OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
New Hampshire Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in New Hampshire. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 10 counties in a unified court system
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of New Hampshire)
  • Background checks: New Hampshire State Police — Criminal Records
  • Records law: New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through NH State Police
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

New Hampshire has 10 counties in a unified court system. You can search court cases through the New Hampshire Judicial Branch case lookup. The state has circuit courts (combining district and probate divisions) and superior courts.

Online case search is available through the Judicial Branch website.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in New Hampshire are handled by one U.S. District Court:

  • District of New Hampshire — Concord

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ New Hampshire Judicial Branch — Case Information 🏛️ New Hampshire Judicial Branch Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in New Hampshire are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the New Hampshire State Police Criminal Records Unit maintains criminal records.

🔍 NH State Police — Criminal Records 📋 New Hampshire State Police

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

New Hampshire operates under the Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A). Any person can request government records. Agencies must respond within 5 business days.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in New Hampshire

Court records are maintained by the New Hampshire Judicial Branch across 10 counties. Criminal history is centralized through the NH State Police. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in New Hampshire

New Hampshire has 10 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from New Hampshire state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in New Hampshire for free?
Use the NH Judicial Branch case information page to search court records.
Are arrest records public in New Hampshire?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in New Hampshire?
The NH State Police Criminal Records Unit provides criminal history checks. Visit the NH State Police website for details.
What is the New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond within 5 business days.
How many court systems does New Hampshire have?
New Hampshire has a unified court system: circuit courts (district and probate divisions), superior courts, and the New Hampshire Supreme Court.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026