The majority of New Hampshire birth records are kept confidential, but those that date back to 1909 and earlier are kept at the Records and Archives building and are freely accessible to the public.
If you are researching births from that time period, you can visit the archives in person at 71 South Fruit Street in Concord during most regular business hours from Monday through Friday. There you can look up any pre-1909 birth records you wish, regardless of your personal relationship to the individuals on the records. You can find some records possibly dating back to 1883 or earlier, but it will depend on the county.
For any New Hampshire birth records after 1909, you must be an immediate family member in order to make a request for the record. Presumably, that would mean only children or parents of the person on the record, and possibly also grandchildren, grandparents, siblings or spouses. For non-family members, only legal representatives who have a tangible need for the record may apply. You are also free to request your own birth certificate.
The procedure to request a birth record is to simply fill out the form that is available from the Vital Records website (http://www.sos.nh.gov/vitalrecords/Publications/certificate_app.pdf), and send it completed to the office with the required fee.
The form is used for many kinds of vital records (births, deaths, marriages etc) so watch where you are filling out. The birth records section is at the top. You need to provide the name of the child on the record, their parent's full names, their sex, and the date and place of birth. The mother's maiden name should be used, if known.
This form for a New Hampshire birth record also requires that you fully identify yourself and your relationship to the person whose birth record you are seeking. Include a clear photocopy of a photo ID for yourself (back and front).
With the form, you will have to mail in the search fees as well. It will cost $15 USD for each record search, and an extra $10 for any extra copies you wish of the same record. Pay with a check or money order that has been made out to "Treasurer - State of New Hampshire". These fees are not refundable, so make sure you provide enough information that your desired record can be found.
All of this paperwork is sent to the Vital Records office at the New Hampshire Department of State, Division of Vital Records, 71 South Fruit Street, Concord NH, 03301-2410 USA. That is the correct address, which is the same as for the archives mentioned above. You can also drop off your application for a New Hampshire birth record in person, if you wish. Make sure to add in a stamped, self-address envelope (business size) as well.
If you choose to visit the office in person, you may be able to get your request filled while you wait. Otherwise, the standard wait time for mailed applications is about 20 days from when they get your documents.
These are the steps you should take to request New Hampshire birth certificates:
Step 1.
If you are able to demonstrate an interest in New Hampshire birth certificates, then you will need to fill out a New Hampshire Birth Certificate form to make your request.
Step 2.
Obtain a copy of your government-issued photo ID, such as your driver's license. If you do not have a photo ID, check the Department of Health's website for accepted alternative identification.
Step 3.
Return your identification and application to the Department of Health. You will also need to include a check or money order in the amount of $15 to cover the search fee.
If you need more assistance requesting New Hampshire birth records, then you can contact the office below:
New Hampshire Department of Health
Division of Vital Records Administration
Registration/Certification
71 South Fruit Street
Concord, New Hampshire 03301-2410
(603) 271-4650
How You Can Access New Hampshire Birth Records
New Hampshire birth records can be accessed through the New Hampshire Department of Health. Keep in mind that you must have direct and tangible interest in order to be allowed to request New Hampshire birth records.
How You Can Order
Requests for New Hampshire birth records should be made by mail. You will need to complete an application and return it along with the appropriate fees.
Limitations to Who Has Access
Birth records with a date of 1909 to present day are under restricted access. In order to access New Hampshire birth records, you must be the person listed, a direct member of the family, a legal representative, or otherwise able to demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record that you are requesting.
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