New Hampshire PUBLIC RECORDS SEARCH

New Hampshire State Public Records Search Online

New Hampshire's dedication to an open government is rooted in Article 8 of its Bill of Rights, which mandates that officials remain accountable and accessible to the people.

This principle is reinforced by New Hampshire's Revised Statutes Annotated (NH RSA) 91-A, or the Right-to-Know Law, which gives citizens the power to access public records and governmental proceedings.

In a democratic society, openness is essential for holding leaders accountable and ensuring that government actions are visible to the public. By giving citizens access to these records, New Hampshire fosters a stronger relationship between the public and their officials.

However, while citizens have the right to seek information, they are encouraged to do so responsibly. Access to public records must serve the common good and remain effective for everyone.

What Records are Public in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, a public record is also referred to as a government record.

A government record refers to any information produced, received, or gathered by a public body or agency while performing its official duties. All forms of information produced by government agencies, including written communications and documents, whether in paper, electronic, or other physical formats, are considered government records in the state.

What is Considered Public Information in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, government records accessible to the public include:

• Minutes and agendas from governmental body meetings, such as municipal boards and commissions
• Emails, letters, and memos related to government functions
• Financial reports, audits, and statistical analyses generated by government entities
• Administrative documents related to the operations of government offices
• Applications and records for permits and licenses issued by government agencies

Laws state that only pre-existing records are required to be disclosed in New Hampshire. Requests for documents that are yet to be created are not permitted. Certain information may be withheld from disclosure to protect privacy, ongoing investigations, and particular legal concerns.

New Hampshire Public Records Laws

Public records in New Hampshire are governed by NH RSA (New Hampshire's Revised Statutes Annotated) 91-A. Federal regulations, such as the Freedom of Information Act(FOIA), may also affect their accessibility.

What is the the Right-to-Know Law?

NH RSA 91-A permits individuals to access the records of public bodies and agencies, thereby fostering transparency and public involvement. This law covers a wide range of government entities, from the governor's office to local municipal boards and committees.

Under it, public bodies are required to provide advance notice and permit public access to meetings, including allowing recordings of these sessions. They must also maintain detailed minutes, documenting each participant's vote. Furthermore, the law mandates that all government records, including emails and electronic documents, be accessible to the public.

If immediate access to requested records is not feasible, public bodies have five days to issue a response in writing that informs the requester when the records will be available.

Requests for statistical data sets that contain personal information must be for research purposes only and cannot be distributed to those not involved in the research. Exempted records may be shared with other government agencies solely for their internal use.

What is the FOIA?

Established in 1966, the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) aims to increase government transparency by giving the public the right to access records held by federal agencies. This law is designed to make federal operations more open and accountable.

FOIA covers a wide range of materials, but despite its broad scope, it also includes specific exemptions to safeguard sensitive information. These exemptions include national security details, ongoing law enforcement investigations, confidential business data, and internal deliberative communications, among others.

Agencies must respond to requests within 20 business days, although this period can be extended in some cases. If a request is denied, agencies are required to provide an explanation and inform requesters of their right to appeal.

Who Can Access Public Records in New Hampshire?

NH RSA (New Hampshire's Revised Statutes Annotated) 91-A broadly grants access to "citizens", although it does not specifically define whether this includes only residents of New Hampshire or all U.S. citizens. Generally, anyone who requests records under NH RSA 91-A has the right to do so, regardless of their residency.

The requester's identity or purpose does not limit eligibility to access public records. Both individuals and organizations, including researchers, journalists, and businesses, can seek access to records without having to provide a reason for their request. However, the request must adhere to the procedures set out by the law.

New Hampshire Public Records Search

New Hampshire residents have multiple ways to access public records, both online and offline. The process for obtaining these records can differ depending on the type of record requested and the specific policies of the agency holding the information.

How To Find New Hampshire Public Records Online

New Hampshire provides several methods for accessing public records through online searches:

Government Websites

Many state and local agencies in New Hampshire maintain official websites where public records can be directly accessed.

Statewide Databases

Certain public records are housed in centralized state databases. These databases allow individuals to search for and retrieve public information efficiently.

Third-Party Websites

Some third-party services aggregate public records, but these sources may not always be accurate or up-to-date. They often charge fees and may lack the completeness of official government records.

How To Find New Hampshire Public Records Offline

Accessing New Hampshire public records offline can be done through various methods, including in-person visits, mail-in requests, and phone inquiries. Here is a step-by-step guide to help navigate the process:

In-Person Visits

Visiting government offices in person allows for direct interaction with staff, who can offer personalized assistance and immediate feedback. This method is particularly advantageous for accessing records that might not be available online or for obtaining certified copies. Do the following steps:

• Determine the specific government office or agency responsible for the records needed.
• Bring any necessary identification or completed forms that might be needed to request records.
• Go to the office during its open hours. Call ahead to confirm operating hours.
• Submit the request by filling out a form or making a verbal request.
• Collect the records once available and pay any applicable fees.

Mail-in Requests

Mail-in requests offer a way to obtain records without visiting an office. This method is suitable for non-urgent requests. The steps typically include the following:

• Locate the correct mailing address for the agency that holds the records.
• Fill out any required forms specifying the records being requested.
• Check for any associated fees and include a payment method with the request if necessary.
• Mail the completed form, payment, and any other required documentation to the designated office.

Processing times may vary, so be prepared for a delay in receiving the records, which may come by mail or through notification of availability.

Phone Requests

Phone requests can be a quick way to obtain preliminary information and clarify procedures. This method is effective for quick inquiries and initial information gathering. The usual process involves the following steps:

• Contact the relevant government office to determine if records can be requested by phone.
• Offer specific information about the records being sought, such as names, dates, or case numbers.
• Find out if there are any fees associated with the request and how to make any required payments.

Depending on the office's procedures, records may be mailed or the individual may be directed to pick them up in person.

Types of Public Records in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, government agencies maintain comprehensive records across various sectors, including detailed documentation of public school finances, state licensing board activities, and medical records related to births and deaths. Among the most commonly accessed records in the state are:

State of New Hampshire Public Court Records

New Hampshire court records are official documents maintained by the courts. They detail information such as the names of parties involved and their attorneys and important case filings like motions, affidavits, and orders.

The state's court system includes five main types of courts:

• Supreme Court: The highest authority in the state
• Superior Court: The second highest court overseeing civil and criminal cases and the only court that conducts jury trials
• Circuit Courts (Family Division): Deals with family-related issues like domestic violence, neglect, juvenile delinquency, and divorce.
• Circuit Courts (Probate Division): Focuses on cases related to estates, wills, trusts, adoption, and land ownership
• Circuit Courts (District Division): Manages cases similar to those in Superior Court, such as violations and juvenile issues

The New Hampshire judiciary provides the ability to access court records remotely through the Case Access Portal. Records not available online are stored in paper format.

Generally, court records are available to the public, except for those sealed by law or court order. Records such as juvenile cases, unexecuted warrants, presentence reports, pretrial bails, and expunged cases are not publicly accessible.

New Hampshire Public Bankruptcy Records

In New Hampshire, bankruptcy records are available to anyone who requests them. These records typically include information such as the debtor's name, the attorney representing the debtor, the filing date, the creditor's name, the case number, and the amount of debt.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Hampshire manages bankruptcy cases for individuals and businesses throughout the state. It handles various types of bankruptcy filings, including:

• Chapter 7: Liquidation
• Chapter 11: Reorganization
• Chapter 13: Repayment plan

Bankruptcy records can be accessed in person at the court clerk's office during business hours. To access a bankruptcy record, individuals must provide the debtor's name or the case number.

They are also available online through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system or using the Voice Case Information System (VCIS). Each search on PACER incurs a fee of $0.10.

County Court Records in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, accessing county-level court records can vary from one county to another. Each county manages its own records, so the availability and procedures for accessing these records are not uniform across the state. The associated fees can also differ.

Typically, individuals can access trial court records by visiting their local courthouse. This process involves locating the correct office, requesting the records, and either reviewing them on-site or obtaining copies, which may come with a fee. Some counties also provide online access through their websites or statewide systems.

For those who cannot visit in person, many counties accept requests by mail or phone.

The New Hampshire Judicial Branch has a directory for all courts available in the state's ten counties.

New Hampshire Criminal Records

New Hampshire criminal records provide a detailed account of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. Often called a rap sheet, these records include information about arrests, court proceedings, and case outcomes. Under NH RSA (New Hampshire's Revised Statutes Annotated) 106-B:14, anyone can request access to these records at any time.

While the methods for collecting and storing criminal records can vary by county, most are organized and accessible through the Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) system, managed by the Criminal Records Unit of the New Hampshire State Police (NHSP).

The CHRI contains comprehensive details, including serious traffic violations, arrests, court trials, and verdicts. Records can be obtained either in person or by mail.

A New Hampshire criminal record typically includes:

• The individual's name
• Date of birth
• Height and weight
• Charges or reasons for arrest
• Date apprehended
• The outcome of the case

These records are integrated into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and are kept permanently unless removed by a court-ordered annulment.

New Hampshire Public Arrest Records

In New Hampshire, arrest records are public records, also managed by the NHSP (New Hampshire State Police). Local police departments and county sheriff's offices also keep copies of these records and can provide them upon request. While some arrest records may be available for free, they might not always be complete.

Arrest records usually include:

• The individual's name
• Their mugshot
• Their fingerprints
• Physical traits
• Details of the alleged offense

Despite being public, there are circumstances where law enforcement agencies may withhold arrest records. These situations include:

• The records contain confidential communications between agencies
• The records reveal internal agency procedures.
• The records are used for ongoing investigations or court cases or could expose confidential sources.
• Disclosure could threaten national security.

New Hampshire Vital Records

New Hampshire's vital records include official documents that record important life events. These records are crucial for tracking demographic trends and supporting public health efforts. The Division of Vital Records Administration (DVRA), part of the New Hampshire Department of State (NH SOS), is responsible for maintaining these records.

To search for vital records online, requesters need to provide the following information:

• The full name of the person listed on the record
• The date and location of the event
• The city or county where the event took place
• The full names of the person's parents

Access to these records typically requires valid photo identification and proof of the requester's relationship to the person listed on the record.

To get certified copies of vital records, individuals need to complete the application and either send it to the DVRA or visit their local city or town clerk's office. The search fee is $15, plus any extra charges for credit card payments. This fee is charged whether or not a record is found. Each additional copy of the same record, ordered at the same time, costs $10.

According to NH RSA (New Hampshire's Revised Statutes Annotated) 5-C:109, marriage, divorce, and death records that are more than 50 years old, as well as birth records older than 100 years, are considered public unless sealed by a court.

Individuals interested in researching genealogical records can visit the Genealogical Research Center, located at 9 Ratification Way in Concord, New Hampshire. Volunteer genealogists are available to help with record research.

New Hampshire Public Birth Records

Access to New Hampshire birth records depends on the age of the record. In general, birth records are not publicly available. However, state law allows anyone to access birth records from before 1911, especially for genealogical research. In some communities, city, and town clerks also provide access to birth records that are over 100 years old.

For records registered after 1935, individuals can request copies from any city or town clerk in New Hampshire. The exception is for records from 1949-1950, which are only available from the specific city or town where the birth took place.

New Hampshire Public Death Records

In New Hampshire, death records from before 1961 (or those older than 50 years) are considered public and can be accessed by anyone. However, records of deaths that occurred after this period are restricted.

Access to these more recent records is limited to immediate family members, authorized legal personnel, and individuals with a court order.

New Hampshire Public Marriage Records

In New Hampshire, marriage records are generally private and can only be accessed by certain individuals, including those named on the records, their immediate family members, and authorized attorneys. However, marriage records from before 1968 are public and can be accessed by anyone who provides identifying information about the record.

A New Hampshire marriage record confirms that two people are legally married in the state and includes details recorded during the marriage process. There are two main types of marriage records in New Hampshire: marriage licenses and marriage certificates. Although they serve different purposes, both provide similar information, such as:

• The full names of the individuals
• The date and location of the marriage

New Hampshire Public Divorce Records

In New Hampshire, most divorce records are not publicly accessible. Generally, only the parties involved in the divorce, their legal representatives, and those with a court order can access these records. However, divorce records from before 1961 or those older than 50 years are available without restrictions.

A divorce record includes the complete case file from the divorce proceedings, which may contain various documents such as notices, motions, orders, depositions, judgments, and oral arguments.

Certificates are typically issued immediately upon visiting the office in person. For mailed requests, allow up to 20 business days from the date the request is received for processing.

New Hampshire Property Records

Property records in New Hampshire provide information about real estate and commercial properties throughout the state. These records are managed locally by county officials. The county clerk's office stores and provides access to various property records, while the appraiser's office handles property tax records.

To obtain property tax records, individuals can visit the appraiser's office in person or use the online databases provided on county sites.

County clerk's offices in New Hampshire handle several types of property records, including:

• Property tax records: Information about property assessments and taxes
• Property ownership records: Details on who owns a particular property
• Liens and mortgages: Records of financial claims or loans related to a property
• Property deeds: Documents that prove ownership of a property

New Hampshire Inmate Records

Inmate records in New Hampshire provide information on inmates incarcerated in jails and prisons within the state. These records typically include details such as:

• The inmate's name
• Personal details
• Physical traits
• Charges
• Sentencing information

This information is publicly available.

Each county in New Hampshire has its own corrections department where individuals can inquire about someone in jail. To determine if a person is incarcerated, one can contact the corrections department of the relevant county by phone, mail, or in person. The county's official website also provides additional information.

For details about inmates in state prisons, the New Hampshire Department of Corrections (NHDOC) offers an online inmate locator. By entering the inmate's name (either full or partial), users can access information such as the inmate's name, age, sentencing court, maximum sentence, current facility, offense date, and parole eligibility.

While basic searches may be free, more detailed information might not always be accessible.

Meanwhile, the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Berlin, New Hampshire, is a federal prison under the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). It includes a medium-security facility and an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp for male inmates.

As part of the BOP's network, this institution provides secure housing for federal offenders. For those seeking information about inmates at FCI Berlin or other BOP facilities, the BOP offers an online inmate locator tool.

New Hampshire Traffic Records

In New Hampshire, public traffic records, also known as driving records or driver history reports, provide information about individuals' driving activities within the state. These records combine personal details with vehicle history information.

Personal details include the record holder's address, full name, any previous names, date of birth, and insurance filings. Vehicle history includes demerit points, court convictions, license suspensions or revocations, accident history, and traffic violations.

The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) under the New Hampshire Department of Safety (NH DOS) manages and issues these records. They are accessible to individuals, insurance companies, law enforcement, government agencies, attorneys, and potential employers.

The general public cannot access someone else's driver history report without the record owner's consent.

New Hampshire offers three types of driver history records:

• Insurance record: Contains information about traffic offenses, accidents, and court convictions
• Certified driving record: Includes details on license suspensions, revocations, restorations, convictions, and accidents
• Non-certified driving record: Has the same information as the certified record but lacks the official signature or seal

Record holders can request their driving histories online.

License Plate Lookup in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, a license plate lookup can reveal whether a vehicle has been reported stolen or involved in a crime. This information is an important part of the state's traffic records.

To conduct a license plate lookup, individuals should file a request with the DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles). They will need the license plate number and the state where the vehicle is registered.

While third-party websites offer license plate lookup services, they are generally less reliable. These sites may not have the most current or accurate information and could have additional costs or privacy issues.

What Information is Exempt from the Right-to-Know Law in New Hampshire?

Under NH RSA (New Hampshire's Revised Statutes Annotated) 91-A:5, certain types of information and records are not available to the public. Here are some categories of records that are generally exempt:

• Records that could invade an individual's privacy, such as personal medical information and Social Security numbers
• Documents related to law enforcement, including investigative reports, arrest records, and information on confidential sources
• Legal documents that are sealed by the court, such as certain family court and juvenile court records
• Trade secret or confidential commercial details
• Internal personnel records, including personal evaluations and disciplinary actions
• Documents related to property transactions or negotiations until a final decision is made
• Plans and assessments related to the security of critical infrastructure or government facilities
• Financial information in tax records that pertains to individuals or businesses
• Information related to an individual's medical or psychological treatment and diagnosis
• Educational records, including grades and disciplinary information
• Records involving privileged communications between attorneys and their clients

These exemptions are in place to protect privacy, security, and sensitive information from unnecessary public exposure.

Other Public Records in New Hampshire

Here are some other types of public records available in New Hampshire:

• Business Records: Information related to business registrations, licenses, and corporate filings
• Environmental Reports: Reports on air and water quality, pollution levels, and other environmental conditions
• Voter Information: Records related to voter registration, voting history, and election results
• State Health Assessment: Data on public health metrics, disease statistics, and wellness programs
• Forest Maps: Highlights issues affecting the state's forests
• Granite State Tax Records: Detailed records related to state-specific tax matters, including property tax assessments and local tax filings
• State Library Archives: Unique collections, including historical manuscripts, rare books, and local history materials

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional details about public records in New Hampshire, refer to the frequently asked questions below:

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