New Hampshire criminal records come from two main sources: the state criminal history repository (maintained by the state police or equivalent agency) and individual county court systems. These are separate databases that may show different information.
What this page covers: New Hampshire state-level criminal history searches, county court criminal case lookups, and sex offender registry searches. What it does not cover: Federal criminal cases (those require PACER) or arrest records that did not result in charges.
Where to start: For a broad criminal history check, start with the state repository. For specific case details (charges, dispositions, documents), go to the Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed. For sex offenders, use the state sex offender registry.
Common mistake: A state criminal history search and a county court search are not the same thing. The state repository compiles conviction data from across the state. County courts have the actual case files with full detail. You may need both.
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The 4-Step New Hampshire Criminal Records Pathway
Five Things People Get Wrong About New Hampshire Criminal Records
Primary Sources (All .gov / Official)
- www.nhsp.dos.nh.gov — New Hampshire State Police — Official New Hampshire criminal history portal
- fbi.gov — Identity History Summary — FBI fingerprint-based federal check ($18)
- fbi.gov — State ID Bureau listing — FBI listing of every state's repository
- ftc.gov — FCRA basics — Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act rules
- ftc.gov — Background Checks employer guide — FTC + EEOC employer guidance
- bjs.ojp.gov — Bureau of Justice Statistics — Federal stats on state criminal record systems
Related Criminal Records Resources
- New Hampshire Court Records →
- New Hampshire Property Records →
- New Hampshire Vital Records →
- New Hampshire Voter Records →
- New Hampshire Wants & Warrants →
- New Hampshire Licenses →
- New Hampshire Recorded Documents →
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Criminal Records Databases
5 official New Hampshire criminal records sources.
Criminal Records
New Hampshire Counties
All 10 New Hampshire counties. Click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I run an official New Hampshire background check?▼
New Hampshire's official statewide criminal-history check is administered by the New Hampshire State Police. Begin the request at www.nhsp.dos.nh.gov. Most state-level checks require submitting fingerprints (live-scan or ink) plus a processing fee, and the response covers convictions and certain non-conviction data permitted by New Hampshire statute.
Are New Hampshire criminal records public?▼
Most adult criminal-history information in New Hampshire is considered public record, but access is restricted depending on the requester (self, employer, government agency) and the data type (arrest, conviction, sealed, juvenile). The New Hampshire State Police explains who can request what at www.nhsp.dos.nh.gov. County-court records are also public and searchable through the trial-court system.
What's the difference between a state and an FBI background check in New Hampshire?▼
A state check from the New Hampshire State Police (www.nhsp.dos.nh.gov) covers only criminal activity within New Hampshire. An FBI Identity History Summary (fbi.gov) is the nationwide check covering federal records and contributing states. Employers and licensing boards often require both.
Can I get someone else's New Hampshire criminal record?▼
Generally, no — only the record subject (with their own ID and signature) or a specifically authorized requester (such as a credentialed employer under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a licensing board, or law enforcement) can pull a third-party criminal history from the New Hampshire State Police. The New Hampshire State Police documentation at www.nhsp.dos.nh.gov lists each authorized requester category.
How do I challenge or correct a New Hampshire criminal record?▼
If you find an error on your New Hampshire criminal history, the New Hampshire State Police offers a record-review and challenge process. Begin at www.nhsp.dos.nh.gov — typical steps include fingerprint verification, a written dispute, and supporting court documents (such as a dismissal or expungement order) for each contested entry.