| Law Name | New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RTK) |
| Governing Statute | New Hampshire Revised Statutes § 91-A:1 et seq. |
| Response Deadline | 5 business days to provide records or written denial |
| Who Can Request | Any person; no residency requirement |
| Standard Copy Fee | Actual cost of copies; no fee for inspection; fee waivers available |
| Appeal To | Superior Court |
| Oversight Body | New Hampshire Attorney General's Office – Civil Bureau, (603) 271-3658 |
Last Updated: March 2026 | Source: PublicRecordCenter.com Research
About New Hampshire Public Records
Comprehensive Guide to Accessing New Hampshire Public Records | New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RTK)
New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A) covers both government records and meetings, and has been expanded by courts to include digital communications of public officials about public business.
The Law: New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RTK)
Governing Statute: New Hampshire Revised Statutes § 91-A:1 et seq.
New Hampshire's public records law establishes the legal framework for how residents and the public can access government information. The New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law establishes the right of any person to inspect and obtain copies of government records held by New Hampshire state agencies, counties, municipalities, and other public bodies. The law reflects the principle that transparent government is a prerequisite for an informed citizenry and a functioning democracy.
Response Deadline
5 business days to provide records or written denial
Extension provision: Additional time for complex or voluminous requests with written notice
If an agency fails to respond within the required time, the request may be treated as a constructive denial triggering the right to appeal. Always document the date of your submission and follow up in writing if no response is received.
Who Can Request Records in New Hampshire
Any person; no residency requirement
Requesters are generally not required to state a reason for their request. Agencies are prohibited from using the requester's identity or stated purpose as a basis for denial unless a specific statutory exemption limits access to certain categories of persons.
How to Request New Hampshire Public Records: Step-by-Step
- Identify the Records You Need
Before submitting a request, pinpoint which government agency holds the records. Different agencies maintain different records:- Court records › New Hampshire Court System
- Property records › County Recorder or Assessor
- Vital records (birth/death/marriage) › New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration
- Criminal records › New Hampshire State Police – Criminal Records Unit
- Business filings › New Hampshire Secretary of State
- Draft Your Request
Write a specific, clearly worded request describing the type of documents, the date range, names or case numbers involved (if known), and your preferred format (electronic preferred to minimize fees). Keep it specific — overly broad requests are more likely to result in delays or large fee estimates. - Submit to the Right Agency
Address your request to the agency's designated records custodian or records officer. The primary oversight body is: New Hampshire Attorney General's Office – Civil Bureau, (603) 271-3658.
Most agencies accept requests by email — check the agency's website for the records officer's contact information. - Track Your Request
Note the date you submitted your request. The agency must respond within 5 business days to provide records or written denial. Keep a copy of your submission and any acknowledgment receipts. - Review the Response
If the agency produces records, review them carefully. If records are withheld, the agency must cite the specific statute authorizing withholding. Request a log of all withheld records. - Appeal If Denied
File an appeal with Superior Court, or pursue the appropriate court action. Courts may award attorney fees in many cases.
Fees for New Hampshire Public Records
Actual cost of copies; no fee for inspection; fee waivers available
Fee waivers may be available for journalists, nonprofit organizations, students, or when the disclosure serves the public interest. Always ask about fee waivers when submitting a request — agencies are not required to volunteer this information. If the fee estimate exceeds your budget, consider narrowing the scope of your request.
Key Exemptions: What Is Not Publicly Available
Personnel files (except salary/position), medical records, attorney-client materials, law-enforcement investigative records, trade secrets, and attorney work product
If an agency cites an exemption, request that they identify the specific statutory authority — vague or overly broad exemption claims can often be successfully challenged.
New Hampshire Public Records Oversight & Enforcement
Oversight Authority: New Hampshire Attorney General's Office – Civil Bureau, (603) 271-3658
The oversight authority plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law. When agencies fail to respond or improperly withhold records, filing a complaint with the oversight body is typically free and faster than pursuing court action.
What Makes New Hampshire's Public Records Law Unique
New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law is especially transparent regarding government meetings — elected officials' communications about public business (even by text or private email) can be subject to the Act. Courts have applied this broadly in the digital age.
Types of Public Records Available in New Hampshire
Court Records
New Hampshire maintains an extensive court record system covering district, circuit/superior, and appellate courts. Court records include civil case filings, criminal dockets, probate records, family law cases (divorce, custody, adoption), and small claims matters. Many New Hampshire court records are accessible through the state court's online portal or by visiting the clerk of court's office in the relevant county. Visit: https://www.courts.nh.gov
Property Records
County-level property records in New Hampshire include deeds, mortgage documents, liens, tax assessment records, and zoning information. These are maintained by the County Recorder (or equivalent) in each county. Property records are among the most widely accessed public records and are often available online through county government websites.
Vital Records (Birth, Death, Marriage, Divorce)
Vital records in New Hampshire are maintained by the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration. Certified copies of birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees are available to eligible requesters upon submission of an application and required fee. Ancestry researchers may access historical vital records through the State Archives.
Criminal Records & Background Checks
Criminal history records in New Hampshire are maintained by the New Hampshire State Police – Criminal Records Unit. Background checks are governed by both the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law and the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). State-level criminal history includes felony and misdemeanor convictions, arrests, and sex offender registry information.
Business & Corporation Records
All business entities formed or registered in New Hampshire must file with the New Hampshire Secretary of State. Publicly available records include articles of incorporation, registered agent information, annual reports, officer names, and business status. These are often searchable online free of charge. Visit: https://sos.nh.gov
Sex Offender Registry
New Hampshire maintains a public Sex Offender Registry available online. Search sex offender registries on our Sex Offender Registry page.
How to Find Specific New Hampshire Public Records
- Birth Certificates: Contact the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration. Check the state health department's website for mail-in or online ordering options. Fees apply for certified copies.
- Death Records: Available from the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration for recent deaths. Historical records are available through the State Archives and genealogy platforms like FamilySearch and Ancestry.
- Marriage Records: Marriage licenses are filed with the county clerk or registrar in the county where the marriage occurred. The state health department may maintain a central index.
- Divorce Records: Divorce decrees are filed in the circuit/district/superior court of the county where the divorce was granted. Contact the clerk of that court.
- Criminal Background Checks: For a certified criminal background check, contact the New Hampshire State Police – Criminal Records Unit. Online portals are available in most jurisdictions.
- Property Records: Search your county's Recorder, Register of Deeds, or Assessor website. Most counties in New Hampshire provide free online property record searches.
- Court Records: Search online through New Hampshire Courts' public case search portal. Federal court records are available via PACER.
Search New Hampshire Public Records on PublicRecordCenter
PublicRecordCenter.com provides a free, organized directory of official New Hampshire government resources. Browse records by category:
- New Hampshire Public Records – Main Directory
- New Hampshire Criminal Records
- New Hampshire Vital Records
- New Hampshire Bankruptcy Records
- New Hampshire County Sheriff Agencies
- New Hampshire Sex Offender Search
Explore Public Records by State
PublicRecordCenter.com is a privately owned, free public records directory. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with any government body. We do not store, sell, or provide consumer reports as defined by the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Public records accessed through our directory may not be used to determine eligibility for credit, insurance, employment, housing, or other FCRA-regulated purposes. All links provided lead to official New Hampshire government websites and trusted third-party resources. Information in this guide is current as of March 2026. Verify current fees, deadlines, and procedures directly with the relevant agency before submitting a request.