New Hampshire regulates title loans through RSA Chapter 399-A. A covered title loan is generally secured by a vehicle title, has a 60-day-or-less single-payment term, and is made by a title-loan lender. The law sets a 25% monthly interest ceiling, cancellation rights, renewal rules, and consumer protections.
Last reviewed: August 13, 2026. General consumer information, not legal advice.
Are title loans legal in New Hampshire?
Yes, under RSA 399-A. A small-loan lender must first be licensed by the bank commissioner to do business with New Hampshire consumers, unless a statutory exemption applies. The statute also covers conduct intended to evade the law by calling a loan something else or using an affiliate arrangement.
Sources: RSA Chapter 399-A, RSA 399-A:18, and RSA 399-A:19.
New Hampshire title-loan rules
| Topic | New Hampshire rule or consumer check |
|---|---|
| Title-loan definition | Generally a non-purchase-money vehicle-title-secured loan, for 60 days or less, with single-payment payback. RSA 399-A:1. |
| License | A small-loan lender needs a license to serve New Hampshire consumers unless exempt. RSA 399-A:2. |
| In-state office | A title-loan lender must maintain an office in New Hampshire accessible to consumers. RSA 399-A:18. |
| Interest ceiling | Interest may not exceed 25% per month, plus specified actual pass-through costs. RSA 399-A:18. |
| Initial term | The original term may be no more than one month. RSA 399-A:19. |
| Cancellation | The agreement must allow cancellation before close of business on the next business day by repaying the amount advanced. RSA 399-A:18. |
| Prior loan waiting period | A lender may not make a title loan to a borrower with a current or prior payday/title loan in the preceding 60 days. RSA 399-A:18. |
| Renewals | Up to 9 additional equal-term renewals are permitted; at each renewal the borrower must generally pay 10% of original principal plus finance charge. RSA 399-A:19. |
| Renewal alternative | If the borrower cannot make that reduction, the lender must declare default or reduce principal by 10% of original principal for future interest calculations. RSA 399-A:19. |
| No capitalization | Accrued interest cannot be capitalized or added to principal at renewal. RSA 399-A:19. |
| Post-default interest | No interest accrues 60 days after the borrower is declared in default unless the borrower cures default. RSA 399-A:19. |
| Excess-charge remedy | Except for bona fide error, an excessive-charge contract is void and the lender cannot collect principal or charges. RSA 399-A:15. |
Before signing
Verify the lender’s license and New Hampshire office. Request the APR, monthly interest, total payoff, payment and renewal schedule, lien documents, default terms, and every fee. The law requires a note or agreement to show the date, payment schedule, agreed charges, and loan amount or credit line; it also prohibits blanks left for later completion.
Default and payoff
Keep the signed agreement, payment book or billing statements, and receipts. New Hampshire prohibits a contract clause allowing interest to continue after repossession of a consumer vehicle. When the loan is repaid in full, the lender must mark the documents paid or cancelled and release or provide evidence to release any security instrument no longer securing debt.
Alternatives and help
- Call 211 for food, housing, utility, and transportation resources.
- Ask a bank or credit union about a personal loan, hardship option, or payment plan.
- RSA 399-A requires loan contracts to state that the consumer or their attorney may file a complaint with the bank commissioner.
- For covered federal issues, use the CFPB complaint portal.
Cities we serve in New Hampshire
Local pages remain subject to lender-relationship and quality review. This statewide hub is the New Hampshire-law reference until individual destinations are validated.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum title-loan interest in New Hampshire?
A title-loan lender may not charge more than 25% per month, subject to specified actual pass-through costs.
Can I cancel a New Hampshire title loan?
Yes. The agreement must allow cancellation before close of business the next business day by repaying the amount advanced.
How many renewals are allowed?
Up to nine additional equal-term renewals, with the required principal-reduction rule.
Does interest keep accruing indefinitely after default?
No interest accrues 60 days after default is declared unless the default is cured.
