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While this may be an internal policy at some dealerships, it is important to understand that this is not a requirement under New Hampshire law.
New Hampshire is a Title-Only State
In New Hampshire, there is no requirement for a vehicle owner to hold an active registration in order for a vehicle with a title to exist. New Hampshire is a title-only state. A registration is not what creates or validates ownership—the title does.
Dealers should also be aware that the existence of a registration does not guarantee that a title has been successfully issued. There are many situations where a title application is submitted but cannot be processed due to missing or incorrect information. In these cases, a customer may still be operating the vehicle on a valid registration, even though a title has not yet been issued. Once that registration expires, however, it cannot be renewed until the title issue is resolved.
Key Takeaways for Dealers
- A registration is not required for a dealer to take possession of a vehicle that has a title.
- A registration does not validate or confirm that a title has been properly issued.
- Internal dealership policies should be reviewed to ensure they align with New Hampshire law.
- Clear, accurate information helps avoid unnecessary costs for customers and potential disputes for dealers.
Dealers are encouraged to review their procedures and ensure staff understand the distinction between titles and registrations. Doing so can prevent confusion, improve customer trust, and reduce avoidable issues down the road.