What are New Hampshire Vital Records?

The New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration is the government agency in New Hampshire that preserves and issues all vital records. The state of New Hampshire has developed software that the public can use to look up statistical information based on vital records. The vital records that the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration manages are births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. They have records dating back to 1640. New Hampshire uses one consolidated form to request vital records of all types. You can mail it in or visit any one of the 234 local town and city clerk's offices to get copies of vital records.

New Hampshire Birth Records

New Hampshire has been keeping birth records since 1640. The New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration is the government agency in charge of birth records. They allow you to get copies in person at local town and city clerk's offices or through the mail by downloading the application and sending it to their offices in Concord, NH. New Hampshire also offers an heirloom certificate for parents of newborns. New Hampshire birth records are kept private, and only someone with "direct and tangible" can get copies. Once births records reach the age of 100, they are opened up to the public. Anyone needing to do genealogical research can visit New Hampshire's "Genealogical Research Center."

Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Birth Records

How do I find birth records in New Hampshire?

The New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration has birth records going back to 1640. They also have a specific Genealogical Research Center for old birth records making it easy to perform genealogy research.

How do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate in New Hampshire?

Either download and complete the application from the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration and mail it in, or you can visit any of the 234 local town and city clerk's offices to get a copy. You must be eligible and pay the fee.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a birth certificate in New Hampshire?

Birth certificates in New Hampshire cost $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy.

Who can request birth records?

Birth records in New Hampshire are private for 100 years, and only certain people such as those on the list below can request copies:

  1. The applicant.
  2. A member of his or her immediate family.
  3. His or her guardian.
  4. Respective legal representatives.
  5. Attorney.
  6. Physician.
  7. Funeral director.
  8. Anyone who can prove "direct and tangible" interest can gain access.

What information do I need when getting a copy of my New Hampshire birth certificate?

When requesting copies of birth records, you need to have specific information such as:

  1. Name of the child.
  2. Father's full name.
  3. Mother's full (maiden) name.
  4. Gender.
  5. Birthdate.
  6. Birthplace.

As the requestor, you must also fill out your information, sign and date the form and provide proof of ID and relationship to the person listed on the record.

Where can I find historical vital records in New Hampshire for genealogy research?

The New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration has records dating back to 1640. However, New Hampshire also has set up a specific department called the Genealogical Research Center, where people can go to perform genealogical research easily.

How can I correct an error on my birth record?

To correct an error on a birth record, you must visit the New Hampshire town or city clerk's office where the birth occurred. You will have to fill out some paperwork and pay a $10 fee. You must also submit two documents substantiating the correction needed.

Can I get a refund if my New Hampshire birth record is not available?

No. Birth certificate search fees are not refundable.

New Hampshire Death Records

New Hampshire has been keeping death records since 1640. The New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration is the government agency in charge of death records. They allow you to get them either through the mail by downloading their consolidated application and mailing it to Concord, or visiting one of the local town and city clerk's offices around the state. Either way, you have to pay a fee for each copy. Death records are needed when you file a life insurance claim, when getting remarried, and other circumstances where you need to prove someone's passing. Death records are kept private for 50 years, and then they are opened up to the public.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Death Records

How do I find death records in New Hampshire?

You can contact either the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration in Concord or visit your local town clerk's office for information. Both can easily search and find and produce copies.

Are death records public in New Hampshire?

Not right away. For the first 50 years, death records are kept private, and then they are opened up to the public.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a death certificate in New Hampshire?

A death certificate in New Hampshire costs $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy. You can request as many copies as you need at the same time.

How long does it take to get a copy of a New Hampshire death record?

If you visit your local town clerk's office, you can get a copy instantly. However, if you mail in your application, you may have to wait up to 20 business days for a copy. You can also order through the VitalChek network or EB2Gov.

Who can request death records?

For the first 50 years, only someone with a "direct and tangible interest" can request records. This usually includes:

  1. Parents of the deceased.
  2. Spouse of the deceased.
  3. Children of the person on the certificate.
  4. Grandchildren of the person on the certificate.
  5. Legal representatives.
  6. An attorney.
  7. A physician.
  8. Funeral home director.

What information do I need when getting a copy of someone's New Hampshire death certificate?

When you request copies of someone's death certificate, you will need the following information:

  1. Full name of the deceased.
  2. Date of death.
  3. Place of death.
  4. Gender.
  5. Issued with/without the cause of death.

As the requestor, you will also need to supply your information and provide a valid ID and relationship to the person.

Where can I find historical death records in New Hampshire?

You can find historical death records through the New Hampshire Genealogical Research Center. However, the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration has records dating back to 1640.

How can I correct an error on someone's death record?

New Hampshire has a specific form you must fill out to correct a death record. Additionally, only eligible people can request corrections.

Can I get a refund if my New Hampshire death record is not available?

No, all death certificate searches are non-refundable.

New Hampshire Marriage Records

The New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration has all marriage records and can produce copies upon request. They have a consolidated form you can use to get a copy of yours or someone else's record if you qualify. Marriage records in New Hampshire are kept private for 50 years, and then they are opened up to the public. A copy of your marriage certificate is needed when you change your name, apply for credit and other loans and insurance, and verify your identity. Another option for getting copies of marriage records is visiting the local town/city clerk's office to make a request. You must pay a fee for each copy.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Marriage Records

Are New Hampshire marriage records public?

Not until after 50 years, then they become public records.

What New Hampshire marriage records are available?

The state of New Hampshire began keeping vital records in 1640, although they may not have all marriage records going back that far.

How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in New Hampshire?

If you visit the town/city clerk's office, you can get them instantly. If you mail in your application with the fee, it may take up to 20 days for processing. You can also order through VitalChek or EB2Gov.

How much does a New Hampshire marriage certificate cost?

The first copy of a marriage certificate costs $15, and each copy after costs $10.

When requesting records, what information do I need?

When requesting copies of a marriage certificate, you will need to provide the following information:

  1. Full name of person #1.
  2. Full name of person #2.
  3. Date of marriage.
  4. Place of marriage.
  5. Number of copies.

As the requestor, you will also need to provide your personal details with a valid photo ID and proof of your eligibility.

How do I get a copy of a New Hampshire marriage record?

You can get a copy of a New Hampshire marriage record in one of three ways:

  1. Download the application, fill it out and mail it to the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration with the appropriate fee.
  2. Visit your local town/city clerk's office.
  3. Order it through VitalChek or EB2Gov.

What if I didn't get married in New Hampshire?

If you were not married in New Hampshire, you could not use NH resources. You must contact the vital records office or courthouse where your marriage license was filed, in the state you were married.

Who can get a copy of my marriage certificate?

Marriage records are kept private for 50 years. Then they are opened up to the public. Therefore, only someone with "direct and tangible interest" may get copies. That list includes:

  1. Either party listed on the certificate.
  2. Their parents.
  3. Their children.
  4. Grandparents.
  5. Legal representatives.

How do I correct a marriage certificate in New Hampshire?

To correct an error on a marriage certificate in New Hampshire, you must visit the New Hampshire town or city clerk's office where the marriage occurred. You will have to fill out some paperwork and pay a $10 fee. You must also submit two documents substantiating the correction needed.

New Hampshire Divorce Records

The New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration is the state resource for divorce records that took place within the state. They issue divorce certificates and allow you to get them at the local level at any town/city clerk's office as well. You can also use the VitalChek network or their own EB2Gov online system. Divorce records are needed when you get remarried when you change your name and other times when you need to verify your identity and marital status. New Hampshire uses a consolidated form for all vital records, including divorces, and you can download it from the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration website. Divorce records are not public records until after 50 years.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Divorce Records

Can I find divorce records online in New Hampshire?

No. The only way to find divorce records online is through third-party websites. New Hampshire keeps all divorce records private for 50 years.

How do I find old divorce records?

You can visit any local city or town clerk's office to find old divorce records going back to when they first started keeping them. You should visit the town or city where the divorce was granted.

How do I get a copy of my divorce certificate?

There are three ways to get a copy of your divorce certificate:

  1. Download the application, fill it out and mail it to the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration with the appropriate fee.
  2. Visit your local town/city clerk's office.
  3. Order it through VitalChek or EB2Gov.

How much does a divorce certificate cost in New Hampshire?

A divorce certificate costs $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy. You can request as many as you want at the same time.

What information is needed to search for a New Hampshire divorce record?

When requesting divorce records, you need some information such as:

  1. Name of party #1.
  2. Name of party #2.
  3. Date of the divorce decree.
  4. Place of the divorce decree.

When you request records, you must also supply your personal details, a valid photo ID, and proof of your eligibility.

If they can't find my divorce record, can I get a refund?

No, all search fees are non-refundable.

What if my divorce took place outside of New Hampshire?

If you were not divorced in New Hampshire, then you need to contact either the vital records office in the state where you were divorced or the courthouse where your divorce was granted.