New Hampshire became the 9th U.S. state on June 21, 1788, and is one of the original 13 colonies. The state’s name was derived from Hampshire County, England, reflecting its colonial heritage. Initially, only five counties were formed during the early days of statehood. In 1840, the creation of Belknap and Carroll counties brought the total to 10 counties, which remain today.
In New Hampshire, county governments serve as branches of the state government, with oversight from an elected delegation and a three-member board of county commissioners. These officials manage county affairs, including budgets, operations, and public services.
New Hampshire promotes open government through its Freedom of Information and Open Records Statutes, which guarantee public access to government records and meetings at both the state and local levels. These laws apply to:
All government agencies
Municipal entities
Private companies contracted by the government
Any individual, business, or organization—regardless of purpose—can request access to these records. While many requests are made to ensure government accountability, others are submitted for personal, legal, or business reasons.
Public records in New Hampshire provide valuable information when investigating assets or financial holdings. Key resources include:
Property ownership records, accessible through each county registry of deeds, allow searches by name, property location, and transaction date
Business entity records, maintained by the New Hampshire Secretary of State, can be searched online for free to locate:
Registered business names
Company officers and agents
Filing status
The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Division also offers free online searches for liens and secured transaction filings, providing insight into business or individual financial obligations
These tools are essential for conducting due diligence, verifying ownership, or supporting legal investigations.
Many record requests in New Hampshire relate to personal documentation needs, including:
Birth certificates, often required for passport applications or identification
Marriage and death certificates, used for legal, estate, or insurance purposes
In addition, the state offers online verification tools for professional licenses. Residents and employers can quickly confirm credentials for:
Attorneys
Medical professionals
Accountants
Contractors
Other licensed professionals
These tools help ensure qualifications are valid and current before hiring or entering into contracts.
Searching for public records without guidance can be time-consuming and frustrating. Instead of relying on general search engines, start with a dedicated New Hampshire public records portal that provides:
Up-to-date directories of government agencies and databases
Direct links to official websites
Free downloadable forms
Step-by-step guidance on submitting requests
A comprehensive directory allows you to maximize your search success, uncover reliable sources, and locate new avenues for expanding your investigation.
