Do I need proof of citizenship to register to vote in New Hampshire?

It depends on your registration path. New Hampshire currently has an active proof-of-citizenship requirement for voter registration. In New Hampshire, this currently applies to all new voter registrants statewide must show documentary proof of citizenship (HB 1569, eff. Nov 11, 2024); however, per Coalition for Open Democracy v. Scanlan/Formella (D.N.H., May 29, 2026), the elimination of the qualified voter affidavit was held unconstitutional and the affidavit option is RESTORED - first-time registrants without documents may sign a sworn citizenship affidavit; documentary-proof requirement itself survives; state appealing, no stay as of Jun 24, 2026. Accepted documents can include a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate. New Hampshire HB 1569 (signed Sep 17, 2024; eff. Nov 11, 2024) required all new registrants to produce hard-copy documentary proof of citizenship with no affidavit exception. On May 29, 2026, U.S. District Judge Samantha Elliott (Coalition for Open Democracy v. Scanlan/Formella) ruled HB 1569's removal of the qualified voter affidavit unconstitutional (First/Fourteenth Amendments; procedural due process), effective immediately, and restored the affidavit option for first-time registrants lacking citizenship documents. The court did not strike the underlying proof-of-citizenship requirement. NH DOJ is appealing; no stay reported as of Jun 24, 2026. (validated Jun 24, 2026).

How much does a birth certificate cost in New Hampshire?

A certified birth certificate in New Hampshire costs $15.00 search fee (includes one certified copy if found); $10.00 for each additional certified copy of the same record issued at the same time. Processing typically takes In-person requests are usually issued while you wait; mailed requests should allow about 20 business days from receipt for processing. Use the official New Hampshire vital records office for current details: https://www.sos.nh.gov/vital-records-0/purchasing-correcting-vital-records/request-certificates. Remember: you must order from the state where you were born, not where you currently live.

What voter ID do I need in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire's voter ID rules: Voters are identified using forms listed in state law (RSA 659:13), and registrants must provide proof of identity, age, U.S. citizenship, and domicile. Check with your local election office or visit the New Hampshire Secretary of State website for specific details on acceptable forms of identification.

What documents count as proof of citizenship in New Hampshire?

Documents generally accepted as proof of U.S. citizenship include: U.S. Passport (book or card); U.S. Birth Certificate; Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570); Certificate of Citizenship (N-560/N-561); Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA). Requirements may vary, so check with the New Hampshire election office for the most current list of accepted documents.

New Hampshire Voter Registration Guide

Q: Can I register to vote online in New Hampshire?

No, New Hampshire does not currently offer online voter registration. You will need to register by mail or in person. The registration deadline is before election: register in person up to 6-13 days before election day (varies by community); election day registration is available at polling locations; absentee registration request cutoff is 12 p.m. the day before the election.

Current voter registration requirements, birth certificate ordering information, voter ID rules, deadlines, and official election office links for New Hampshire.

POC: Yes - ActiveID requiredLast verified Jun 24, 2026 · fresh · high confidence

Active POC Law

POC Law (Not Enforced)

No POC Requirement

Voter ID Requirement

Voters are identified using forms listed in state law (RSA 659:13), and registrants must provide proof of identity, age, U.S. citizenship, and domicile

Online Registration

Not available

Registration Deadline

Before election: register in person up to 6-13 days before Election Day (varies by community); Election Day registration is available at polling locations; absentee registration request cutoff is 12 p.m. the day before the election

Proof of Citizenship Law

Yes - Active

NoteNew Hampshire HB 1569 (signed Sep 17, 2024; eff. Nov 11, 2024) required all new registrants to produce hard-copy documentary proof of citizenship with no affidavit exception. On May 29, 2026, U.S. District Judge Samantha Elliott (Coalition for Open Democracy v. Scanlan/Formella) ruled HB 1569's removal of the qualified voter affidavit unconstitutional (First/Fourteenth Amendments; procedural due process), effective immediately, and restored the affidavit option for first-time registrants lacking citizenship documents. The court did not strike the underlying proof-of-citizenship requirement. NH DOJ is appealing; no stay reported as of Jun 24, 2026. (validated Jun 24, 2026).

What to Do Now

1Check if you have one of the accepted documents (passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate)
2If your name has changed, get a passport in your current legal name
3Order your birth certificate now if you don't have one
4Verify your voter registration is current
5Keep originals safe - the SAVE Act requires originals, not photocopies

New Hampshire Voter Registration Guide

What to Do Now

How to Order in New Hampshire

Online

By Mail

In Person

New Hampshire Resources

New Hampshire Election Office(opens in new tab)

New Hampshire Vital Records(opens in new tab)

Federal Resources

USA.gov Birth Certificates(opens in new tab)

U.S. Passports(opens in new tab)

Vote.gov(opens in new tab)

VoteRiders(opens in new tab)

Verification Sources

Source 1(opens in new tab)

Source 2(opens in new tab)

Source 3(opens in new tab)

Source 4(opens in new tab)

Source 5(opens in new tab)

Source 6(opens in new tab)

Source 7(opens in new tab)

Contact Your Senators

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need proof of citizenship to register to vote in New Hampshire?

How much does a birth certificate cost in New Hampshire?

What voter ID do I need in New Hampshire?

Can I register to vote online in New Hampshire?

What documents count as proof of citizenship in New Hampshire?