FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT KIND OF INFORMATION CAN I FIND IN THE RECORDS?
All Deeds records are public information. Any transaction that pertains to real estate and was recorded in this office will be available. This includes conveyances, mortgages, tax liens, discharges, attachments, UCCs, leases, plans, assignments, and more.
HOW DO I FIND A RECORD?
Go to Search Registry Records or click here.
The best and easiest way to find a record is under a name. Using the Quicksearch button, put in the name as follows:
LASTNAME FIRSTNAME
so, SMITH JOHN or JONES MARY
Our system does a BOOLEAN search, meaning that (unlike Google) the name has to be spelled precisely as it has been entered by the clerk. So the first name Chushanrishathaim is probably spelled out, even if he's gone by "Chuck" his whole life. And SMITH JOHN will find John Alger Smith, John Barker Smith, and probably many others.
If that doesn't work, and you have an uncommon last name, put just that in. Hopefully you will be able to select your document from a short list, or you can narrow the list by date.
When you identify which document you need to see, you will be given the book and page number. Please write them down.
CAN I LOOK UP A RECORD IF I HAVE ONLY AN ADDRESS OR LEGAL DESCRIPTION?
If you have only an address, contact the assessor or tax collector of the Town or City where the property is located. They can use the address to give you the current owner's name. Once you have the name, then you can access the records in the Registry.
If you have only a legal description of the property, don't despair! One of our clerks may be able to help you find what you are looking for.
HOW DO I GET A COPY OF THE DOCUMENT?
To get a copy of the document, there is a small fee. If you are an individual needing only a document or two, come to our office or call. We can give you a paper copy or email you a PDF. If you call, a staff member will take your credit card information and email address over the phone and immediately mail you a PDF.
Need to see a document, but don't need a copy of it, or not sure what you need? You are always welcome to come to our office and use one of our computer terminals. We can help you locate your documents. You can see each document on a screen, and decide which ones you want. Please bring cash, check, or a credit card.
WHAT IS A GRANTOR OR GRANTEE?
A GRANTOR is typically one of the following:
The Seller of the property, the Borrower (mortgagor) of money, the Defendant in an attachment, the Debtor in UCC filings. Any individual that gives or grants something, or makes a statement, will be listed as the Grantor.
A GRANTEE is typically one of the following:
The Buyer of the property, the Lender (mortgagee) of money, the Plaintiff in an attachment, the Secured Party in UCC filings. Any individual that receives or accepts something may be listed as the Grantee.
WHAT IF I WANT TO CHANGE THE NAME ON MY DEED?
Once a document is recorded, it cannot be changed or removed. To show any change in ownership, a new deed must be drawn up. Consult an attorney.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY MORTGAGE IS PAID OFF?
A document will be filed showing that change of status. The old document (probably a mortgage) is not removed.
If you have problems concerning a credit report, the consumer relations number for Credit Bureau Services of NH is 603-624-2600.
WHO WILL ANSWER MY LEGAL QUESTIONS?
We will not. We are prohibited by law from answering legal questions or giving legal advice. You must consult an attorney.
HOW CAN I REDACT A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER FROM A DOCUMENT?
Social Security Number Redaction Form
FURTHER QUESTIONS?
Give us a call or drop in. We will be happy to help.
