Understanding Death Certificates in New Hampshire

When a loved one passes away, doing the necessary paperwork is an unavoidable but crucial part of the process. Among the important documents needed is the death certificate.

In New Hampshire, obtaining and understanding the requirements for a legal death certificate can be a common source of questions and concerns. Here’s a comprehensive guide about death certificates in New Hampshire.

Information About the Deceased

A death certificate serves as an official record of an individual’s death, capturing vital details about the deceased. The information required on a death certificate can vary by state, but in New Hampshire, it typically includes:

• • Full name of the deceased
  • Address of the deceased
  • Birth date and birthplace of the deceased
  • Father’s name and birthplace
  • Mother’s name and birthplace
  • Complete or partial Social Security number
  • Veteran’s discharge or claim number (if applicable)
  • Education information
  • Marital status and name of surviving spouse (if applicable)
  • Date, place, and time of death
  • Cause of death

This information must be accurately recorded to ensure the death certificate is valid and useful for any subsequent legal or administrative purposes.

Obtaining a Death Certificate in New Hampshire

To acquire a certified copy of a death certificate in New Hampshire, you must visit your local city or town clerk’s office. Photocopies without an official seal from the town clerk’s office where the death occurred will not be accepted for legal purposes. Because death certificates are not considered public records in New Hampshire, only immediate family members and other legally interested parties (such as attorneys and funeral homes) can obtain them.

Cost of a Death Certificate

In New Hampshire, a certified copy of a death certificate costs $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy requested simultaneously. Payment is required before the issuance of the certificate.

Filing a Death Certificate

If you are not working with a funeral director for final arrangements, you will need to fill out and file the death certificate yourself. According to New Hampshire law, death certificates must be signed and filed within 36 hours of the death by an authorized doctor or hospice nurse.

After the original death certificate is signed, it can be completed by a family member or a funeral/cremation organization and filed in one of two places:

• • With the town clerk in the town where the death occurred
  • Directly with the Office of Vital Statistics in Concord, NH, within six days of the death

A transit/transport/burial permit is generated when the death certificate is filed. This permit must be signed by an authorized official or next-of-kin and filed with the town clerk within six days. The entire filing process typically takes three to five days to complete.

Obtaining a Copy of a Death Certificate

The most convenient way to obtain a certified copy of a death certificate is to visit a city or town clerk’s office. Any clerk’s office in New Hampshire can print and certify a death certificate as long as the death occurred within the state. The first copy costs $15, and additional copies cost $10 each. Requests can also be made by mail.

Confidentiality of Death Records

Death records in New Hampshire are private and confidential, with access limited to individuals who have a “direct and tangible” interest in the record. This includes the registrant, immediate family members, guardians, funeral directors, and attorneys. Death records older than 50 years are considered public records.

Correcting a Death Certificate

If there is a need to correct or complete a death certificate, an application can be submitted to the clerk of the city or town where the death occurred. The application fee is $10, with an additional $15 fee for obtaining a certified copy of the corrected certificate.

Dealing with the death of a loved one is never easy, and the paperwork can add to the stress. Understanding the process of obtaining and filing death certificates in New Hampshire can help ease some of the burdens. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium for additional information and support. We are here to help you through every step of this challenging time.