Deal with a vehicle in New Hampshire

You need to continue regular car payments, maintain vehicle registration, and then transfer the car's ownership. You cannot drive the car unless you have proper registration, and penalties will be charged if this is not done on time.

To re-title the vehicle if you are the spouse:

  • The vehicle automatically passes to the surviving spouse or civil union partner, unless the title designates otherwise.

  • The surviving spouse or civil union partner may sell the vehicle without applying for a title first by simply executing the assignment on the back of the existing title accompanied by a copy of the death certificate.

  • The surviving spouse or civil union partner may elect to register and title the vehicle in his/her name alone, in which case all that is required is:

    • The existing title. If you can’t find the title, fill out a Duplicate Title Application and include a check for the appropriate fee.

    • A copy of the death certificate

    • Form TDMV 23. You will need to go to your Town or City Clerk’s office to get the title transfer form. You can find the nearest location here: https://www.nh.gov/municipal/. When preparing the title application, the mileage and date of purchase will remain the same as this is considered an involuntary transfer and not a sale.

    • There is no fee if prepared 13 months from date of death, otherwise the Appropriate Fee applies.

    • If there is a lienholder, provide them with a copy of the death certificate and complete any necessary paperwork to facilitate the transfer of ownership.

    • You can also transfer registration at this time. You need to bring the title and/or lienholder information to your town/city clerk office with a copy of the death certificate. If it is a new vehicle, no credit will be given.

If you are not the spouse and the vehicle was jointly owned:

  • If “or” is between the names, the survivor may transfer ownership on the back of the existing title along with a copy of the death certificate

  • If “and” is between the names of unmarried joint owners, the preference must be designated on the application. You will need to go to your Town or City Clerk’s office to get the title transfer form. You can find this here: https://www.nh.gov/municipal/.

If the vehicle transfer was named in the will:

  • After either the executor or administrator of an estate has been named through probate court, they may transfer the title to the new owner

  • The new owner shall submit to the DMV:

    • TDMV 23. You will need to go to your Town or City Clerk’s office to get the title transfer form. You can find this here: https://www.nh.gov/municipal/.

    • Copy of Certificate of Appointment from the Probate Court naming the executor or administrator.

    • Appropriate fee.

For additional assistance dealing with the driver’s license, license plates, or disabled person placards of the deceased, please click here.