Vital records in New Hampshire are handled at the municipal level. Birth, death, and marriage records are maintained by local city or town clerks. The state office (Town Clerk (local) / DHHS (state)) keeps duplicate copies.
What this page covers: New Hampshire vital record ordering, eligibility requirements, and related databases. What it does not cover: Genealogy records older than the state vital records system (check the Genealogy Resources page for historical records).
Where to start: For certified copies of birth or death certificates, contact Town Clerk (local) / DHHS (state). For marriage licenses, contact the Town Clerk in the county where the ceremony will occur. For divorce records, contact the court that granted the decree.
Common mistake: Birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees come from different offices. Do not assume one office handles all vital records.
Vital Records Databases
4 official New Hampshire vital records sources.
Vital Records
New Hampshire Counties
All 10 New Hampshire counties. Click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free statewide criminal search in New Hampshire?▼
New Hampshire's official criminal-history repository is operated by the state law-enforcement agency. Free public access to a complete criminal history is generally not available; an official background check typically requires fingerprints and a fee. County-level court records can be searched at no cost through individual court websites.
How do I search New Hampshire court cases?▼
New Hampshire's court system is headed by the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Trial-court business is handled by the Superior Court, Circuit Court (District, Family, Probate Divisions). Many New Hampshire courts publish docket searches and case lookups online — see the Court Records tab above for direct links.
Where do I search New Hampshire business entities?▼
The New Hampshire Secretary of State (or equivalent agency) operates the official business-entity search. You can typically search corporations, LLCs, LPs, and other registered entities by name or registration number. See the Licenses or Business tab above.
What is the difference between Assessor and Recorder in New Hampshire?▼
The Assessor determines property values for tax purposes. The Recorder (or Clerk-Recorder) records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents. Some county offices combine these roles, others keep them separate. Check the specific county page for details.
How do I obtain a New Hampshire birth or death certificate?▼
New Hampshire vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates) are issued by the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration and, in many cases, by local county clerks. Fees and ID requirements are set by the issuing agency.
Are New Hampshire property records free to search?▼
Most county-level property and recorded-document searches are free for basic information through the Assessor or Recorder website. Certified copies of deeds typically have a per-page fee. Direct links are in the Property Records tab above.
How do I check a New Hampshire sex offender?▼
The New Hampshire sex offender registry is maintained by the state law-enforcement agency under the Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Act. The registry is searchable by name, ZIP code, or address.