How Do I Get a Death Certificate in New Hampshire?

Death certificates in New Hampshire are issued by the New Hampshire Secretary of State - Division of Vital Records Administration. Online ordering is available through VitalChek. Most funeral homes also assist families with ordering certificates at the time of death.

Standard processing in New Hampshire takes 20 business days for mail requests; same-day in person. Funeral homes typically handle initial certificate orders at the time of death.

In New Hampshire, death certificates can be requested by: Person with direct and tangible interest as defined in RSA 5-C:102, III. Requesters typically need to provide Valid photo ID and Proof of direct or tangible interest.

The New Hampshire Secretary of State - Division of Vital Records Administration has death records from 1640 to present. Death, marriage, and divorce records 50+ years old are public domain per RSA 5-C:105 Records become public 50 years after the date of death.

The number of certified copies depends on the deceased's accounts and assets. Banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and retirement plans each typically require an original certified copy. Most families need between 8 and 15 copies. The New Hampshire estate settlement plan lists each step of the estate settlement process to help determine the right number.