reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:10 - Withholding of Certificate; Bond Requirement.

261:10 Withholding of Certificate;  Bond Requirement. –
If the director is not satisfied as to the ownership of the vehicle or that there are no undisclosed security interests in it, the director may register the vehicle but shall either:
I. Withhold issuance of a certificate of title until the applicant presents documents reasonably sufficient to satisfy the director as to the applicant's ownership of the vehicle and that there are no undisclosed security interests in it; or
II. As a condition of issuing a certificate of title, require the applicant to file with the department a bond in the form prescribed by the director and executed by the applicant, and either accompanied by the deposit of cash with the department or also executed by a person authorized to conduct a surety business in this state. The bond shall be in an amount equal to 1
1/2 times the value of the vehicle as determined by the director and conditioned to indemnify any prior owner and lienholder and any subsequent purchaser of the vehicle or person acquiring any security interest in it, and their respective successors in interest, against any expense, loss or damage, including reasonable attorney's fees, by reason of the issuance of the certificate of title of the vehicle or on account of any defect in or undisclosed security interest upon the right, title and interest of the applicant in and to the vehicle. Any such interested person has a right of action to recover on the bond for any breach of its conditions, but the aggregate liability of the surety to all persons shall not exceed the amount of the bond. The bond, and any deposit accompanying it, shall be returned at the end of 3 years or prior thereto if the vehicle is no longer registered in this state and the currently valid certificate of title is surrendered to the department, unless the department has been notified of the pendency of an action to recover the bond.
Source.
RSA 269-A:12. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:11 - Refusal of Certificate.

261:11 Refusal of Certificate. –
The department shall refuse issuance of a certificate of title if any required fee is not paid or if it has reasonable grounds to believe that:
I. The applicant is not the owner of the vehicle;
II. The application contains a false or fraudulent statement; or
III. The applicant fails to furnish required information or documents or any additional information the director reasonably requires.
Source.
RSA 269-A:13. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:12 - Duplicate Certificate.

261:12 Duplicate Certificate. –
I. If a certificate of title is lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed or becomes illegible, the first lienholder or, if none, the owner or legal representative of the owner named in the certificate, as shown by the records of the department, or dealer who has purchased the vehicle, shall promptly make application for and may obtain a duplicate upon furnishing information satisfactory to the director.
II. The department shall not issue a new certificate of title to a transferee or dealer upon application made on a duplicate until 15 days after receipt of the application.
III. A person recovering an original certificate of title for which a duplicate has been issued shall promptly surrender the original certificate to the department.
Source.
RSA 269-A:14. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1. 1989, 305:3. 1998, 202:6, eff. Aug. 17, 1998.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:13 - Certificate of Origin.

261:13 Certificate of Origin. –
When a new vehicle is delivered in this state by the manufacturer to its agent or franchised dealer, the manufacturer shall execute and deliver to the agent or franchised dealer a certificate of origin in the form prescribed by the director, and no person shall bring into this state any new vehicle unless he or she has in his or her possession the certificate of origin as prescribed by the director. The certificate of origin shall contain the vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle, the name of the manufacturer, model year, year of manufacture, number of cylinders, a general description of the body, if any, and the type of model. When a new vehicle is sold in this state, the manufacturer, agent, or franchised dealer shall execute and deliver to the purchaser, in case of an absolute sale, assignment of the certificate of origin, or an acceptable form proving assignment approved by the director, or, if other than absolute sale, assignment of the certificate of origin subject to contract, signed or executed by the manufacturer, agent, or dealer, with the genuine names and business or residence addresses of both stated thereon, and certified to have been executed with full knowledge of the contents and with the consent of both purchaser and seller. No manufacturer, distributor, or manufacturer's authorized agent shall issue any duplicate, supplemental, or replacement certificate of origin unless the legend "duplicate" is placed on said certificate and the director is notified in writing of the circumstances under which said certificate was issued. A dealer registered under the provisions of RSA 261 who makes a courtesy delivery shall prepare the title application and supporting documents, but said delivery shall not be construed as a sale by the New Hampshire dealer.
Source.
RSA 269-A:4. 1967, 357:1. 1979, 453:3. 1981, 77:1; 146:1. 1987, 263:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1988. 2015, 198:1, eff. Sept. 4, 2015.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:14 - Transfer of Interest in Vehicle.

261:14 Transfer of Interest in Vehicle. –
I. If an owner transfers his interest in a vehicle, other than by the creation of a security interest, he shall, at the time of delivery of the vehicle, execute an assignment and warranty of title to the transferee in the space provided therefor on the certificate or as the director prescribes, and cause the certificate and assignment to be mailed or delivered to the transferee or to the department.
II. Upon request of the owner or transferee, a lienholder in possession of the certificate of title shall, unless the transfer was a breach of his security agreement, either deliver the certificate to the transferee for delivery to the department or, upon receipt from the transferee of the owner's assignment, the transferee's application for a new certificate and the required fee, mail or deliver them to the department. The delivery of the certificate does not affect the rights of the lienholder under his security agreement.
III. If a security interest is reserved or created at the time of the transfer, the certificate of title shall be retained by or delivered to the person who becomes the lienholder, and the parties shall comply with the provisions of RSA 261:25.
IV. Except as provided in RSA 261:15 and as between the parties, a transfer by an owner is not effective until the provisions of this section and RSA 261:19 have been complied with; however, an owner who has delivered possession of the vehicle of the transferee and has complied with the provisions of this section and RSA 261:19 requiring action by him is not liable as owner for any damages thereafter resulting from driving of the vehicle.
Source.
RSA 269-A:15. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:15 - Resale by a Dealer.

261:15 Resale by a Dealer. –
If a dealer buys a vehicle and holds it for resale and procures the certificate of title from the owner or the lienholder within 10 days after delivery of the vehicle, the dealer need not send the certificate to the department but, upon transferring the vehicle to another person other than by the creation of a security interest, shall promptly execute the assignment and warranty of title by a dealer, or if a franchised vehicle dealer an acceptable form proving assignment approved by the director, or if the title is held by a finance source show a copy of the title pending the original, and execute an acceptable form approved by the director proving assignment, showing the names and addresses of the transferee and of any lienholder holding a security interest created or reserved at the time of the resale and the date of the security agreement, in the spaces provided therefor on the certificate or as the director prescribes, and mail or deliver the certificate to the department with the transferee's application for a new certificate.
Source.
RSA 269-A:16. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982. 2015, 198:2, eff. Sept. 4, 2015.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:16 - Involuntary Transfers.

261:16 Involuntary Transfers. –
I. If the interest of an owner in a vehicle passes to another other than by voluntary transfer, the transferee shall, except as provided in paragraph II, promptly mail or deliver to the department the last certificate of title, if available, proof of the transfer, and his application for a new certificate in the form the director prescribes.
II. If the interest of the owner is terminated or the vehicle is sold under a security agreement by a lienholder named in the certificate of title, the transferee shall promptly mail or deliver to the department the last certificate of title, his application for a new certificate in the form the director prescribes, and an affidavit made by or on behalf of the lienholder that the vehicle was repossessed and that the interest of the owner was lawfully terminated or sold pursuant to the terms of the security agreement. If the lienholder succeeds to the interest of the owner and holds the vehicle for resale, he need not secure a new certificate of title but, upon transfer to another person, shall promptly mail or deliver to the transferee or to the department the certificate, affidavit and other documents required to be sent to the director by the transferee.
III. A person holding a certificate of title whose interest in the vehicle has been extinguished or transferred other than by voluntary transfer shall mail or deliver the certificate to the department upon request of the department. The delivery of the certificate pursuant to the request of the department does not affect the rights of the person surrendering the certificate, and the action of the department issuing a new certificate of title as provided herein is not conclusive upon the rights of an owner or lienholder named in the old certificate.
Source.
RSA 269-A:17. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:17 - Joint Tenancy With Rights of Survivorship.

261:17 Joint Tenancy With Rights of Survivorship. –
Upon the death of a married resident owner of a motor vehicle registered in this state, said motor vehicle, if used for family purposes, shall be deemed to have been jointly held property with right of survivorship unless otherwise designated on the certificate of title, and the interest of said decedent shall pass to his or her surviving spouse.
I. Where a certificate of title has been issued on the vehicle the surviving spouse may transfer the vehicle pursuant to RSA 261:14 without obtaining a new certificate of title. The signature of the surviving spouse on the certificate and a copy of the death record shall be deemed valid and sufficient for the proper transfer of the motor vehicle.
II. Where no certificate of title has been issued on the vehicle and where such transfer requires the issuance of a certificate of title, a first certificate of title shall be immediately issued to said spouse upon the following conditions; application shall be made to the department including information required by RSA 261:4, I(a) and (b), accompanied by:
(a) A copy of the death record; and
(b) The required fee.
III. Individuals who are joint owners may provide for survivorship. If their joint ownership is held by using "and" between their names, they may obtain title as joint tenants with rights of survivorship by designating this preference on their title application. If their joint ownership is held by using "or" between their names, no other designation is required. Upon the death of one of the owners, the surviving owner may transfer the vehicle pursuant to RSA 261:14 without obtaining a new title. The signature of the surviving owner on the record and a copy of the death record shall be deemed valid and sufficient for the proper transfer of the motor vehicle. One of the joint owners may be a nonresident, who shall be exempt from the requirements of RSA 261:71 for the purposes of this section only.
Source.
RSA 269-A:17-a. 1970, 28:2. 1981, 146:1; 425:1, 2. 1987, 263:2. 1997, 325:9. 1999, 79:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2000.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:18 - Liens; Fee.

261:18 Liens;  Fee. –
In the case of a transfer of a motor vehicle under RSA 261:17 any lien on the motor vehicle shall be automatically continued. The fee for issuance of a certificate of title under RSA 261:17 shall be as provided in RSA 261:20.
Source.
RSA 269-A:17-b. 1970, 28:2. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:19 - Fee to Accompany Applications.

261:19 Fee to Accompany Applications. –
I. An application for a certificate of title shall be accompanied by the required fee when mailed or delivered to the department.
II. An application for the naming of a lienholder or his assignee on a certificate of title shall be accompanied by the required fee when mailed or delivered to the department.
III. The provisions of this section shall not apply to motor vehicles owned by the state or any of its political subdivisions. These entities shall not be assessed any fee for a certificate of title for their respective motor vehicles.
Source.
RSA 269-A:18. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1. 1989, 54:2, eff. July 18, 1989.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:20 - Fees.

261:20 Fees. –
I. The department shall be paid the following fees:
(a) For filing an application for a first certificate of title, with or without a lienholder named, $25;
(b) For a certificate of title after a transfer, with or without a lienholder named, $25;
(c) For a duplicate certificate of title, $25;
(d) For an ordinary certificate of title issued upon surrender of a distinctive certificate, $20;
(e) For filing a notice of security interest, $20;
(f) For a certificate of search of the records of the division, for each name or identification number searched against, $20;
(g) For filing an assignment of security interest, $2;
(h) For issuing a distinctive New Hampshire number in place of a vehicle identification number, $30;
(i) For issuing a salvage vehicle decal pursuant to RSA 261:22, IV, $50.
II. If an application, certificate of title or other document required to be mailed or delivered to the department under any provision of this chapter is not delivered to the department within 20 days from the time it is required to be mailed or delivered, the department shall collect, as a penalty, an amount equal to the fee required for the transaction.
III. No fee shall be charged for a certificate of title to a motor vehicle owned by a veteran who is either an amputee or blind as a result of a service connected disability as certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
III-a. No fee shall be charged for a first certificate of title to a motor vehicle that has passed to a surviving spouse by rights of survivorship, provided that the application for the first certificate of title is in the surviving spouse's name alone and the application is made within 13 months of the decedent's date of death.
IV. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the fees collected under RSA 261:20, I shall be deposited in the highway fund.
Source.
RSA 269-A:28. 1967, 357:1. 1969, 504:7. 1977, 196:3; 563:77. 1978, 51:1. 1979, 358:9, II. 1981, 146:1; 568:32. 1983, 469:53. 1989, 305:21. 1990, 3:104. 2001, 139:3. 2002, 165:3-5. 2008, 237:5, eff. July 1, 2009.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:21 - Issuance of New Certificate.

261:21 Issuance of New Certificate. –
I. The department, upon receipt of a properly assigned certificate of title, with an application for a new certificate of title, the required fee and any other documents required by law, shall issue a new certificate of title in the name of the transferee as owner and mail it to the first lienholder named in it or, if none, to the owner.
II. The department upon receipt of an application for a new certificate of title by a transferee other than by voluntary transfer, with proof of the transfer, the required fee and any other documents required by law, shall issue a new certificate of title in the name of the transferee as owner. If the outstanding certificate of title is not delivered to it, the department shall make demand therefor from the holder thereof.
III. The department shall file and retain for 5 years every surrendered certificate of title, the file to be maintained so as to permit the tracing of title of the vehicle designated therein.
Source.
RSA 269-A:19. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:23 - Certain Liens and Security Interests Not Affected.

261:23 Certain Liens and Security Interests Not Affected. –
This chapter does not apply to or affect:
I. A lien given by statute or rule of law to a supplier of services or materials for the vehicles;
II. A lien given by statute to the United States, this state or any political subdivision of this state;
III. A security interest in a vehicle created by a manufacturer or dealer who holds the vehicle for sale, but a buyer in the ordinary course of trade from the manufacturer or dealer takes free of the security interest.
Source.
RSA 269-A:3. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:23-a - Terminal Rental Adjustment Clause; Vehicle Leases That are Not Sales or Security Interests.

261:23-a Terminal Rental Adjustment Clause;  Vehicle Leases That are Not Sales or Security Interests. –
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a transaction involving a motor vehicle or a trailer does not create a sale or security interest merely because it provides that the rental price is permitted or required to be adjusted under the agreement either upward or downward by reference to the amount realized upon sale or other disposition of the motor vehicle or trailer.
Source.
1994, 395:2, eff. Jan. 1, 1995.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:24 - Perfecting of Security Interest.

261:24 Perfecting of Security Interest. –
I. Unless excepted by RSA 261:23, a security interest in a vehicle of a type for which a certificate of title is required is not valid against creditors of the owner or subsequent transferees or lienholders of the vehicle unless perfected as provided in this chapter.
II. A security interest is perfected by the delivery to the department of the existing certificate of title, if any, an application for a certificate of title containing the name and address of the lienholder and the date of his security agreement and the required fee. It is perfected as of the time of its creation if delivery is completed within 20 days thereafter, otherwise as of the time of the delivery.
III. If a vehicle is subject to a security interest when brought into this state, the validity of the security interest is determined by law of the jurisdiction where the vehicle was when the security interest attached, subject to the following:
(a) If the parties understood at the time the security interest attached that the vehicle would be kept in this state and it was brought into this state within 30 days thereafter for purposes other than transportation through this state, the validity of the security interest in this state is determined by the law of this state.
(b) If the security interest was perfected under the law of the jurisdiction where the vehicle was when the security interest attached, the following rules apply:
(1) If the name of the lienholder is shown on an existing certificate of title issued by that jurisdiction, his security interest continues perfected in this state;
(2) If the name of the lienholder is not shown on an existing certificate of title issued by that jurisdiction, the security interest continues perfected in this state for 4 months after a first certificate of title of the vehicle is issued in this state, and also thereafter if, within the 4-month period, it is perfected in this state. The security interest may also be perfected in this state after the expiration of the 4-month period; in that case perfection dates from the time of perfection in this state.
(c) If the security interest was not perfected under the law of the jurisdiction where the vehicle was when the security interest attached, it may be perfected in this state; in that case, perfection dates from the time of perfection in this state.
(d) A security interest may be perfected under part (2) of subparagraph (b) of this paragraph or subparagraph (c) of this paragraph either as provided in paragraph II or by the lienholder delivering to the department a notice of security interest in the form the director prescribes and the required fee.
Source.
RSA 269-A:21. 1967, 357:1. 1977, 196:2. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:25 - Duties on Creation of Security Interest.

261:25 Duties on Creation of Security Interest. –
If an owner creates a security interest in a vehicle:
I. The owner shall immediately execute the application, in the space provided therefor on the certificate of title or on a separate form the director prescribes, to name the lienholder on the certificate, showing the name and address of the lienholder and the date of his security agreement, and cause the certificate, the application and the required fee to be delivered to the lienholder.
II. The lienholder shall immediately cause the certificate, the application and the required fee to be mailed or delivered to the department.
III. Upon request of the owner or subordinate lienholder, a lienholder in possession of the certificate of title shall either mail or deliver the certificate to the subordinate lienholder for delivery to the department or, upon receipt from the subordinate lienholder of the owner's application and the required fee, mail or deliver them to the department with the certificate. The delivery of the certificate does not affect the rights of the first lienholder under his security agreement.
IV. Upon receipt of the certificate of title, the application and the required fee, the department shall either endorse the certificate or issue a new certificate containing the name and address of the new lienholder, and mail the certificate to the first lienholder named in it.
Source.
RSA 269-A:22. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:26 - Assignment of Security Interest.

261:26 Assignment of Security Interest. –
I. A lienholder may assign, absolutely or otherwise, his security interest in the vehicle to a person other than the owner without affecting the interest of the owner or the validity of the security interest, but any person without notice of the assignment is protected in dealing with the lienholder as the holder of the security interest and the lienholder remains liable for any obligations as lienholder until the assignee is named as lienholder on the certificate.
II. The assignee may, but need not to perfect the assignment, have the certificate of title endorsed or issued with the assignee named as lienholder, upon delivering to the department the certificate and an assignment by the lienholder named in the certificate in the form the director prescribes.
Source.
RSA 269-A:23. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:27 - Release of Security Interest.

261:27 Release of Security Interest. –
I. Upon the satisfaction of a security interest in a vehicle for which the certificate of title is in the possession of the lienholder, he shall, within 10 days after demand and, in any event, within 30 days, execute a release of his security interest, in the space provided therefor on the certificate or as the director prescribes, and mail or deliver the certificate and release to the next lienholder named therein, or, if none, to the owner or any person who delivers to the lienholder an authorization from the owner to receive the certificate. The owner, other than a dealer holding the vehicle for resale, shall promptly cause the certificate and release to be mailed or delivered to the department, which shall release the lienholder's rights on the certificate or issue a new certificate.
II. Upon the satisfaction of a security interest in a vehicle for which the certificate of title is in the possession of a prior lienholder, the lienholder whose security interest is satisfied shall within 10 days after demand execute a release in the form the director prescribes and deliver the release to the owner or any person who delivers to the lienholder an authorization from the owner to receive it. The lienholder in possession of the certificate of title shall either deliver the certificate to the owner, or the person authorized by the owner, for delivery to the department or, upon receipt of the release, mail or deliver it with the certificate to the department, which shall release the subordinate lienholder's rights on the certificate or issue a new certificate. If the lienholder does not have the certificate, the lienholder shall, within 7 days of receipt of final payment on the loan, apply for a duplicate title, a copy of which shall be sent to the payor.
Source.
RSA 269-A:24. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1. 1995, 239:1, eff. July 19, 1995.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:28 - Lienholder to Furnish Information Concerning the Security Agreement.

261:28 Lienholder to Furnish Information Concerning the Security Agreement. –
A lienholder named in a certificate of title shall, upon written request of the owner or of another lienholder named on the certificate, disclose any pertinent information as to his security agreement and the indebtedness secured by it.
Source.
RSA 269-A:25. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:29 - Method of Perfecting Interest Exclusive.

261:29 Method of Perfecting Interest Exclusive. –
The method provided in this chapter of perfecting and giving notice of security interests subject to this chapter is exclusive. Security interests subject to this chapter are hereby exempted from the provisions of law which otherwise require or relate to the filing of instruments creating or evidencing security interests.
Source.
RSA 269-A:26. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:30 - Suspension or Revocation of Certificate.

261:30 Suspension or Revocation of Certificate. –
I. The department shall suspend or revoke a certificate of title, upon notice and reasonable opportunity to be heard in accordance with RSA 260:6, if it finds that:
(a) The certificate of title was fraudulently procured or erroneously issued, or
(b) The vehicle has been scrapped, dismantled, or destroyed.
II. Suspension or revocation of a certificate of title does not, in itself, affect the validity of a security interest noted on it.
III. When the department suspends or revokes a certificate of title, the owner or person in possession of it shall, immediately upon receiving notice of the suspension or revocation, mail or deliver the certificate to the department.
IV. The department may seize and impound any certificate of title which has been suspended or revoked.
Source.
RSA 269-A:27. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:31 - Powers and Duties of Director.

261:31 Powers and Duties of Director. –
The director shall:
I. Prescribe and provide suitable forms of applications, certificates of title, notices of security interests and all other notices and forms necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter;
II. Make necessary investigations to procure information required to carry out the provisions of this chapter;
III. Adopt pursuant to RSA 260:5 and enforce reasonable rules to carry out the provisions of this chapter;
IV. Assign a new vehicle identification number to a vehicle if it has none, or if its vehicle identification number is destroyed or obliterated, or its motor is changed, and shall either issue a new certificate of title showing the new vehicle identification number or make an appropriate endorsement on the original certificate.
Source.
RSA 269-A:29. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:31-a - Rental Vehicle Title and Registration Recovery Fee.

261:31-a Rental Vehicle Title and Registration Recovery Fee. –
A vehicle title and registration recovery fee charged to customers by a company engaged in the rental of motor vehicles shall be fully disclosed to the customer by being separately stated and identified on the rental agreement.
Source.
2006, 317:13, eff. Aug. 18, 2006.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:32 - Exemption of Previously Registered Vehicle.

261:32 Exemption of Previously Registered Vehicle. –
RSA 261:1 to 31 inclusive do not apply to a previously registered vehicle until:
I. There is a change of registration by reason of a sale for consideration; or
II. The department issues a certificate of title for the vehicle.
Source.
RSA 269-A:37. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:33 - Issuance of Distinctive Certificate.

261:33 Issuance of Distinctive Certificate. –
If the director is not satisfied that there are no undisclosed security interests, created before September 1, 1968, in a previously registered vehicle, he may, in addition to his options under RSA 261:10, issue a distinctive certificate of title of the vehicle containing the legend "This vehicle may be subject to an undisclosed lien" and any other information the director prescribes.
Source.
RSA 269-A:38. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:34 - Perfection of Security Interest.

261:34 Perfection of Security Interest. –
A security interest in a previously registered vehicle for which no certificate of title or application for a certificate is required is perfected by the delivery to the department of a notice of security interest in the form the director prescribes and the required fee. It is perfected as of the time of its creation if the delivery is completed within 10 days thereafter, otherwise as of the time of delivery. A notice of a security interest created or reserved before September 1, 1968, need be executed by the lienholder only.
Source.
RSA 269-A:39. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:35 - Perfection Under Other Statute.

261:35 Perfection Under Other Statute. –
If a security interest in a previously registered vehicle is perfected under any other applicable law of this state on September 1, 1968, the security interest continues perfected until its perfection lapses under the law under which it was perfected.
Source.
RSA 269-A:40. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:36 - Filing of Notices of Security Interest.

261:36 Filing of Notices of Security Interest. –
I. The department shall file each notice of security interest received by it with the required fee and maintain a record of all notices of security interests filed by it:
(a) Alphabetically, under the name of the owner;
(b) Under the vehicle identification number; and
(c) In the discretion of the director, by any other method he determines.
II. The department need not maintain, in the record provided for in paragraph I, any reference to a security interest in a previously registered vehicle after the department files a notice of release of the security interest or issues a certificate of title of the vehicle containing the name of the lienholder.
III. The department, before issuing or reissuing a certificate of title, shall check the name of the owner and the vehicle identification number against the record provided for in paragraph I.
Source.
RSA 269-A:41. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:37 - Assignment of Security Interest.

261:37 Assignment of Security Interest. –
I. A lienholder may assign, absolutely or otherwise, his security interest in the vehicle to a person other than the owner without affecting the interest of the owner or the validity of the security interest, but any person without notice of the assignment is protected in dealing with the lienholder as the holder of the security interest and the lienholder remains liable for any obligations as lienholder until an assignment by the lienholder is delivered to the department as provided in this section.
II. The assignee may, but need not to perfect the assignment, deliver to the department an assignment by the lienholder in the form the director prescribes with the required fee.
III. The department shall file each assignment received by it with the required fee and note the assignee as lienholder upon the record of notice of security interests maintained by the department pursuant to RSA 261:36.
Source.
RSA 269-A:42. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:38 - Release of Interest.

261:38 Release of Interest. –
I. If the security interest of a lienholder named in a notice of security interest filed by the department is satisfied, the lienholder shall, within 10 days after demand execute a release of the security interest in the form the director prescribes and mail or deliver the release to the department and the lienholder shall return the certificate to the payor within 10 days of receipt of satisfaction.
II. Upon receipt of the release of security interest the department shall file the release and note it upon the record of notices of security interests maintained by the department pursuant to RSA 261:36.
Source.
RSA 269-A:43. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1. 1995, 239:2, eff. July 19, 1995.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:39 - Lienholder to Furnish Information Concerning Security Agreement.

261:39 Lienholder to Furnish Information Concerning Security Agreement. –
A lienholder named in a notice of security interest filed by the department shall, upon written request of the owner or of another lienholder, disclose any pertinent information as to his security agreement and the indebtedness secured by it.
Source.
RSA 269-A:44. 1967, 357:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:40 - Registration Required.

261:40 Registration Required. –
Except as otherwise provided, it is a violation for any person to drive or any owner or custodian to knowingly permit or cause to be driven on the ways of this state any vehicle which is not specifically exempt by statute or rule from the requirement of registration, unless the same has been registered and the appropriate fee paid in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The fine for a violation of this section shall be $100.
Source.
1905, 86:5. 1911, 133:2. 1917, 229:2. 1919, 41:2. 1921, 119:2. PL 100:5. 1935, 73:6. 1939, 132:1. RL 116:9. RSA 260:12. 1981, 146:1. 2005, 177:45. 2006, 317:14, eff. Aug. 18, 2006.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:40-a - Unified Carrier Registration Required.

261:40-a Unified Carrier Registration Required. –
It is a violation for any person to drive or for the owner or lessee to cause to be driven on the ways of this state a motor vehicle subject to registration under the provisions of the Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005, 49 U.S.C. section 14504a, as amended, unless the motor vehicle has been registered and the appropriate fee paid. The fine for a violation of this section shall not exceed $100 plus penalty assessment for a first offense and $500 plus penalty assessment for a subsequent offense in a 12-month period.
Source.
2010, 251:3, eff. Sept. 4, 2010.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:41 - Exemption of Vehicles Owned by Military Personnel.

261:41 Exemption of Vehicles Owned by Military Personnel. –
The provisions of this chapter relative to the registration of vehicles and the display of number plates shall not apply to vehicles having registration and displaying plates issued by the armed forces of the United States for vehicles owned by military personnel, but such exemption shall be valid only for a period of 7 days after the owner thereof has entered this state for the purpose of traveling to either his place of residence or a point of military duty.
Source.
RSA 260:12-a. 1955, 210:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:41-a - Registration, Equipment, and Inspection of Vehicles; Exemption for Utility Vehicles.

261:41-a Registration, Equipment, and Inspection of Vehicles;  Exemption for Utility Vehicles. –
I. An agricultural/industrial utility vehicle, as defined in RSA 259:2-a, if operated upon a way shall be registered as provided in RSA 261:141, III(dd).
II. Any agricultural/industrial utility vehicle, as defined in RSA 259:2-a, shall be exempt from inspection under RSA 266:1, but shall be subject to inspection by a law enforcement officer at any time when being operated on a way. Any person operating such a vehicle on a way shall hold a valid driver's license.
III. When operated on a way for purposes other than crossing the way for trail access, any agricultural/industrial utility vehicle, as defined in RSA 259:2-a, shall be equipped in accordance with the provisions of RSA 215-A:14 and in addition shall be equipped with at least one red reflex reflector on the left rear if operated during the hours of darkness; an interior or exterior mirror; a vehicle identification number that conforms to federal requirements; seatbelts installed at each designated seating position if originally so equipped; an intact windshield if originally so equipped; and tires inflated to cold inflation pressure not more than the maximum permissible pressure molded on the sidewall. Such vehicle shall also be equipped with a slow moving vehicle emblem to the rear and may be equipped in addition with an amber flashing or rotating light.
IV. A motorcycle, trail bike, or agricultural/industrial utility vehicle that meets all the requirements of an off highway recreational vehicle in RSA 215-A:1, VI shall be used as an off highway recreational vehicle only when it has a valid OHRV registration issued under the provisions of RSA 215-A:21.
Source.
2014, 282:4, eff. July 28, 2014.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:41-b - Equipment and Inspection of Vehicles; Exemption for Compact Utility Tractor.

261:41-b Equipment and Inspection of Vehicles;  Exemption for Compact Utility Tractor. –
I. Any compact utility tractor, as defined in RSA 259:13-a, shall be exempt from any inspection requirements.
II. When operated on a way for purposes other than crossing the way for trail access, any compact utility tractor, as defined in RSA 259:13-a, shall be equipped with at least one red reflex reflector and may be equipped additionally with an amber flashing or rotating light. When operating at any time during the period from
1/2 hour after sunset to
1/2 hour before sunrise, any compact utility tractor, as defined in RSA 259:13-a, shall be equipped with one or more headlights and one or more rear taillights, each in working order.
Source.
2016, 260:2, eff. July 1, 2017.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:41-c - Roadable Aircraft; Registration.

261:41-c Roadable Aircraft;  Registration. –
I. Upon receipt of an application for registration of a roadable aircraft and payment of applicable state and municipal registration permit fees, the department shall issue a certificate of registration to the owner of such aircraft, provided that the application is accompanied by the following:
(a) Proof of valid and unexpired aircraft registration issued by the New Hampshire department of transportation.
(b) A copy of an annual aircraft inspection completed within the 12 calendar months immediately preceding the date of application.
II. For purposes of this section, roadable aircraft shall be identified by the registration number assigned to such aircraft by the New Hampshire department of transportation.
III. The expiration date of a certificate issued pursuant to this section shall match the expiration of the aircraft registration issued by the New Hampshire department of transportation.
IV. The fees for registration of roadable aircraft shall be comprised of the fee prescribed by RSA 261:141, III(g), payable to the department, plus a municipal registration permit fee of $2,000, payable to the city or town in which the owner of such roadable aircraft resides.
Source.
2020, 33:33, eff. Sept. 22, 2020.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:42 - Permits Required.

261:42 Permits Required. –
No vehicle owned by a nonresident and used for commercial or business purposes shall be registered under the provisions of this chapter until the owner thereof has obtained a permit from the department and has paid the required fee, provided, however, that no permit shall be required for the registration of construction equipment as defined in RSA 259:42, or vehicles which because of their design, size, or weight are prohibited by law from ordinary or regular use upon the highways of the state, and provided further that no permit shall be required of a resident of a state, district, or country which grants to a resident of this state reciprocal privileges as determined by the director, whose determination shall be final.
Source.
1937, 191:1. RL 116:27. RSA 260:36. 1963, 133:1. 1981, 146:1. 2006, 317:2, eff. Aug. 18, 2006.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:43 - Reciprocal Fines and Penalties.

261:43 Reciprocal Fines and Penalties. –
When any other state by its laws imposes any taxes, fines, penalties, licenses, fees, deposits or other obligations or prohibitions, additional to any New Hampshire imposes, upon any vehicles registered in New Hampshire or upon the owners or drivers of such vehicles traveling on the ways of that other state, similar taxes, fines, penalties, licenses, fees, deposits or other obligations or prohibitions shall be imposed on similar classes of vehicles registered in that state and traveling upon the ways of New Hampshire, so long as the laws in the other state remain in force. The director, with the approval of the commissioner, shall determine the method of reciprocity and may adopt pursuant to RSA 260:5 such rules as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this section and his determination shall be final.
Source.
1953, 63:1. RSA 260:40. 1967, 426:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title XXI - Motor Vehicles › Chapter 261 - Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles › Section 261:44 - Operation Without Registration; Reciprocity.

261:44 Operation Without Registration;  Reciprocity. –
A vehicle, other than an OHRV or snowmobile, owned by a nonresident and duly registered for the current year in the state, district or country of which the owner is a resident may be driven upon the ways of this state without registration under this chapter to the extent, as to period of driving and otherwise, that the state, district or country of registration grants similar privileges for the operation of such vehicles owned by residents of this state and registered under its laws. The director for the purposes of this section shall determine the nature and extent of the privileges for the driving of vehicles granted by other states, districts or countries to residents of this state and his determination shall be final.
Source.
1911, 133:3. 1913, 81:2. 1917, 229:3. 1921, 119:3. 1923, 76:1. 1925, 85:1. PL 100:26. 1939, 190:3. 1941, 99:1. RL 116:35. 1945, 45:1. RSA 260:39. 1981, 146:1. 2006, 90:11, eff. July 1, 2006 at 12:01 a.m.