New Hampshire Department of State – Concord, NH

NH Secretary of State – Executive Office

Guardian of State Records and Elections

The New Hampshire Department of State, led by the Secretary of State, is a constitutional office headquartered in the historic State House, Room 204. Established in 1680, this is one of the oldest government positions in the nation. The Secretary of State serves as the state’s chief election officer, the keeper of the State Seal, and the recording officer for the Governor and Executive Council. While the department encompasses several divisions (including Vital Records and Corporations), this specific office acts as the executive hub and administrative center.

• Elections Division: Oversees the administration of all state and federal elections, ensuring compliance with election laws, managing candidate filings, and certifying results.
• Administration and Public Services: Processes appointments and renewals for Notaries Public and Justices of the Peace. The office also issues Apostilles and authentications for documents to be used internationally.
• Legislative Records: Maintains the official records of the Acts and Resolves of the General Court (state legislature) and the proceedings of the Governor and Council.
• Department Oversight: Directs the operations of the Corporation Division (business registrations), Securities Regulation, and the State Archives, which are located in nearby state facilities.

Visitor Information

The Executive Office is located on the second floor of the State House at 107 North Main Street. Visitors seeking to file business documents or request vital records are often directed to the respective division offices (Annex or Ratification Way), but this main office handles administrative inquiries, election candidate paperwork, and special marriage licenses. Access to the State House requires passing through security screening.