title, through your town or city clerk, and have a photo ID and the VIN ready. The fee is $35, according to state law.
Can I sell a car in New Hampshire with just a bill of sale?
For vehicles old enough to be title exempt, ask the buyer which papers it needs before pickup, and have your registration and a bill of sale ready. Newer vehicles still need a title.