Selling a car privately in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has no sales tax and no notary requirement, so the paperwork centers on two documents: the title, signed over at the time of sale with buyer name, address, and odometer reading, and a bill of sale that meets the state's checklist (date, VIN, vehicle description, and both parties' names, signatures, and street addresses; no PO boxes). Older vehicles beyond New Hampshire's title-model-year cutoff are title-exempt and sell on the bill of sale plus your old registration; confirm the current cutoff with the DMV.
Registration runs through the buyer's town or city clerk, and New Hampshire offers a 20-day temporary plate for private-sale buyers, which your complete bill of sale makes possible. Plates belong to the seller; remove them at handoff. Keep copies of everything since New Hampshire has no notice-of-sale filing.
The checklist
- 1
Sign the title over at the time of sale (New Hampshire)
Complete buyer name, address, and odometer reading on the back of the title and both parties sign.
- 2
Write a bill of sale that meets NH's checklist
Date, VIN, vehicle description, and both parties' names, signatures, and street addresses. The buyer needs it for registration and the 20-day temp plate.
- 3
Remove your license plates
New Hampshire plates belong to the seller. Take them off at handoff.
- 4
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 5
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 6
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 7
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 8
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 9
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 10
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 11
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 12
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
Generate your New Hampshire sale packet
ConfidentCar builds this checklist into your packet automatically, alongside condition, disclosures, photos, records, and one shareable buyer-ready link.
Start your free beta packetNew Hampshire private sale FAQ
Does a New Hampshire car title need to be notarized?
No. Sign the title over with buyer name, address, and odometer reading at the time of sale. For title-exempt older vehicles, the bill of sale and your old registration carry the sale.
What must a New Hampshire bill of sale include?
Date of sale, VIN, vehicle description (year, make, model, color, body style), and the names, signatures, and street addresses of both parties. It is required for the buyer's registration and 20-day temporary plate.
Does the buyer pay sales tax in New Hampshire?
No. New Hampshire has no sales tax on vehicle purchases. The buyer pays town and state registration fees at their town or city clerk.
Do I keep my plates when I sell a car in New Hampshire?
Yes. New Hampshire plates stay with the seller. Remove them; the buyer can get a 20-day temporary plate for a private-sale purchase.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 13, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.