Pursuant to New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law (RSA 91-A), warrants are generally considered public records in the state of New Hampshire. This legislative framework establishes transparency in governmental operations, including judicial proceedings, to maintain public trust and accountability. The public nature of warrant records serves multiple civic functions within the state's justice system.
Active warrants issued by New Hampshire courts become part of the public record once they have been executed or returned to the court. These documents are maintained by various law enforcement agencies and court systems throughout the state. The New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of State Police maintains a centralized database of certain warrant information that is accessible to the public.
Public access to warrant information supports community safety by allowing citizens to be informed about potential legal actions. This transparency also facilitates the apprehension of individuals with outstanding warrants, as public awareness may lead to information that assists law enforcement agencies in their duties. Under RSA 106-B:14, the Division of State Police is authorized to maintain records of warrants and make certain information available to the public.
It should be noted that while warrants are generally public records, certain information within warrant documents may be redacted or restricted if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, violate privacy rights protected under state law, or potentially endanger individuals involved in the case, as provided in RSA 91-A:5.
Warrant records maintained by New Hampshire authorities typically contain specific information as required by state statutes and court procedures. The standard content of warrant records includes:
The comprehensiveness of information available in public warrant records may vary depending on the issuing court and the nature of the case, subject to the provisions of RSA 91-A and related statutes governing public records.
Members of the public seeking to verify warrant status in New Hampshire have several no-cost options available through official channels. The state provides multiple avenues for warrant verification without financial burden to facilitate public access to this information.
The New Hampshire Department of Safety maintains an online warrant search portal that allows individuals to search for active warrants by name. This service is provided at no cost to users and can be accessed through the department's official website.
Citizens may also conduct in-person inquiries at local law enforcement agencies throughout the state. Many police departments maintain public access terminals where warrant information can be reviewed during regular business hours. For instance:
Manchester Police Department
405 Valley Street
Manchester, NH 03103
(603) 668-8711
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Manchester Police Department Wanted Persons
County sheriff's offices also maintain warrant records and typically provide public access during business hours. The Rockingham County Sheriff's Office, located at 99 North Road, Brentwood, NH 03833, offers this service Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Additionally, the New Hampshire Judicial Branch provides public access terminals at courthouse locations throughout the state where individuals can search court records, including warrant information, at no cost during regular business hours.
As of 2025, the State of New Hampshire has implemented several methods for individuals to verify their warrant status through official channels. These verification methods are established pursuant to RSA 106-B and related administrative rules governing public access to law enforcement records.
The New Hampshire Judicial Branch Electronic Court System (NHJB-ECS) provides a comprehensive online portal where individuals can search for court records, including warrant information. This system is accessible through public terminals at all district and superior courts throughout the state or via the internet with appropriate authentication.
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant may contact the Records and Identification Bureau of the New Hampshire State Police directly:
New Hampshire State Police Records and Identification Bureau
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
(603) 223-3867
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:15 PM
For federal warrant inquiries, individuals should contact the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire:
United States District Court - District of New Hampshire
55 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 225-1423
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Legal counsel may also conduct warrant searches on behalf of clients through specialized legal databases. The New Hampshire Bar Association can provide referrals to attorneys who specialize in criminal matters and warrant resolution.
The verification of outstanding warrants in New Hampshire is governed by established protocols that ensure public access while maintaining the integrity of law enforcement operations. Pursuant to RSA 106-B:14, several official methods exist for checking warrant status.
The New Hampshire State Police maintains a centralized warrant database that can be accessed through their public website. This database includes information on active warrants issued by state and local courts throughout New Hampshire. The search function allows queries based on name and date of birth.
County sheriff's departments throughout New Hampshire maintain records of outstanding warrants within their jurisdictions. These records can be accessed by contacting the respective sheriff's office directly:
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
329 Mast Road, Suite 109
Goffstown, NH 03045
(603) 627-5610
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Rockingham County Sheriff's Office
99 North Road
Brentwood, NH 03833
(603) 679-2225
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Local police departments also maintain warrant information for their jurisdictions. Many departments provide public access to this information during regular business hours or through their websites.
Federal warrants issued within or applicable to New Hampshire fall under the jurisdiction of federal law enforcement agencies and the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire. The process for searching federal warrants differs from state-level warrant searches and is governed by federal regulations.
The United States Marshals Service is the primary federal agency responsible for executing federal warrants and maintains information on active federal warrants. Limited information about federal fugitives may be available through:
United States Marshals Service - District of New Hampshire
55 Pleasant Street, Room 312
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 225-1632
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
The Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system provides electronic access to federal court records, including certain warrant information after cases have been filed. Registration is required, and nominal fees may apply for document retrieval.
Federal criminal matters in New Hampshire are processed through:
United States District Court - District of New Hampshire
55 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 225-1423
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Individuals seeking information about federal warrants may also consult with attorneys who practice federal criminal law. The Federal Public Defender's Office for the District of New Hampshire can provide guidance on federal warrant matters for qualifying individuals.