Secretary of State – Concord, NH

New Hampshire Secretary of State

The Secretary of State is the primary custodian of the Great Seal of New Hampshire and serves as the state’s chief elections officer. Located within the historic State House in Concord, this constitutional office is integral to the preservation of democracy and the facilitation of commerce within the Granite State. The Secretary ensures the integrity of state elections, maintains official government records, and oversees the registration of business entities.

Business Services and Corporations

One of the most utilized functions of this agency is the Corporation Division. This division handles the filing and recording of documents for corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and partnerships. 📝 Key Services: Business owners visit or contact this office to file annual reports, obtain certificates of good standing, and register trade names. The office also administers the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which is vital for securing loans and business transactions.

Elections and Voting

As the chief election official, the Secretary of State oversees the administration of all state primaries and general elections. The Elections Division works closely with town and city clerks to ensure compliance with state election laws, certifies election results, and manages the filing process for candidates running for state and federal offices. They are the authoritative source for voter information and campaign finance reporting.

Archives and Vital Records

The office acts as the guardian of New Hampshire’s history. The Division of Vital Records Administration (located nearby) maintains birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. Meanwhile, the State Archives preserve historic documents, legislative records, and geneaological resources dating back to the colonial era. 📜 Public Access: Many of these records are accessible to researchers and the general public for historical verification and legal purposes.

• Notary Public: Processing of notary commissions and apostille certifications.
• Legislative Records: Recording of all acts and resolves passed by the General Court.
• Vital Statistics: issuance of certified copies of vital events.