New Hampshire offers a decentralized death certificate system: every NH town or city clerk can issue certified copies of any NH death record, not just deaths that occurred in that town. This is typically the fastest local option. This guide explains every option.
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Which Agency Handles Vital Records in New Hampshire?
Death certificates in New Hampshire are issued by the NH Department of State, Division of Vital Records Administration (DVRA), located in Concord. All 234 New Hampshire town and city clerks can also issue certified copies of any NH death record. Website: sos.nh.gov/vital-records-0.
How to Order a Death Certificate in New Hampshire
- Online: Order through VitalChek. Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks.
- By mail: Submit a completed application, a copy of your government-issued ID, and payment in U.S. funds (check or money order payable to Treasurer, State of NH) to: Division of Vital Records Administration, 9 Ratification Way, Concord, NH 03301-2455.
- In person — Town/City Clerk: Any of New Hampshire's 234 town or city clerks can issue certified copies for any NH death, regardless of where the death occurred — typically the fastest local option, since you don't need to track down the specific town where the death happened. Same-day service in many cases.
- In person — Concord: Walk-in service at the DVRA office at 9 Ratification Way.
- Through the funeral home: The funeral home can order certified copies on your behalf in the days after death.
How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in New Hampshire?
The fee is $15 for the first certified copy, with $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time — confirmed directly on the New Hampshire Secretary of State's vital records page, and the same at both the state office and local town/city clerks. This fee applies whether or not a record is ultimately found. Credit card transactions may carry a small additional processing cost.
Pro tip
Since any NH town or city clerk can issue certified death certificates for any NH death, use whichever clerk's office is closest to you or has the shortest wait — you don't need to visit Concord or the specific town where the death occurred.
What will it cost in New Hampshire?
- First certified copy
- $15
- Each additional copy
- $10
- Total for 10 copies
- $105
- Typical across all states
- $137Below average
Fees come from this guide and can change. Confirm with the issuing office before paying.
How Many Copies Should You Order?
Most New Hampshire families need 8–12 certified copies: each bank, life insurance policy, the Circuit Court Probate Division, Social Security, real estate transfers, vehicle titles, and retirement accounts.
How many copies do I need?
Check each institution you'll need to notify in New Hampshire.
Check the boxes above for a suggestion. 2 spares are included by default.
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See the full checklist →Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire restricts certified copies to individuals and agencies with a "direct and tangible" interest in the record, per RSA 5-C:102. You must present positive identification — a driver's license, passport, or other government-issued photo ID — or complete a documentation form if you lack acceptable photo ID.
Processing Timeline
| Method | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Online via VitalChek | Roughly 2–3 weeks |
| By mail to Concord | Several weeks |
| In person, any town/city clerk | Often same-day |
| In person, Concord | Available, timing varies |
| Through funeral home | Typically within the first 1–2 weeks |
What to Do After You Receive Your Death Certificates
Once you have your certified copies in hand, these are the immediate next steps:
- Notify financial institutions — bring a certified copy to each bank, brokerage, and credit union where the deceased held accounts.
- File life insurance claims — each insurer needs an original certified copy.
- Contact Social Security — report the death at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
- Begin probate if the estate requires it — not every estate does.
- Update property titles — real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets each need a certified copy.
- Send notifications — Omuna's free notification templates help you draft letters to banks, insurers, and government agencies.
- Create a memorial page — Omuna's memorial editor lets you build a lasting tribute your family can share.
Pro tip
Omuna's After-Loss Checklist tracks all 40+ post-loss tasks so nothing gets missed.
You're reading about death certificates in New Hampshire. Here's what else is on the list.
- Notify close family and friends
- Select a funeral home or provider
- Apply for death certificates (Multiple copies)this guide
- Locate the Will and legal documents
- Apply for social security survivor benefits
- Find and close bank accounts
- + 62 more tasks across all four phases
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in New Hampshire may change. Consult a licensed New Hampshire attorney for guidance specific to your situation.