New Hampshire (NH) Vital Records

Vital Records Online (VRO) offers a safe, secure, and simple way to order your New Hampshire vital records online. You can easily obtain your birth, death, and marriage certificates without any hassle. Once you place your order, your vital records will be safely delivered to your address. You can rest assured that your private information will remain confidential and secure throughout the entire process.

History of Vital Records in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Government-Issued Vital Records

The New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) is a state agency of the US state of New Hampshire, headquartered in Concord. Providing services in the areas of mental health, developmental disability, substance abuse, and public health, it is the largest agency operated by the state.

The Division of Vital Records Administration preserves birth, death, marriage, and divorce records that occur in New Hampshire. The archives include birth records since 1631, deaths since 1654, marriages since 1652, and divorce records since 1990.

Find out how to obtain official New Hampshire vital records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. Find out what information they contain, where to obtain them, how they are used, and how to get certified copies.

Start your application online for NH vital records

Certified Birth Certificate
New Hampshire Birth Certificate

Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.

Certified Marriage Certificate
New Hampshire Marriage Certificate
Obtain marriage records for yourself or a family member.
Certified Death Certificate
New Hampshire Death Certificate
Get an original copy of a death certificate replacement for a lost record.

Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My New Hampshire Vital Records?

Vital records play a crucial role in proving your identity, citizenship, and family relationships. Birth, death, and marriage certificates are essential documents that are required for numerous life events, such as getting married, joining the military, enrolling in school, or traveling. These documents can also help to resolve legal disputes, claim an inheritance, and investigate family history. Vital records can provide valuable insights into your family’s past by providing personal details about your ancestors, such as their full names, dates of birth and death, and locations. If you have lost your birth, marriage, or death certificate, it is advisable to file a police report and request a certified replacement as soon as possible. You can find more information about the uses of vital records in the birth, death, and marriage certificate FAQs.

Where to Get New Hampshire Vital Records

Obtaining vital records in New Hampshire can be done through online, in-person, or mail requests. These records are maintained at the county and state levels. Each county is responsible for certifying and issuing vital records that occur within its jurisdiction. You can find your county’s vital record issuing agency on the complete list provided by the state. This list includes the locations, contact information, and online applications to request birth, death, and marriage certificates. In New Hampshire, you can order your birth or death certificate through the state (online or by mail) or through your county. The process may vary depending on the county, but many offer in-person applications. Birth, death, and marriage certificates are issued centrally by the New Hampshire SOS-DVRA.

❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in New Hampshire, they are freely available from various public archives.

Visiting Vital Records Office

  • Long waiting lines
  • Complex and tedious application process
  • Strict business hours and closed during holidays
  • Extremely busy phone line
  • No trackable application
  • Only checks and money orders

Visit Directory

Ordering Vital Records Online

  • No waiting in long lines
  • Simplified and streamlined application process
  • 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error checking
  • Custom trackable application interface
  • Convenient fee payment by credit card

Get Started Online

How to Order New Hampshire Vital Records

Residents of New Hampshire can obtain their vital records from their home state using three methods: online, in-person (walk-ins), or by mail. Online requests are the most reliable and are often the only option available. The New Hampshire SOS-DVRA is responsible for producing and certifying copies of vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, subject to meeting the requirements and following the detailed instructions for each certificate type. Different types of certificates have varying requirements. Once you understand them, the process becomes straightforward.

The type of certificate and the method of ordering it determine the associated costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times. It is essential to review the steps and conditions before requesting a certified copy of a vital record from the SOS-DVRA, whether you order online, by mail, or in person. You should ensure that your documents, application, and payment for the fee are sent to the correct vital record location that produces a certified copy of the original record.

Ordering Online

Ordering New Hampshire Vital Records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:

  1. Complete the online application, upload your documents, and
  2. Process your order.

(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)

If you meet the eligibility requirements as an authorized person, you can apply to order a birth, death, or marriage certificate in New Hampshire online through Vital Records Online. Before applying, confirm that you have all the required documents on hand. You will be prompted to upload copies of these documents during the secure online application process. Vital Records Online simplifies the process by helping you quickly collect and generate the necessary documents, directing you to the correct application, and submitting your packet to the health department’s vital records office, which issues the certified record.

The application is easy to complete from any device with an internet connection, and the entire process takes as little as five minutes. Vital Records Online’s system also helps ensure your application avoids rejections due to common mistakes or missing documents. If required, the notary of your application by the New Hampshire SOS-DVRA can be conducted virtually during the online ordering process. A notary is generally needed when you cannot provide proof of address via primary or secondary identifications, or when a non-direct or tangibly related individual makes the request.

✔︎ Our $29 processing fee includes your automated document processing and first-class shipping & handling.

✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.

✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is required when the spouse or a legal representative submits the request. The notarized sworn statement required by the SOS-DVRA can be conducted virtually during the online application process.

✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning and printing your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and handling process works.

✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when ordering a New Hampshire birth, death, or marriage certificate online if you are an authorized applicant and can verify your identity and address.

Ordering In-Person or By Mail

You can apply in person if you live within travel distance of the state health department office that issues certified copies of the original vital records. New Hampshire does have a physical office where you can visit to obtain vital records. Before you go, confirm that the office is open to the public for walk-ins, but be prepared for long queues when you arrive.

For those living abroad, ordering online can be the most convenient method available for requesting vital records. Ordering via mail or online can also be a more efficient approach to avoid difficulties when applying in person. If the local vital records office is closed or you prefer to avoid potentially long queues, you can rely on mail or order online.

Mail is also suitable for those living out-of-state, while online ordering is typically the most convenient method for residents living abroad. The steps for applying for vital records are generally the same whether you apply in person or by mail.

If you choose to apply in person at the vital records office, prepare to complete the following steps:

  • gathering your documents,
  • getting photocopies of your documents,
  • completing the correct form, and;
  • (if open to the public) presenting everything to the health department during regular business hours.”

Additionally, when ordering by mail, you will need the following: 

  • purchasing an envelope,
  • including a physical check or money order,
  • obtaining a notarized sworn statement (only required if they cannot provide proof of address via primary or secondary identifications or when a non-direct or tangibly related individual makes the request) and,
  • issuing it to the New Hampshire SOS-DVRA.

If you or one of your family members need to replace a birth, death, or marriage certificate, you can learn more about our services. It’s important to note that each certificate type has different requirements for who is eligible to request a certified replacement. Vital Records Online can help simplify the process and minimize errors, resulting in faster processing times.

❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.

❗️ Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.

❗️ Before receiving approval, confirm if you must also have your documents and application notarized with a sworn statement for identity verification.

❗️ If you choose to mail your application and documents manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.

Requirements

Before gathering documents for your vital record application, it is crucial to understand the conditions and requirements.

Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization: 

To order certified copies of New Hampshire vital records, you must provide the necessary information and documents listed in the table below. The New Hampshire SOS-DVRA requires all applicants to prove their identity. For most types of records, a driver’s license, a state-issued photo ID, or a passport will suffice (check other acceptable IDs per certificate needed). However, if you cannot provide a government-issued ID, you must submit two secondary forms of identification. One must reflect your current physical address; otherwise, a notarized affidavit is required. If the state requires two secondary forms of ID as an alternative, one must show the address to which the documents are mailed. A secondary ID may be accepted if you do not have a valid form of identification.

If you cannot provide proof of address via primary or secondary identifications, or when a non-direct or tangibly related individual makes the request, a notary is required to attest that you are authorized to obtain the record.

What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in New Hampshire?

The New Hampshire SOS-DVRA has specific eligibility conditions for each type of certificate and personal circumstance. Please review the eligibility requirements for certified New Hampshire birth, death, and marriage replacements.

❗️ Without proper ID and a fully completed application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order.

Certificate Required Information ID Requirements Options Secondary IDs
Birth Certificate Date of Birth,
Email,
Father's Name,
Full Name of Person of Record,
Mailing Address,
Mother's Name,
Phone Number,
Place of Birth,
Purpose for the Certificate,
Sex,
Your Name,
Your Relationship to the Person of Record,
Your Signature
Driver's License,
Non-Driver Photo ID
Bank Statement,
Corrections ID,
Disability Award from SSA,
Hospital Birth Worksheet,
Income Tax Return,
Letter from Government Agency,
Marriage License,
Personal Check with Address,
Previously Issued Vital Record,
Rental Agreement,
Social Security Card,
Utility Bill,
Vehicle Registration,
Voter Registration Card,
W-2 Form
Death Certificate Date of Death,
Email,
Full Name of Person of Record,
Mailing Address,
Phone Number,
Place of Death,
Purpose for the Certificate,
Sex,
Your Name,
Your Relationship to the Person of Record,
Your Signature
Driver's License,
Non-Driver Photo ID,
Passport
Bank Statement,
Corrections ID,
Disability Award from SSA,
Hospital Birth Worksheet,
Income Tax Return,
Letter from Government Agency,
Marriage License,
Personal Check with Address,
Previously Issued Vital Record,
Rental Agreement,
Social Security Card,
Utility Bill,
Vehicle Registration,
Voter Registration Card,
W-2 Form
Marriage Certificate Bride Name,
Date of Marriage,
Email,
Groom Name,
Mailing Address,
Phone Number,
Place of Marriage,
Purpose for the Certificate,
Your Name,
Your Relationship to the Person of Record,
Your Signature
Driver's License,
Non-Driver Photo ID,
Passport
Bank Statement,
Corrections ID,
Disability Award from SSA,
Hospital Birth Worksheet,
Income Tax Return,
Letter from Government Agency,
Marriage License,
Personal Check with Address,
Previously Issued Vital Record,
Rental Agreement,
Social Security Card,
Utility Bill,
Vehicle Registration,
Voter Registration Card,
W-2 Form

Who is Authorized to Order

Who can request vital records in New Hampshire?

Requesting a certified copy of vital records requires all applicants to provide proof of identity. If you are requesting on behalf of someone else, you can confirm that you are eligible by reviewing the authorized third-party applicants for each type of certificate. Immediate family members and legal representatives can request a copy of vital records with proof of their relationship with the individual on record.

The record holder also must provide proof of identity with the application. If you are not eligible, you may still obtain the certificate with the Vital Records Authorization Form. This form requires the eligible requester’s signature, copies of the person on record’s primary ID, and your ID. You may be asked for additional documentation proving your eligibility as a third-party applicant. To check the eligibility requirements for each certificate, refer to the table below.

Certificate Authorized People
Birth Certificate Attorneys, Court Officials, Genealogists, Immediate Family, Law Enforcement, Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, Mass Media (for public records), Other person of interest (personal and property rights), Person on Record, Third Parties with Notarized Assignment from a Family Member
Death Certificate Attorneys, Court Officials, Genealogists, Immediate Family, Law Enforcement, Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, Mass Media (for public records), Other person of interest (personal and property rights), Third Parties with Notarized Assignment from a Family Member
Marriage Certificate Attorneys, Court Officials, Genealogists, Immediate Family, Law Enforcement, Legal Representative, Mass Media (for public records), Other person of interest (personal and property rights), Person on Record, Third Parties with Notarized Assignment from a Family Member

✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record.

❗️ Non-authorized third-party requests for New Hampshire birth certificates must include a notarized letter of consent to release information from the certificate holder.

✔︎ All requests ordered through Vital Records Online include an online notarization service if necessary, which can be added as an extra step during checkout.

Notarized Sworn Statement

Do I need a notary with my application?

The New Hampshire State Office of Vital Records Administration (SOS-DVRA) has specific requirements for obtaining certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates. Applicants do not need a notarized statement to request certified copies of their birth or marriage certificates if they can provide acceptable ID that shows their current address. Additionally, immediate family members of the deceased do not need a notarized statement to request death certificates. This applies to all methods of requesting certificates, including online, by mail, telephone, or in person.

However, a notarized statement may be necessary if a third-party representative requests a vital record. In some cases, applicants may need to prove their identity by notarizing a sworn statement along with their application and documents, primarily if they cannot provide an accepted form or forms of identification.

Only individuals with a “direct, tangible interest,” such as family members or legal representatives, can obtain certified death certificates. In some instances, a notarized sworn statement may be required.

❗️ A Notarized sworn statement may be required under the following circumstances: 

  • When a third party requests a certified copy of a New Hampshire birth certificate (if the third party cannot demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the document).
  • When submitting an application without a copy of a valid, government-issued ID or two forms of accepted secondary ID, one of which includes your current address.

You can confirm with the SOS-DVRA website for more information on the unique circumstances that may require one. If you use a local public notary, you must bring a valid ID to create the document.

Notaries are necessary for apostilles, corrections, or amendments to vital records in certain cases. For more information on these requirements, please refer to other FAQs provided below.

❗️ A notary is generally not required to obtain authorized copies of NH vital records. A photocopy of your ID is sufficient to verify your identity.

❗️A notarized sworn statement may be required when a third party not blood-related to the record holder requests a birth or death certificate.

✔︎ Vital Records Online includes an online notary service in your application packet. Otherwise, you must bring your ID when creating this document using a local public notary.

Costs and Fees

Replacing vital records comes with a cost that varies based on the fees charged by the SOS-DVRA for each type of certificate. The total cost will depend on how you submit your application and whether a notary is required to prove your identity. If you order birth, marriage, divorce, or death records through Vital Records Online, the online Application Assistant starts at $29.

The SOS-DVRA charges $15.00 for each certified copy of a birth, marriage, or death certificate. If you need additional copies during the same order, the fee is $10.00 for each copy.

Certificate Fee Additional Copy
Birth Certificate $15.00 $10.00

✔︎ Additional copies can be requested during the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.

Vital Records Online Logo VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.

Processing and Delivery Times

How long will it take to receive my vital records from New Hampshire?

The processing and delivery times for birth, death, or marriage certificates may vary. You can check the current processing and delivery times listed in the table below. The total amount of time until you receive your vital record in the mail can also be affected by the method you choose to submit your application and documents.

Vital Records Online simplifies the process of gathering documents and submitting your application packet and offers to expedite your order for priority processing.

Please note that the processing and delivery times may change based on the volume of requests the SOS-DVRA receives. If a notary is required, you can include the notarization online as an extra step during the checkout when processing your order on Vital Records Online. Otherwise, you need to account for additional time to obtain a notary from a local entity.

Certificate Processing Time Rush Processing Time
Birth Certificate 3 to 5 weeks N/A
Death Certificate 3 to 5 weeks N/A
Marriage Certificate 3 to 5 weeks N/A
Divorce Certificate 3 to 5 weeks N/A

✔︎ All Vital Records Online includes an online notarization service that can be performed virtually during checkout.

❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by SOS-DVRA may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.

❗️ We also advise allowing 2-3 additional days in your application process if you choose to obtain a notary from a local entity (if required).

❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.

How to Track My NH Vital Record?

After submitting your application through Vital Records Online, you can track the status of your order and monitor the processing status of your application. Additionally, you can track your application packet to the New Hampshire SOS-DVRA using the prepaid mail postage included with your order.

If you choose to mail the application packet to the Vital Records Health Department manually, it’s important to remember to purchase first-class mail tracking to ensure that your application arrives successfully.

Although the New Hampshire SOS-DVRA ships all vital records to your home via USPS first-class mail for security purposes, they do not claim responsibility for any misdirected or lost certificates.

If your birth certificate is lost, you should immediately file a report with the local police. It’s crucial to avoid any simple errors or typos when entering your personal information, as this could potentially expose your information if sent to the wrong address.

Find more frequently asked questions below the New Hampshire counties office locations directory.

New Hampshire (NH) Vital Record Office Locations

Local Vital Records offices may be closed to the public.

Online Applications are available 24 hrs, 365 days per year.

Search (A-Z) New Hampshire vital records issuing agencies in your county.
Address Hours Application
(SOS-DVRA)

New Hampshire Secretary of State,
Division of Vital Records Administration

9 Ratification Way,
Concord, NH 03301-2455

Phone: (603) 271-4650

Mailing Address:

New Hampshire Secretary of State,
Division of Vital Records Administration

9 Ratification Way,
Concord, NH 03301-2455

8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Grafton County
3855 Dartmouth College Hwy.
North Haverhill, NH 03774
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Hillsborough County
19 Temple Street
Nashua, NH 03060
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Merrimack County
333 Daniel Webster Highway, Suite #2
Boscawen, NH 0330
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Rockingham County
10 Route 125
Brentwood, NH 03833
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Strafford County
259 County Farm Road
Dover, NH 03820
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Belknap County
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Carroll County
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Cheshire County
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Coos County
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Sullivan County
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
❗️ Displays the first 20 counties. Use the search to find your county.
Find additional New Hampshire Vital Records locations at onlinevitals.com

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Apostille

An apostille is required for vital records submitted to foreign governments. The Secretary of State issues apostilles for vital records initially filed with the SOS-DVRA.

How can I get an apostille for a vital record?

To obtain an Apostille for New Hampshire vital records, you can go through the Secretary of State or use Vital Records Online. Vital Records Online provides reliable apostille services across all 50 US states and is recognized by various governments and organizations with legal validity in over 100 countries. The service offers apostilles for Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce Certificates, all with professional assistance. The entire process can be conveniently completed online in three steps, starting at $149 (plus government fees).

  1. Complete the Apostille Express online application.
  2. Submit the required documents for approval.
  3. Receive your apostille document.

Completing your apostille paperwork is now easier than ever before. You can do it all online without obtaining physical copies of your documents. Whether you’re in the United States or another country, once you’ve finished your paperwork, it will be sent to you via trusted courier services like FedEx or DHL. The courier service will deliver it straight to your doorstep, making the entire process hassle-free and convenient.

You will need to provide the following information: 

  • A letter that includes a phone number and indicates which country the document will be submitted to
  • Certified vital record certificate
  • $10.00 fee per apostille or certificate, in cash or check made payable to the State of New Hampshire
  • A self-addressed postage-paid envelope

You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the Secretary of State at the following addresses:

For express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:

Secretary of State’s Office,
107 North Main Street, Room 204,
Concord NH 03301

For standard mail, use the following address:

Secretary of State’s Office,
107 North Main Street, Room 204,
Concord NH 03301

You can reach the office at 603-271-3242 or online at https://sos.nh.gov/administration/administration/apostilles-and-certificates/.

Correcting or Amending Vital Records

The New Hampshire Secretary of State’s Division of Vital Records Administration (SOS-DVRA) provides guidance on how to acquire an amendment to an individual’s birth or marriage certificate.

An amendment is required when there is a need to change any vital record. Different forms are required depending on the type of information that needs to be amended. Any supplemental changes are added as addendums to the original vital record, but the original document remains unaltered.

The process for requesting changes or amendments varies depending on which vital record needs to be changed. In some cases, obtaining a court order, which typically requires the services of an attorney, may be necessary.

Correcting or amending vital records usually will require the following: 

  1. A completed, notarized amendment application;
  2. Supporting documentation;
  3. Appropriate fee(s);

Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.

REAL ID ACT

  • The DMV prefers a birth certificate when verifying your identity for the REAL ID;
  • The deadline to obtain a Real ID has been extended to May 7th, 2025.

The REAL ID Act is a new federal law regarding driver’s licenses that may affect those individuals whose vital records do not match their driver’s licenses. To prevent delays when applying for your Real ID driver’s license, you are encouraged to review your birth and/or marriage to ensure your name, sex, and date of birth are listed correctly.

Search Public Records

Where can I search for free public records?

In the state of New Hampshire, birth certificates become accessible to the public after a period of 100 years, while death and marriage certificates become available after 50 years. Although finding free public records can be challenging, many vital records in the state of New Hampshire can be obtained freely and efficiently by the public. If you’re looking for specific information, you can search through the state’s birth, marriage, and divorce records archives. However, be prepared to devote significant time to reviewing records.

Are New Hampshire Vital Records Open to the Public?

While most state records in New Hampshire are public, access to these records will depend on the type of record you’re looking for and the year of the birth, death, or marriage.

If you’re looking for specific types of vital records, third-party websites can make it easy to research. These websites are not limited to your geographic location and can provide a good reference point when analyzing records.

It’s important to note that data found on third-party sites may differ from official government records.

To find a record on a third-party website, you need to provide:

  • the location of the record, including the city, county, or state where it was recorded,
  • and the name of the person on the record if they are not a minor.

New Hampshire residents have the right to inspect or obtain copies of public vital records under the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law.

How to Verify if Your Vital Record is Official

To confirm that the vital record you possess is the official certified copy of a birth, death, or marriage certificate, you can compare it with the official, certified documents in the county where it was issued. Each county and municipality in New Hampshire designs and issues unique vital records, so it depends on the municipality or agency that issued the certificate. You can differentiate between informational and certified copies by looking for a stamp or large print across the document that reads “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or something similar. To confirm that your certificate is a certified copy,

What Are the Differences between Authorized Copies Versus Informational Copies?

Authorized Copy: 

Authorized (certified) copies of vital records are legal documents that can be used for official identification. These copies are only issued to individuals with a “direct and tangible interest” in the document. It’s important to note that informational copies cannot be used to establish identity.

Informational Copy: 

Short-form, unofficial (non-certified), “heirloom,” or “commemorative certificates” are copies of birth or marriage certificates that are intended only for display or personal reference purposes. They cannot be used for official purposes such as establishing identity, obtaining a passport, or proving eligibility for benefits. Informational copies are not official legal documents and are typically used for personal record-keeping or genealogical research.

Applicants are still required to provide an accepted form of identification when requesting a heirloom birth certificate in compliance with the Right-to-Know Law. Citizens have the right to inspect or obtain copies of public records.

New Hampshire offers non-certified heirloom birth certificates, but the recipient of the certificate must be able to meet the state’s access requirements. If you are not eligible to obtain a record for a friend or loved one, you may purchase an informational certificate as a gift, entitling the eligible recipient to receive a copy. The state has one application for all non-certified certificates, including Stillborn/Fetal Death Certificates, Affidavit of Paternity, and Pre-adoption Birth Record.

Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.

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