Revision: Feb. 11, 2026, 12:53 p.m.
Rep. McFarlane, Graf. 18
Rep. Giasson, Hills. 29
Rep. Granger, Straf. 2
Rep. Miller, Straf. 21
February 10, 2026
2026-0625h
07/05
Amendment to HB 1549
Amend RSA 261:148 as inserted by section 2 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
261:148 Permit Required. No vehicle, except an OHRV, snowmobile or moped, owned or controlled by a resident of this state shall be registered under the provisions of this chapter until the owner or person controlling the same has obtained a permit for registration from the city or town wherein he resides. The documentation requirements of paragraphs I through III shall apply only at the time of initial registration of a vehicle in this state or upon transfer of ownership. This section shall not apply to vehicles which constitute stock in trade of a manufacturer or of a bona fide dealer. The town or city clerk shall issue such permits to vehicles exempted from registration fees under RSA 261:92 at no charge. If the town or city has adopted the provisions of RSA 231:130-a, no such permit shall be issued unless the town or city clerk's records reveal no outstanding parking violations in this state. No such permit shall be issued unless the owner or person controlling the vehicle presents to the town or city clerk:
I. A current, government-issued photo identification card and a certificate of title, if required by the provisions of this chapter, or application for such certificate of title; or
II. In the case of a vehicle exempted from the title requirements of this chapter, a current, government-issued photo identification card and:
(a) A bill of sale from such previous owner; or
(b) If the previous owner was a dealer in vehicles, a temporary registration certificate or an application for a certificate of title.
III. The bill of sale required by the provisions of paragraph II shall contain the following information:
(a) The date of the sale;
(b) A description of the vehicle including:
(1) Make;
(2) Model;
(3) Vehicle identification number;
(4) Model year;
(5) Year of manufacture;
(6) Type of body; and
(7) Number of cylinders.
(c) Name and address of purchaser; and
(d) Signature and address of seller.
IV. In the case of any vehicle, a certificate of registration to the same owner for a current or previous registration period. The clerk may waive the requirement for a physical copy of the certificate of registration if the clerk has access to the electronic system of record and can verify the information for the current or previous registration period.
V. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require presentation of a certificate of title, bill of sale, or identification documents at annual registration renewal, except where ownership has changed or the vehicle is being registered in the state for the first time.
2026-0625h
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill limits the requirement to present ownership and identification documents to the initial registration or transfer of a vehicle and affirms that prior registration is sufficient for renewal.