State Public Records Guide
Public Records in New Hampshire
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in New Hampshire under the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (est. 1967).
Overview of Public Records in New Hampshire
New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law reflects the state's strong tradition of citizen governance and transparency, famously captured in its motto 'Live Free or Die.' The law establishes that openness in the conduct of public business is essential to a democratic society. New Hampshire's town meeting form of government, where citizens directly participate in local decisions, creates a unique records environment where local government transparency is deeply embedded in the political culture. The law applies to all state and local government bodies.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in New Hampshire
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 5 business days. If a request is denied, the agency must provide written reasons citing the specific legal authority for the denial within the same timeframe.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies. The actual cost of providing copies may not exceed $0.25 per page. Agencies may charge an hourly rate for staff time when fulfilling complex requests.
How to Submit a Request
Requests may be made orally or in writing. The law applies to all state, county, and municipal agencies in New Hampshire. No reason needs to be stated for the request.
Appeal Process
Requesters may appeal to the Superior Court or make a complaint to the Right-to-Know Ombudsman. The court may award attorney fees if the agency acted in bad faith in denying the request.
Types of Public Records Available in New Hampshire
Property Records
Property records in New Hampshire include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in New Hampshire contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on New Hampshire election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
New Hampshire court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in New Hampshire include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
New Hampshire vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in New Hampshire document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access New Hampshire Public Records
To request records in New Hampshire, submit a request to the relevant government body. While written requests are recommended, they are not required. Agencies must respond within five business days. If access is denied, you can appeal to the superior court or seek guidance from the Attorney General's office. New Hampshire counties maintain property records through registries of deeds, and the New Hampshire Judicial Branch provides online court record searches. The Secretary of State offers online business entity searches.
Online Access
New Hampshire courts provide limited online case access through the Judicial Branch website. Registry of Deeds offices in most counties offer online property record searches. The Secretary of State provides business entity lookups.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in New Hampshire
While the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in New Hampshire.
- Records whose disclosure would constitute an invasion of personal privacy
- Confidential state tax records of individuals
- Records of ongoing criminal or civil investigations
- Internal personnel practices and evaluations
- Legal advice and attorney-client communications involving government
- Trade secrets submitted to government agencies for licensing or permits
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, New Hampshire provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law
Enacted: 1967
New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law is codified in New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated Chapter 91-A. The law establishes that openness in government is essential and that exemptions should be construed narrowly. The law was amended in 2016 to address electronic communications and in 2022 to modify provisions related to nonpublic sessions. New Hampshire's law is relatively concise compared to other states, relying on judicial interpretation to define its scope.
Key Features of New Hampshire's Records Law:
- New Hampshire's town meeting tradition creates a uniquely transparent local government system
- The Right-to-Know Law is concise, with courts playing a major role in interpreting its scope
- New Hampshire has a five-business-day response requirement
New Hampshire Public Records Facts
New Hampshire has 10 counties and 234 municipalities maintaining local records
The state has approximately 1 million registered voters
New Hampshire Secretary of State maintains records for over 150,000 business entities
The state's registry of deeds records date back to colonial times in some counties
Search New Hampshire Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across New Hampshire. Enter a name below to search public records in NH.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Public Records
How quickly must New Hampshire respond to records requests?
How do I access New Hampshire court records?
Are New Hampshire property records online?
How do I get New Hampshire vital records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in New Hampshire or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.