New Hampshire § 5-C-96 - Section 5-C:96 Retention Schedule for Forms and Other Documents.
Full text of New Hampshire New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 5-C-96 — Section 5-C:96 Retention Schedule for Forms and Other Documents., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-C-96. Section 5-C:96 Retention Schedule for Forms and Other Documents.
I. "Vital event record," for the purpose of the retention schedule established in this section, means all of the following records: (a) All birth records and any related documents used in the preparation of new records, including completed affidavits of paternity legitimation forms, court-ordered paternity decisions, court-authorized decisions related to change of gender, and all records relating to adoptions. (b) All death records, including changes affecting medical certification, submitted by the physician, APRN, or physician associate to either the clerk of the town or city or the division. (c) All marriage records, including any documents and related material used in the process of voiding any marriage certificate. (d) Divorce, civil annulment, and legal separation records that are on file at the division. II. For the purpose of preservation of facts in relation to births, marriages, deaths, and divorces, vital event records shall be retained by the city or town clerks and hospitals as follows: (a) Application forms used to apply for certified copies: retained for one year. (b) Marriage application worksheet when the clerk of the town or city has received the license from the officiant: retained for one year. (c) Marriage application worksheet when the marriage license has not been returned by the officiant or it has been determined that the marriage had never taken place: retained for 50 years. (d) Birth worksheet, hospital birth: retained for 7 years. (e) Birth worksheet, home birth: retained for 7 years. (f) In-state burial permit: retained for 6 years. (g) Out-of-state burial permit: retained for 10 years. (h) Disinterment and reinterment permit; in-state disposition: retained for 6 years. (i) Disinterment and reinterment permit; out-of-state disposition: retained for 10 years. (j) Medical examiner's cremation certificate: retained for 6 years. (k) Amendment or correction form: retained permanently. (l) Clerk of the town or city's copy of marriage certificate: retained permanently. (m) Fetal death report: retained permanently. (n) Funeral director receipt: retained for one year. (o) Vital event records, including, birth, marriages, and deaths, not specifically listed in this paragraph: retained permanently.
Source: official New Hampshire text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire § 5-C-96
What does New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 5-C-96 cover?
Section 5-C-96 ("Section 5-C:96 Retention Schedule for Forms and Other Documents.") is part of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Hampshire. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Hampshire § 5-C-96?
A common citation format is "New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 5-C-96" (New Hampshire). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Hampshire law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Hampshire official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Hampshire attorney.
How does New Hampshire § 5-C-96 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Hampshire can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Hampshire.