New Hampshire ownership rulesSelling an RV in New Hampshire: Titles and Ownership Documents
New Hampshire has title exemptions that matter when selling an older motorhome or a lightweight trailer. A vehicle that legally does not require a title is not the same as a vehicle that requires one but has a lost or missing title. Establish which category applies before arranging the transfer.
Before model year 2000Many motor vehicles, including typical motorhomes, are title-exempt, subject to statutory exceptions.
Below 3,001 lb gross weightQualifying trailers are exempt from mandatory titling. Heavier RV trailers need separate review.
Voluntary title availableAn eligible owner of an otherwise title-exempt vehicle may apply for a voluntary title.
Motorhome Titles: The Model-Year Rule
Under New Hampshire RSA 261:3, motor vehicles with a manufacturer's model year before 2000 are generally exempt from mandatory titling, subject to exceptions. A typical 1999 or older motorhome may qualify; a 2000 or newer motorhome generally requires a title unless another exemption applies. The statute separately addresses heavy trucks and truck-tractors over 18,000 pounds gross weight, so unusual classifications should be checked with the DMV.
The exemption depends on the manufacturer's model year, not the years you have owned the RV. It also does not eliminate the need for appropriate ownership records.
Under RSA 261:2-a, registering a vehicle covered by this older-motor-vehicle exemption generally requires qualifying evidence, such as an earlier New Hampshire registration, a valid New Hampshire or out-of-state title, a title application, or a current New Hampshire VIN-verification form. A temporary registration does not satisfy the prior-registration alternative. Collect existing records before selling.
Travel Trailer and Fifth-Wheel Title Requirements
RSA 261:3 generally exempts trailers with gross weight below 3,001 pounds from mandatory titling. A trailer at or above that weight does not qualify for this particular exemption. Smaller travel trailers may be affected; a large fifth wheel should not be presumed exempt based on its appearance. Check its identification and weight documents or confirm the classification with the DMV.
The statute also provides a separate exemption for certain older boat trailers. That is not a blanket exemption for recreational travel trailers or fifth wheels.
Voluntary Titles for Otherwise Exempt RVs
A provision effective August 18, 2026 allows owners of vehicles otherwise exempt under RSA 261:3 to request a voluntary title. RSA 261:3(III) identifies possible supporting documentation, including qualifying New Hampshire registration records, an out-of-state title, a title application, or a current state VIN-verification form.
This option can help when clearer ownership documentation is useful, but it is not automatically required for every title-exempt sale. A temporary registration does not qualify as the previously issued New Hampshire registration described in the statute.
Assigning a Title and Using a Bill of Sale
When a certificate of title is required, RSA 261:14 governs its assignment and delivery. Complete the applicable buyer, seller, and mileage fields correctly rather than handing over an incomplete assignment.
For a title-exempt vehicle, a bill of sale is particularly important. Under RSA 261:148, registration-permit documentation after a change of ownership generally includes a bill of sale from the previous owner for a title-exempt vehicle. It should identify the date, buyer, seller, RV, and applicable identifying details such as the VIN. Additional documentation may be required for particular motorhomes under RSA 261:2-a.
A bill of sale does not automatically replace a title when the law requires one. Different documentation may apply if the RV was bought in another state or the ownership records do not match the seller.
What if Your RV Title Is Lost?
If your RV requires a New Hampshire title and the original was lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed, a duplicate may be necessary. The DMV uses Form TDMV 18, and RSA 261:12 sets out the duplicate-title procedure. The statutory duplicate-title fee is $35 under RSA 261:20.
An existing lien can affect who applies and which releases are needed. Under RSA 261:12, the department does not issue a new title to a transferee or dealer based on an application made on a duplicate until 15 days after receiving the application. Older forms may show outdated fees, so use current law and instructions.
If the RV is legally title-exempt, a duplicate title may not be the appropriate procedure.
Selling an RV With an Outstanding Loan
Before completing a sale, determine whether a lender has an active lien and who holds the title. RSA 261:27 addresses lien releases, with procedures that can differ for paper and electronic title records.
Contact the lender through its official channel to establish the current payoff amount and release process. Disclose the loan during an evaluation inquiry, but do not assume EasyRVBuyer automatically pays off the lender or handles every financing obligation.
Odometer Information and Notarization
Odometer rules should not be applied identically to motorhomes and towables. Federal 49 CFR 580.17 provides exemptions for non-self-propelled vehicles and certain vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 16,000 pounds. Model year and other rules can matter too.
New Hampshire also has mileage-certification requirements. Under RSA 262:17, mileage certification for a covered motor vehicle is recorded on its title or title application when a title is required; where the certification applies but no title is required, the statute specifies a notarized statement signed by the seller. This does not mean every RV transaction or trailer bill of sale requires notarization.
Registration, License Plates, and Special Ownership
Under RSA 261:66, the vehicle's registration expires on a transfer of ownership. The former registrant retains the expired registration certificate for possible transfer credit, when applicable. Confirm the handling of plates and any other seller responsibilities before handing over the vehicle.
Jointly owned and inherited RVs can require additional steps. RSA 261:17 covers certain joint-ownership and survivorship cases, but the documents and authorized signatures depend on how ownership was recorded. Resolve these questions before arranging the sale.
This section provides general New Hampshire ownership information, not individualized legal advice. For the specific RV and transaction, confirm current requirements with the New Hampshire DMV or the appropriate registration office.