New Hampshire public records are documents or information that are available to the general public and relate to the activities of the government or public agencies. These records may include a wide range of information, including court records, criminal records, property records, and public financial records. In New Hampshire, public records are governed by state law, which establishes the process for requesting and accessing these records.
Under New Hampshire law, any person has the right to access public records, with some exceptions. For example, certain types of records, such as juvenile court records, are confidential and are not available to the public. Additionally, some personal information, such as social security numbers, may be redacted or withheld from public records to protect the privacy of individuals.
Birth records in New Hampshire are maintained by the Division of Vital Records Administration, which is a division of the Department of Health and Human Services. These records contain information about the birth of an individual, including their full name, date of birth, place of birth, and the names of their parents. Birth records are considered public records in New Hampshire, but they are not available to the general public. To obtain a copy of a birth record, you must be a qualified applicant, which includes the person named on the record, their immediate family members, legal representatives, or those who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record.
Death records in New Hampshire are also maintained by the Division of Vital Records Administration. These records contain information about the death of an individual, including their full name, date of death, place of death, and the cause of death. Like birth records, death records in New Hampshire are considered public records, but they are not available to the general public. To obtain a copy of a death record, you must be a qualified applicant, which includes the person named on the record, their immediate family members, legal representatives, or those who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record.
Marriage and divorce records in New Hampshire are maintained by the Division of Vital Records Administration. These records contain information about the marriage or divorce of an individual, including their full names, dates of marriage or divorce, and the names of any children born as a result of the marriage. Marriage and divorce records in New Hampshire are considered public records, but they are not available to the general public. To obtain a copy of a marriage or divorce record, you must be a qualified applicant, which includes the person named on the record, their immediate family members, legal representatives, or those who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record.
Criminal records in New Hampshire are maintained by the New Hampshire State Police. These records contain information about individuals who have been arrested, charged, and convicted of criminal offenses in the state. Criminal records in New Hampshire are considered public records and are available to the general public. To access criminal records in New Hampshire, you can visit the New Hampshire State Police website or visit the Department of Safety in person.
Court records in New Hampshire are maintained by the New Hampshire Judicial Branch. These records contain information about court cases, including criminal and civil cases, that have been filed in the state. Court records in New Hampshire are considered public records and are available to the general public. To access court records in New Hampshire, you can visit the New Hampshire Judicial Branch website or visit the courthouse in person.
Property records in New Hampshire are maintained by the county assessor's office in each county. These records contain information about the ownership, value, and location of real estate in the state. Property records in New Hampshire are considered public records and are available to the general public. To access property records in New Hampshire, you can visit the county assessor's office in person or search online through a third-party service.
Overall, the availability of public records in New Hampshire is an important part of the state's commitment to transparency and accountability in government. These records provide a valuable resource for individuals who want to learn more about the activities of government and public agencies, and they are an important tool for ensuring that government is accountable to the people it serves.