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New Hampshire · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration - DVRA (state level - Concord) / City or Town Clerk (municipal level - where death occurred or where deceased resided)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: New Hampshire is a CLOSED RECORD STATE. Death records after 1968 are restricted. Eligible: immediate family members (spouse, parents, children, siblings, grandparents), legal guardian/representative, and others with documented direct and tangible interest.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. IN PERSON (City/Town Clerk - fastest): Any New Hampshire city or town clerk; most have statewide death record access through NHVRIN from 1965 to present; bring valid photo ID; same-day service in most cases; $15 first copy/$10 additional
  4. BY MAIL (DVRA - state office): Complete certificate application; include photocopy of valid photo ID; check or money order payable to "State of NH-DVRA"; mail to: NH Division of Vital Records Administration, 9 Ratification Way, Concord, NH 03301-2455
  5. Submit with valid photo ID and proof of qualifying interest
  6. Pay the fee
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed certificate application
  • Valid government-issued photo ID (photocopy for mail)
  • Proof of qualifying relationship or tangible interest
  • Payment: check or money order for mail; cash/check/card varies by clerk
Fee
$15 first certified copy; $10 each additional at same time; $15 nonrefundable search fee even if record not found
Processing Time
City/Town Clerk: same day in most cases; DVRA mail: weeks
Online Option
Limited; no major authorized third-party online vendor; contact DVRA for current options
Where to Go
Any NH city or town clerk (fastest, statewide NHVRIN access from 1965+); DVRA Concord (mail)
New Hampshire Notes

Important state-specific details

  • CLOSED RECORD STATE: death records after 1968 restricted; older records have different access rules; 1965+ through NHVRIN at any town clerk.
  • $15 nonrefundable search fee applies even if record not found.
  • Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need a copy.
  • Funeral homes assist with initial filing for recent deaths.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
New Hampshire DVRA - sos.nh.gov/vital-records-0 | (603) 271-4651 | 9 Ratification Way, Concord, NH 03301-2455