New Hampshire Criminal Records at a Glance
New Hampshire criminal records are maintained by the State Police Criminal Records Unit. The unit obtains, stores, and disseminates Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) on all criminal arrests. Walk-in service is available at 33 Hazen Drive, Concord, or appointments can be scheduled online through the Criminal Records Portal. Court records are accessible through the New H
1New Hampshire Statewide Criminal Search Resources
The New Hampshire State Police Criminal Records Unit is clear: a NH criminal conviction check only includes convictions for offenses committed in New Hampshire. It does not include federal convictions, out-of-state records, or FBI data.
- NH State Police, Criminal History Record Requestswww.nhsp.dos.nh.govRequest a NH criminal conviction check in person (walk-in at 33 Hazen Drive, Concord, Room 106A) or by mail. Call (603) 223-3867 for questions.
- NH Criminal Records Portal, Schedule Appointmentservices.dos.nh.govSchedule a new fingerprint and criminal record check appointment online through the State Police portal.
- NH State Police, Criminal Records Unitwww.nhsp.dos.nh.govMission: obtain, store, and disseminate CHRI on all criminal arrests and dispositions in New Hampshire.
- Criminal Records FAQswww.nhsp.dos.nh.govFAQs including scope (NH convictions only) and how to obtain a nationwide FBI CHRI check.
- NH Sex Offender Registrybusiness.nh.govSearch for information on registered sex offenders in New Hampshire by name or other criteria.
- NH Judicial Branch, Case Access Portalwww.courts.nh.govView electronically filed cases online. Access court records from home or office.
- NH Judicial Branch, Record Checkswww.courts.nh.govCentral Processing Center performs electronic records checks for multiple names (5+ requests).
- New Hampshire Judicial Branch Homewww.courts.nh.govOfficial NH Judicial Branch portal. Court locations, self-help, record checks, and case information.
- New Hampshire VINELink, Victim Notificationvinelink.vineapps.comSearch offenders in NH custody and register for automated victim notification.
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement New Hampshire's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when New Hampshire state records are incomplete or out-of-state activity matters.
The Department of Justice's single national search across every state, territory, and tribal registry. Authoritative for offender status but does not include every historical conviction.
https://www.nsopw.gov/ (nsopw.gov)
How to request your own FBI rap sheet (CJIS Identity History Summary) under Title 28 CFR § 16.30, 16.34. $18 fee, fingerprint submission required.
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/need-an-fbi-service-or-more-information/identity-history-summary-checks (fbi.gov)
The FBI's aggregate crime statistics program. Useful for context on offense frequency but not a record of individual persons.
https://ucr.fbi.gov/ (ucr.fbi.gov)
New Hampshire Criminal Records, FAQ
Is there a single nationwide criminal record search?
No public one. The FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) is nationwide but is only accessible to law enforcement agencies and approved employers under Public Law 92-544. Individuals can order their own rap sheet through the CJIS Identity History Summary service.
What is the difference between state and FBI record checks?
A state check searches one state's conviction database. The FBI III check searches every state that participates in III. Both are fingerprint-based.
Can arrests without conviction appear on a background check?
Yes, on some. State BCI responses vary, a few states return arrests without disposition for up to seven years, others redact non-conviction arrests. The FCRA (15 U.S.C. § 1681c) caps non-conviction arrests on consumer reports at 7 years.
How long does an expungement take?
It is a court process governed by state statute, typically 60 - 180 days from petition to order, plus another 60 - 90 days for agency updates.