Losing your vehicle title feels like a minor paperwork issue until the moment you try to sell your car or trade it in. Suddenly, that missing piece of paper becomes a legal roadblock that freezes the entire transaction.
In New Hampshire, the process to replace a lost, stolen, or destroyed title is straightforward, but it is strictly a State-level process. Unlike registration, which you handle at your Town Clerk, duplicate titles are processed directly by the DMV in Concord.
This guide walks you through the specific requirements for Form TDMV 18, the fees involved, and the critical “1999 Rule” you must check before you even apply.
Step 1: Check the New Hampshire “1999 Rule” for Title Exempt Vehicles
Before you fill out any forms, check the model year of your vehicle.
New Hampshire considers vehicles model year 1999 and older to be “Title Exempt.”
- If your car is 1999 or older: The State will not issue a duplicate title. You do not need one to sell the vehicle; a Bill of Sale and a copy of your current/expired registration are sufficient legal proof of ownership.
- If your car is 2000 or newer: You must have a valid title to sell or transfer the vehicle. If it is lost, you must apply for a duplicate.
Step 2: How to Apply for a Duplicate Title in NH (Form TDMV 18)
To get a replacement, you need to complete the Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title (Form TDMV 18).
The Paperwork Checklist
- Download Form TDMV 18: Available on the official NH DMV website.
- Owner Signatures: If the vehicle is jointly owned (e.g., “John AND Jane Doe”), both owners must sign the application.
- Lien Release: This is the most common reason for rejection. If your original title listed a loan (lienholder), you must provide a Release of Lien (Form TDMV 20A) or a letter from the bank on their letterhead stating the loan is paid off—even if you paid it off years ago.
- The Fee: A check or money order for $25.00 made payable to “State of NH-DMV.”
Where to Submit Your NH Duplicate Title Application
Because this is a state-managed document, you cannot process this at your local Town Hall. You have two options for submission.
Option A: Mailing Address for NH DMV Title Bureau (Concord)
This is the standard method for most residents.
- Mail to:NH Dept. of Safety, DMV — Title Bureau23 Hazen DriveConcord, NH 03305
- Processing Time: Typically 5 to 10 calendar days, plus mail delivery time.
Option B: DMV Drop Box Option for Faster Submission
If you are in a rush, you can drop the envelope in the drop box at the Concord DMV or select DMV substations.
- Note: While you can drop it off at a substation, they mail it to Concord for processing. It is rarely faster than mailing it yourself unless you are dropping it directly at the Hazen Drive location in Concord.
Important: If you need to visit a DMV office for other business while dropping this off, ensure you schedule a DMV appointment to ensure you get in the door.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. New Hampshire does not print titles over the counter. All titles are printed at the central facility in Concord and mailed to the owner (or the lienholder, if there is a new loan).
Yes. On Form TDMV 18, check the box for “Stolen.” This invalidates the previous title number immediately, preventing anyone else from illegally signing your car over to themselves.
The DMV mails the title to the address on file. If you have moved, you must submit a Change of Address request alongside your title application to ensure the document doesn’t get sent to your old home.
Conclusion:
Securing a duplicate title is about precision: ensuring Form TDMV 18 is signed by all owners and that any old lien releases are attached. Without these, your application will be returned, delaying your ability to sell your car by weeks.
Once you have your title in hand, you are legally clear to transfer ownership. However, if you are preparing to sell, your buyer will likely ask for a vehicle history report. This is a good time to review how to request your New Hampshire DMV driving record to prove you have been a responsible owner.
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