New Hampshire public records and people search guide
In New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A) governs access to government records, backed by a constitutional right of access (N.H. Const. Part I, art. 8). Court cases are generally public at the court where they were filed. Searching public records for personal reasons is legal; using them to screen tenants or employees requires an FCRA-compliant report.
At a glance
What is usually public in New Hampshire
- Court records: civil, criminal, small claims and most probate filings, unless sealed or confidential by law.
- Property records: owner of record, deeds and tax assessments, from the county assessor and recorder. See how to find a property owner.
- Business filings: companies registered with the New Hampshire Secretary of State (or equivalent office).
- Professional licenses: through New Hampshire's licensing boards. See how to verify a license.
- Sex offender registry: New Hampshire's registry is included in the national search at NSOPW.gov.
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce): access rules vary; many are restricted to the people named or their families. Contact the New Hampshire vital records office or the county.
How to request records from a New Hampshire agency
- Identify the agency that holds the record (city, county or state).
- Send a written request that describes the records as specifically as you can, citing the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law. Many agencies have an online portal.
- Expect a response within the statutory period: 5 business days to provide records or acknowledge the request.
- Ask about copy fees up front.
- If denied, ask for the specific exemption relied on. Appeal options are summarized in the guide below.
Detailed, maintained legal summary: Reporters Committee Open Government Guide: New Hampshire.
Searching New Hampshire court records
- New Hampshire Judicial Branch: court directory, forms and access policies.
- Federal cases in New Hampshire: PACER.
Reading results: an arrest is not a conviction, and similar names are easy to confuse. Match the date of birth and county. See how to check criminal records legally.
Public profiles, photos and phone data. Private: nobody is notified.
New Hampshire area codes
Questions
Are court records public in New Hampshire?
Most New Hampshire court records are open to the public unless sealed, expunged or confidential by law (for example juvenile and many family matters). Start at the New Hampshire Judicial Branch website or the clerk of the court where the case was filed.
What is New Hampshire's public records law?
The New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A) gives the public a right to inspect and copy government records, with exemptions set by law. Response time: 5 business days to provide records or acknowledge the request.
Can I run a background check on someone in New Hampshire?
You can search public records yourself for personal reasons. For hiring, renting, lending or insurance decisions, federal law (the FCRA) requires a consumer reporting agency and the person's permission, and New Hampshire may add its own rules.
How do I look up a New Hampshire phone number?
Enter it in a reverse phone lookup. New Hampshire area codes include 603.
Updated 2026-10-28. Links checked 2026-10-28. General information, not legal advice; statutes change, so confirm details with the agency or the Reporters Committee guide.
TrueSearch is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Do not use TrueSearch or anything on this page to make decisions about employment, housing or tenant screening, credit, insurance, or any other FCRA-covered purpose. Results come from publicly available information and licensed telecom data and may be incomplete or out of date.