How to Get a Death Certificate in New Hampshire

After a death in New Hampshire, certified copies of the death certificate are the single most-requested document — banks, insurers, and government agencies almost always ask for an original. Here is exactly where to order them, what they cost, and how many you'll need.

New Hampshire — quick facts

Issuing office
New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration
Cost per certified copy
$15
Phone
603-271-4651
Recommended copies
10–15
Visit the official New Hampshire vital records website →

Three ways to order certified copies in New Hampshire

  1. 1

    Ask the funeral home

    The fastest option. Most funeral homes will order certified copies on your behalf. Ask for 10–15 copies.

  2. 2

    Contact the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration

    Order directly from New Hampshire's vital records office by phone at 603-271-4651 or through its website. Bring a valid photo ID and proof of relationship to the decedent.

  3. 3

    Order online via VitalChek

    An authorized service accepted by most states. Convenient but may take 2–4 weeks and adds a processing fee on top of the state fee.

Before you order

  • Certified, not photocopied. A certified copy has a raised seal, watermark, or stamp. Most institutions reject plain photocopies or printouts.
  • Order from the state of death. If the person died in a different state than where they lived, request copies from the state where the death occurred.
  • Get more than you think. Every bank, insurer, and agency wants its own original. Extra copies are cheap compared to the delay of re-ordering.

Know exactly who needs a copy

Estate Assist reads the New Hampshireestate's documents, builds a personalized checklist of every institution to notify, and drafts the letters for you — so you know precisely how many certified copies to order and where each one goes.

Start your free action plan →

New Hampshire death certificate FAQ

How much does a death certificate cost in New Hampshire?

A certified copy costs approximately $15 through the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration. Additional copies are often the same price, and ordering several at once saves return trips.

How many certified copies should I order in New Hampshire?

Most families need 10–15 certified copies. Each bank, insurer, court, and government agency typically requires an original certified copy — not a photocopy — so ordering extras up front prevents delays.

Where are death certificates filed in New Hampshire?

Death certificates are issued by the vital records office in the state where the person died — not necessarily where they lived. In New Hampshire that office is the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration.

What is the fastest way to get certified copies?

The funeral home is usually fastest — most will order certified copies on your behalf at the time of death. You can also order in person from the county or state vital records office, or online through VitalChek (which adds a processing fee and can take 2–4 weeks).

Other states

Content checked against official state sources on July 16, 2026. Fees and office details change; confirm current requirements on the official New Hampshire vital records website before ordering. Estate Assist provides general information, not legal advice.