State background check
Two things set New Hampshire apart. The State Police release conviction records to the public, and state law puts a time limit on what can be reported for lower-paying jobs.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Counties | 10 |
| Statewide search | Available. The New Hampshire State Police release public conviction history on request. |
| Records returned | Felony and misdemeanor convictions from state and court files, plus sex offender registry results |
| Lookback | 7 years standard. State law caps reporting at 7 years for jobs paying under $20,000 a year. |
| Typical turnaround | 1 to 3 business days |
The Criminal Records Unit of the New Hampshire State Police maintains the central repository. Public conviction history from that repository can be released to anyone who requests it and pays the fee, which makes a statewide result possible here.
Only conviction data goes out for non-criminal-justice purposes, so arrests without convictions are not in that result.
Superior Court hears felonies, with a court in each county and two in Hillsborough. The Circuit Court district divisions handle misdemeanors and violations.
The State Police also run the state sex offender registry.
For New Hampshire, our standard search looks back seven years. Violent felony convictions are reported regardless of age.
New Hampshire law adds a limit. Records of arrest, indictment, or conviction older than seven years cannot be reported for jobs paying under $20,000 a year. Above that salary the limit does not apply, so our standard scope governs.
Most New Hampshire reports come back in one to three business days. The SSN trace and database search finish quickly, then the statewide check and court verification run.
A busy clerk's office can add a day. These are typical ranges, not guarantees.
New Hampshire's ban-the-box law covers public employers only. Private employers may ask about criminal history on an application.
Watch the salary line. For roles under $20,000 a year, older records stay off the report.
A statewide search plus court verification covers New Hampshire records well. The state is small and its labor market is not.
Many workers commute from Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont, or moved here recently. When the SSN trace shows addresses outside New Hampshire, add a national search.
Seven years is our standard, with violent felony convictions reported regardless of age. For jobs paying under $20,000 a year, state law bars reporting any criminal record older than seven years.
Yes. The State Police release public conviction history from the central repository on request. It covers convictions only, and we verify hits at the court that heard the case.
Superior Court hears felonies, with a location in each county and two in Hillsborough. The Circuit Court district divisions handle misdemeanors and violations in local communities.
No. The state restriction applies to public employers only. Private employers may ask about criminal history on an application, and FCRA rules still apply in full.
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State and local screening rules can change. Use this guide as general educational information and confirm current requirements with official sources before taking action.
The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Background check laws change, and how they apply depends on your industry, the role you are filling, and where you operate. Consult your own legal counsel about compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and applicable state and local law before making any hiring, leasing, or volunteer screening decision.