What are Sullivan County Public Records?
New Hampshire's Right to Know Laws defines government/public records as any information created or obtained by, or on behalf of, any public body while performing its official functions. This information includes knowledge, opinions, facts, or data regardless of the physical form it is stored or maintained. Government records also include written, typed, visual, pictures, audio, video, and electronic information. In some cases, government records may be labeled confidential by statute or sealed by court order. These records would be exempt from public access. Examples of these government records include the following:
- Records containing information on grand and petit juries such as the master jury list.
- Records of parole and pardon boards are exempt from public view.
- Records concerning internal personnel practices; confidential, commercial, or financial information.
- Any notes or materials made by a government official for personal use that do not have any official purpose. This includes but is not limited to notes and materials made before, during, or after a government proceeding.
- Test questions, scoring keys, and other examination data used to administer licensing examinations, examinations for employment, or academic examinations.
- Records pertaining to matters relating to preparation for and carrying out all emergency functions, including training to carry out such functions. This includes plans developed by any safety officials directly intended to prevent intentional acts which could cause widespread or severe injury, damage to property, or loss of life.
Public city records may also be accessible from third-party websites. Record seekers may use these non-governmental platforms to search for a specific record or multiple city records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The name of the subject involved in the record (not juvenile)
- The last known or current address of the registrant.
Note: Government agencies do not sponsor third-party sites. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Sullivan County Crime Statistics
Yearly crime statistics and data for Sullivan County are gathered by the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office. This information is passed on to the New Hampshire Department of Safety and added to the New Hampshire National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). According to the Sullivan County NIBRS reports for 2019 and 2020, rape, kidnapping, and shoplifting incidents increased by 77.7%, 75%, and 7.6%, respectively. In contrast, assault, burglary, vehicle theft, and arson reduced by 47.8%, 16.9%, 10.3%, and 56.6%, respectively. Finally, incidents of robbery and murder remained the same at 8 cases and 1 case, respectively.
Are Sullivan County's Criminal Records Public?
Under the right to know laws, not all criminal records are public information. A criminal record could be exempted by law or sealed by court order. Individuals who require a criminal record may request one on an individual or their own from the Criminal Records Unit of the New Hampshire State Police. Criminal record seekers can request these records by contacting the state police in person or by mail. Requests for personal confidential record checks can be made by downloading and completing the Criminal Record Release Authorization form. In-person requests can be made by submitting the completed form and showing valid photo identification at the public counter at the state police office. If mailing the application form, it must be notarized by a Notary Public or have a Justice of the Peace Signature with a date and a seal.
If requesting a third party's record or releasing your records to a third party, applicants must fill section II of the form. Notarization is not compulsory in this case. The submission of the form is made at the public counter at or by mailing it to:
New Hampshire State Police
Criminal Records Unit
33 Hazen Drive, Room 106A
Concord, NH 03305
Criminal record checks cost $25 per search, and the fee in the exact amount is accepted in cash, credit card (MasterCard, Visa, or Discover), check, or money order. Cash and credit cards are only accepted at the public counter, and checks and money orders should be made payable to the State of New Hampshire.
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records
Incident Reports, arrest reports, and other law enforcement records can be obtained from the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office. The record is requested by downloading a Request Request Form and selecting the appropriate record, filling the form correctly, and mailing it to:
The Sullivan County Sheriff's Office
P.O. Box 27
Newport,
NH 03772-027
Requesters will be required to show a valid photo identification during an in-person request or add a copy to a mailed request. Copies of the reports will cost $20 per copy. Requests are also allowed to indicate how the report should be delivered on the request form. For any questions or inquiries, requesters may call the sheriff's office at (603) 863-4200.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Sullivan County
The New Hampshire State Police provides online access to sex offender information via its New Hampshire Criminal Offender Search database. Visitors can search through the platform by name, address, zip code, city, and county. The database also provides another search tool where users can search for warrants and non-compliant sex offenders in the state.
How to Find Sullivan County Inmate Records
Information on inmates from Sullivan County can be obtained online using the Inmate Locator operated by the New Hampshire Department of Corrections. The search tool allows users to search for any inmates in custody in New Hampshire by name. Record seekers may also choose to call the Sullivan County Department of Correction directly at (603) 542-8717.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Sullivan County City Jail?
Inmates detained in Sullivan County will usually be housed at the facilities operated by the Sullivan County Department of Corrections at:
103 County Farm Road
Unity, NH 03743
Phone: (603) 542-8717
Fax: (603) 542-0239
The department of corrections offers video visitation for inmates using the Securus system. Requesters must register for an account on the Securus website and use its facilities to schedule calls and visits for a fee. Visitation for Housing Units 1, 2, and 3 is from 7:30 a.m. to 9:40 p.m. daily. Inmates in the Community Corrections Center have their visits scheduled between 5:00 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 9:40 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Court Records
Citizens can obtain court records for Sullivan County daily from the Sullivan County Superior Court. The superior court clerk acts as the custodian for court records, including criminal and civil court case records. Sullivan County court records can also be searched online on the Public Access to Electronic Court Records (PACER) website.
Locations of Courts in Sullivan County
The names, locations, and contact details of the courts in Sullivan County are listed below:
Sullivan County Superior Court
22 Main Street, Newport, NH 03773
Phone: (855) 212-1234
Sullivan County 5th Circuit Court District Division - Claremont
1 Police Ct, Ste 2,
Claremont, NH 03743
Phone: (855) 212-1234
Sullivan County 5th Circuit Court District Division - Newport
55 Main Street,
Newport, NH 03773
Phone: (855) 212-1234
Sullivan County 5th Circuit Court Probate Division
14 Main St, Ste 5,
Newport, NH 03773
Phone: (855) 212-1234
Sullivan County 5th Circuit Court Family Division - Claremont
1 Police Ct,
Claremont, NH 03743
Phone: (855) 212-1234
Sullivan County 5th Circuit Court Family Division - Newport
55 Main Street,
Newport, NH 03773
Phone: (855) 212-1234
Are Sullivan County Court Records Public?
According to New Hampshire's Right to Know laws, not every court record for Sullivan County is public information. Some records are exempted from public view because they are sealed by a court order or classified as exempt by statute or law. Examples of court case records that are exempt from public view include juvenile criminal cases, child custody cases, and other cases involving minors.
Can You Look Up a Sullivan County Court Case Online?
Sullivan County court records can be accessed online via the Public Access to Electronic Court Records (PACER) website. Requesters will be required to subscribe or register an account on the PACER website. After subscribing to the website, users will be able to perform searches for court records online and request and pay for these records online.
How to Obtain Sullivan County Civil Court Case Records
Civil Court Case records for Sullivan County can be obtained from the Superior Court Clerk of the Sullivan County Superior Court. The request must be made in writing and submitted to the Superior Court Clerk at:
Sullivan Superior Court
22 Main Street
Newport, NH 03773
Phone: (855) 212-1234
Written requests must contain enough information such as case numbers or parties to the case to allow staff to identify and locate a record. Requests can also be searched from the computer kiosks available at the court premises. Copies of records located by staff will cost $0.50 per page, while copies made from the computer kiosks will cost $0.25 per page. Certification of any record will cost an extra $10 per record. The clerk's office stores civil records onsite for one year after the case was closed. After this time limit, the records will usually be transferred offsite to the National Archives and Records Administration-Federal Records Center (NARA-FRC).
How to Obtain Sullivan County Criminal Court Records
Record seekers can obtain criminal court records for Sullivan County from the Sullivan County Superior Court Clerk. As criminal records are moved from the clerk's office two years after a case is closed, requesters may also contact the National Archives and Records Administration.
The Federal Records Center (NARA-FRC) within the national archives is the new resting place for these records.
Criminal case record requests are made by submitting a written request to a court clerk. The request must contain enough details to pinpoint the record. Requests to the court clerk can be brought to or addressed to:
Superior Court Clerk at:
Sullivan Superior Court
22 Main Street
Newport, NH 03773
Phone: (855) 212-1234
Records can also be looked up using the computer kiosks set up in the court premises. Copies printed out by a requester from the kiosk will cost $0.25 per page, while copies made by court staff will cost $0.50 per page. Certification of a record costs an additional $10 for each record.
What are Sullivan County Vital Records?
Sullivan County vital records refer to the records of life events that have occurred in the county. Recorded by government agencies, vital records may include records such as divorce certificates or decrees, birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates. These records can be obtained from the Department of Vital Records Administration (DVRA) of the New Hampshire Department of State. Vital records in New Hampshire are restricted records that will only become public information after some time has passed. Until that time has passed, certified copies will only be issued to individuals who can prove a real and tangible interest in the record.
Vial record seekers with any inquiries may contact the DVRA at (603) 271-4650.
Where and How to Obtain Sullivan County Divorce Records
Divorce records for Sullivan County can be obtained from the Department of Vital Records Administration (DVRA). Requesters may obtain copies of divorce decrees by filling the divorce section of the vital record application form and sending it to the DVRA at:
North Hampshire Department of State
Division of Vital Records Administration
Registration/Certification
9 Ratification Way
Concord, NH 03301-2455
Requests sent into the DVRA should include a copy of valid picture identification such as a driver's license or passport. In the absence of acceptable picture identification, a requester may complete and notarize the documentary evidence form and add any two of the documents listed in it. Mailed requests must also include a self-addressed and stamped business-sized envelope for delivering the record. A non-refundable search fee of $15 is the current fee for a certified copy of the divorce certificate. This fee includes one copy of the record. Any extra copies ordered at the same time will cost $10 each. Payment can be made in checks made payable to the Treasurer- State of New Hampshire.
As vital records are considered private records and exempt from the public, only requesters who can show real and tangible needs are granted access. However, divorce records over 50 years old are considered public information and can be requested by any member of the public.
Where and How to Get Sullivan County Marriage Records
Marriage records for New Hampshire Sullivan County are not considered public information. A marriage record will only become public after 50 years. Before that time, only requesters with a tangible and real interest may request it. Residents can obtain marriage records from the Division of Vital Record Administration. Eligible parties can request marriage records by filling the marriage section of the vital record application and mailing it to the DVRA at:
North Hampshire Department of State
Division of Vital Records Administration
Registration/Certification
9 Ratification Way
Concord, NH 03301-2455
The mailed request should include the correct fees and a copy of a valid signed photo ID like a passport or a driver's license. Applicants must also include a self-addressed and stamped business-size envelope to return the record. If no identification is available, the requester may include a notarized documentary evidence form and any combination of identification as instructed in the form. Record seekers will be required to pay a non-refundable search fee of $15, which includes one certified copy of the record if it is found. Any extra copies of the record ordered at the same time will cost $10 each. Payment is only acceptable in checks made payable to the Treasurer, State of New Hampshire.
Where and How to Find Sullivan County Birth Records
Birth records for Sullivan County can be obtained from the New Hampshire Department of State, Department of Vital Records Administration (DVRA). Birth records in New Hampshire are restricted records and only become public records 100 years after the date of birth. Only eligible persons who show a direct and tangible interest according to New Hampshire law may request birth records less than 100 years old.
Requesters will be required to show valid picture identification (driver's license, passport. etc.) or include a copy in any mailed request. If such identification is not available, requesters may download and fill a documentary evidence form and provide copies of documents as given in the form. One of the given documents must show the same address as the delivery address to show the vital record is truly being sent to the requester. If the documentation does not show the requester's address, the requester should down the vital record assignment form and fill out only the bottom half.
Obtaining Copies of Sullivan County Birth Certificates
Authorized persons can obtain certified copies of birth certificates by downloading a vital records application form and filling out the birth section and other relevant information. The completed form should be downloaded and filled online before signing and submitting it to the DVRA by mail at:
North Hampshire Department of State
Division of Vital Records Administration
Registration/Certification
9 Ratification Way
Concord, NH 03301-2455
The mailed request should include the completed and signed form, the appropriate fees, and copies of valid picture identification or any other supporting documents. Applicants for birth records will be charged an initial non-refundable search fee of $15 for a certified copy of the record if it is available. Additional copies of the record ordered at the same time will cost $10 for each copy. Payments are accepted in checks made payable to the Treasurer-State of New Hampshire. Mailed requests should also include a self-addressed and stamped business-size envelope for returning the record.
Where and How to Find Sullivan County Death Records
Death records for Sullivan County are issued to the general public by the Department of Vital Records Administration(DVRA)of the New Hampshire Department of State. Under New Hampshire's public record laws, death records are restricted and will usually only be issued to applicants who show a direct and tangible interest in the record. A death record becomes public when it is over 50 years old and is obtainable by anyone who goes through the application process and pays the fees.
Interested persons can order the records by filling the death section and other relevant information in the vital records application then submitting it to the DVRA. Requesters should fill out the form online before being printed out and signed. Applicants should mail to the completed form, the fees, and a copy of valid picture identification such as a driver's license or passport:
North Hampshire Department of State
Division of Vital Records Administration
Registration/Certification
9 Ratification Way
Concord, NH 03301-2455
If picture identification cannot be used, the requester may add a filled-out and notarized documentary evidence form and relevant documents as instructed in it. At least one of these documents must show the delivery address as used by the requester. If this is not possible, the request must download a vital record assignment form, fill the second half of the form and add it to the application. Mailed requests must also include a self-addressed and stamped business-size envelope for delivering the record. Requesters will be required to pay a non-refundable search fee of $15 for a single certified copy. Extra copies of the record will be charged at an additional $10 per copy.
