How much do death certificates cost in New Hampshire?
Certified copies from the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration cost $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Town and city clerk fees are generally the same.
| Source | Cost per copy |
|---|---|
| Division of Vital Records (state) | $15 first, $10 each additional |
| Town/city clerks | $15 first, $10 each additional |
| VitalChek (online) | State fee + $12 to $15 processing fee |
The discount for additional copies only applies when ordered at the same time as the first.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest for new deaths)
Your funeral director orders the first batch as part of their services. This is the simplest and fastest route for recently filed death certificates.
From the Division of Vital Records Administration
The state office in Concord handles death certificates for deaths that occurred anywhere in New Hampshire.
- Online: Order through VitalChek. Orders typically arrive in 2 to 3 weeks.
- By mail: Send a completed application with a check or money order payable to "Treasurer, State of NH." Include a copy of your ID. Mail orders take 4 to 6 weeks.
- In person: Visit the Division of Vital Records office in Concord. Same-day service is typically available for records on file.
From your town or city clerk
New Hampshire uses a municipal system. Each town or city clerk can issue death certificates for deaths recorded in their municipality. For recent deaths, the town where the death occurred usually has copies available sooner than the state office.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Town/city clerk (in person) | Same day to 5 business days |
| VitalChek (online) | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Division of Vital Records (mail) | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Division of Vital Records (in person) | Same day |
Town clerks are often the fastest option for in-person requests, especially in smaller municipalities.
How many copies do you need?
Order at least 8 to 10 certified copies. You will need one for each bank, insurance company, retirement account, and government agency you contact. Some institutions keep the copy you submit.
For a complete breakdown of where you will need certified copies, see our guide on how to get death certificates.
Who can order?
New Hampshire restricts certified death certificates to:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Parent, child, or sibling of the deceased
- Grandparent or grandchild
- The executor or personal representative of the estate
- A legal guardian or attorney acting on behalf of the family
- Anyone with a court order
You must provide a valid government-issued photo ID and state your relationship to the deceased when ordering.
What to know about New Hampshire specifically
Town-based system. Like other New England states, New Hampshire uses a municipal system for vital records rather than a county-based one. Your local town or city clerk is often the fastest source for certificates.
Low small estate threshold. New Hampshire offers a waiver of administration for estates under $10,000. This is one of the lowest thresholds in the country, so most estates will require some form of probate.
Probate through Circuit Court. Probate in New Hampshire is handled through the Circuit Court (Probate Division). You will need certified death certificates for filing. See our guide on how probate works in New Hampshire for details.
You can track all of your estate tasks with our interactive checklist.
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