New Hampshire Expungement & Record Sealing Guide
Governing law: RSA § 651:5 (annulment of criminal record)
Annulment of criminal record available
Who Qualifies for Expungement in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire calls its process "annulment" — functionally equivalent to expungement. The record is sealed from public access and you may legally deny the arrest or conviction in most circumstances.Who Qualifies
- Dismissed / acquitted charges: Eligible immediately
- Violations and Class A misdemeanors: 3 years after sentence completion
- Class B felonies: 5 years after sentence completion
- Class A felonies: 10 years after sentence completion
- No new convictions during the waiting period
- All fines and restitution paid
Not Eligible
- Certain violent felonies and crimes against persons
- Sex offenses requiring registration
- Felony DUI resulting in injury or death
Step-by-Step: How to Clear Your Record in New Hampshire
- File petition — In the court of conviction. New Hampshire uses standardized petition forms available from the court clerks.
- Serve agencies — Notify the state police, county attorney, and arresting agency.
- Objection period — Agencies have time to respond.
- Hearing — The court holds a hearing. The judge considers whether annulment is in the interest of justice.
- Order issued — NH State Police and all agencies seal the record.
Waiting Periods
- Dismissed / acquitted: Immediate
- Violations / Class A misdemeanor: 3 years
- Class B felony: 5 years
- Class A felony: 10 years
Costs
- Filing fee: ~$125
- Attorney fees: $750–$2,500
New Hampshire Legal Assistance offers free help at nhla.org.
What Record Clearing Does (and Doesn't) Do in New Hampshire
After a successful expungement or sealing in New Hampshire, your record will generally be cleared from:
- Most private employer background checks
- Rental housing background checks
- Most licensing board inquiries (varies by profession)
However, it typically does not affect:
- Federal law enforcement and immigration records
- Military background checks
- Applications for law enforcement positions
- Some professional licensing boards (law, medicine, teaching — varies by state)
- Sex offender registry requirements (in most cases)
Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a licensed attorney in New Hampshire for advice specific to your situation.
Want professional help with your New Hampshire expungement?
An expungement attorney can handle the paperwork, catch eligibility issues you might miss, and significantly increase your chances of approval. Use a trusted attorney directory to find licensed counsel in New Hampshire.
These are independent attorney directories. Clean Slate Guide does not provide legal services.