Strafford County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Strafford County?
Public records in Strafford County, New Hampshire are defined under the state's Right-to-Know Law, RSA 91-A, as any information created, accepted, or obtained by, or on behalf of, any public body, or a quorum or majority thereof, in furtherance of its official function. These records document the transactions and operations of government and are generally accessible to the public.
Strafford County maintains numerous categories of public records, including:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases processed through the Strafford County Superior Court and Family Division
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property transfers recorded by the Registry of Deeds
- Vital Records: Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates maintained by the Division of Vital Records Administration and town clerks
- Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations
- Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax maps
- Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports
- Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Documentation from County Commission meetings, advisory boards, and committees
- Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
- Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (with legally required redactions), and jail records
- Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning decisions, and building permits
The Strafford County Registry of Deeds maintains property records, while the Strafford County Superior Court houses court records. Vital records are primarily maintained by the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration and local town clerks. The Strafford County Commissioners' Office maintains county administrative records, meeting minutes, and financial documents.
Is Strafford County an Open Records County?
Strafford County adheres to New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law, which establishes the state's commitment to government transparency. Under RSA 91-A:1, the legislature declares that "openness in the conduct of public business is essential to a democratic society, and the purpose of this chapter is to ensure both the greatest possible public access to the actions, discussions and records of all public bodies, and their accountability to the people."
The law specifically states that "every citizen has the right to inspect all governmental records in the possession, custody, or control of such public bodies or agencies" except as otherwise prohibited by statute. This establishes a presumption of openness for all government records in Strafford County.
Strafford County also complies with New Hampshire's open meeting laws, often referred to as "sunshine laws," which require that most government meetings be open to public attendance and properly noticed in advance.
The county follows the state-mandated procedures for handling records requests, including response timelines and appeal processes. According to RSA 91-A:4, public bodies must make records available for inspection and copying during regular business hours, unless they are exempt from disclosure.
How to Find Public Records in Strafford County in 2026
Accessing public records in Strafford County involves several methods depending on the type of record sought:
-
In-Person Requests: Visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours.
- For property records, visit the Registry of Deeds
- For court records, visit the Superior Court or Circuit Court
- For county administrative records, visit the County Commissioners' Office
-
Online Access:
- Property records can be searched through the Strafford County Registry of Deeds online portal
- Court records may be accessed through the New Hampshire Judicial Branch's electronic filing system
- County Commission meeting minutes and agendas are available on the Strafford County website
-
Written Requests: Submit a formal written request to the appropriate department:
- Clearly identify the records sought
- Provide contact information
- Specify preferred format (paper copies, electronic files)
- Submit in person, by mail, or by email where accepted
-
Records Request Form: Some departments provide standardized request forms. The County Administrator's Office can provide guidance on which form to use for specific record types.
For specific record types, contact the following offices:
Strafford County Registry of Deeds
259 County Farm Road, Suite 202
Dover, NH 03820
(603) 742-1741
Strafford County Registry of Deeds
Strafford County Superior Court
259 County Farm Road, Suite 301
Dover, NH 03820
(855) 212-1234
Strafford County Superior Court
Strafford County Commissioners' Office
259 County Farm Road, Suite 204
Dover, NH 03820
(603) 742-1458
Strafford County Commissioners
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Strafford County?
Strafford County charges reasonable fees for copying and providing public records in accordance with RSA 91-A:4(IV), which states that "no fee shall be charged for the inspection or delivery, without copying, of governmental records, whether in paper, electronic, or other form." However, fees may be charged for the actual cost of providing copies.
Current standard fees include:
-
Paper Copies:
- Standard paper copies: $0.25-$0.50 per page
- Certified copies: Additional $5.00-$10.00 per document
-
Electronic Records:
- CD/DVD: $5.00-$10.00 per disc
- Email delivery: Often provided at no cost for small files
- Electronic transfer: Fees may apply for large data sets
-
Specialized Records:
- Registry of Deeds: $2 per page for recorded documents
- Vital Records: $15 for first copy, $10 for each additional copy ordered at same time
- Court Records: Varies by document type and certification needs
Accepted payment methods include:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Check or money order
- Credit/debit cards (at most offices)
- Online payment for certain electronic records
Fee waivers may be available when disclosure of the requested information is in the public interest. Requests for fee waivers should be submitted in writing with justification for the waiver.
The actual cost of providing the records is the standard for determining fees under New Hampshire law, and agencies are not permitted to charge for the labor costs associated with searching for records or redacting exempt information.
Does Strafford County Have Free Public Records?
Strafford County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law. Under RSA 91-A:4, the public has the right to inspect governmental records without charge during regular business hours.
Free records access includes:
- In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may examine non-exempt records at no cost during regular business hours at the appropriate county office
- County Commission Meeting Minutes: Available for free viewing on the Strafford County website
- Property Record Searches: Basic property record searches can be conducted for free at the Registry of Deeds office or through limited online access
- Court Docket Information: Basic case information is available through public terminals at the courthouse
- Voter Checklists: Available for inspection at town clerk offices or the county election office
Free online resources include:
- Strafford County Registry of Deeds - Offers limited free searches of property records
- New Hampshire Court System - Provides basic case information
- Strafford County Government Website - Posts meeting minutes, budgets, and other public documents
While inspection is free, fees may still apply for copies or certified documents as detailed in the previous section.
Who Can Request Public Records in Strafford County?
Under New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law, RSA 91-A:4, "every citizen" has the right to inspect and copy governmental records. In practice, Strafford County interprets this broadly and generally provides access to:
- New Hampshire residents
- Out-of-state residents
- Foreign nationals
- Organizations, businesses, and media outlets
- Attorneys and legal representatives
- Government agencies
Key points regarding eligibility:
- Requestors are not typically required to provide identification to inspect records, though some sensitive records may require verification of identity
- Requestors do not need to state a reason or purpose for their request for most public records
- Requestors do not need to submit requests in writing, though written requests are recommended for clarity and documentation
- Anonymous requests may be accepted for readily available records, but contact information is typically needed for records that require time to compile
For certain restricted records, additional requirements may apply:
- Vital Records: Requestors must demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record, such as being the person named in the record, an immediate family member, or legal representative
- Criminal History Records: Access may be limited based on the requestor's relationship to the subject
- Medical Records: Generally restricted to the individual or their authorized representative
- Juvenile Records: Subject to strict confidentiality provisions under RSA 169-B:35
When requesting your own records versus others' records, different standards may apply. Individuals generally have broader access to their own records, while requests for others' records may be subject to privacy protections and exemptions.
What Records Are Confidential in Strafford County?
Strafford County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with New Hampshire state law. RSA 91-A:5 specifically exempts the following categories of records from public disclosure:
-
Personal Privacy Records:
- Medical, mental health, and treatment records
- Personnel files and employment information (except for basic directory information)
- Social Security numbers, financial account information, and other personal identifiers
- Library user records protected under RSA 201-D:11
-
Court and Law Enforcement Records:
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
- Juvenile court records protected under RSA 169-B:35
- Grand jury proceedings and materials
- Active criminal investigation records that would impede law enforcement
- Victim and witness information in certain cases
-
Confidential Government Information:
- Records pertaining to emergency functions and security measures
- Preliminary drafts and notes not in final form
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Deliberative process materials prior to final decision
- Trade secrets and confidential commercial information
- Teacher certification records with certain exceptions
-
Vital Records Restrictions:
- Birth records less than 100 years old (restricted access)
- Death records less than 50 years old (restricted access)
- Marriage records less than 50 years old (restricted access)
- Divorce records less than 50 years old (restricted access)
-
Other Protected Records:
- Adoption records sealed under RSA 170-B:23
- Child abuse and neglect records under RSA 169-C:25
- Certain welfare and assistance records
- Test questions, scoring keys, and examination data
New Hampshire law requires agencies to apply a balancing test when determining whether certain records should be disclosed. This test weighs the public's interest in disclosure against privacy interests and potential harm from disclosure.
Strafford County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Strafford County Registry of Deeds
259 County Farm Road, Suite 202
Dover, NH 03820
(603) 742-1741
Strafford County Registry of Deeds
Regular Office Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and state holidays
Services Provided:
- Recording of deeds, mortgages, and other land records
- Issuance of certified copies of recorded documents
- Public research terminals for property records
- Online search services for recorded documents
- Document copying services
Strafford County Commissioners' Office
259 County Farm Road, Suite 204
Dover, NH 03820
(603) 742-1458
Strafford County Commissioners
Regular Office Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Closed on weekends and state holidays
Services Provided:
- County administrative records
- Meeting minutes and agendas
- Budget and financial documents
- County reports and publications
Strafford County Superior Court
259 County Farm Road, Suite 301
Dover, NH 03820
(855) 212-1234
Strafford County Superior Court
Regular Office Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Closed on weekends and state holidays
Services Provided:
- Court case files and dockets
- Court calendars and schedules
- Certified copies of court documents
- Public access terminals for court records