Coos County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Coos County in 2026
CoosRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Coos County, New Hampshire. Members of the public may find data pertaining to the following record categories:
- Ownership and deed records
- Property tax assessments and payment history
- Recorded liens, mortgages, and encumbrances
- Plat maps and legal descriptions
- Building permit and zoning information
- Sales history and transfer documents
Records can be searched through official county and state resources. The primary repositories for Coos County property records are the Coos County Registry of Deeds, the municipal assessing offices, and the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration.
Official Resources for Searching Coos County Property Records:
| Resource | Purpose | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Coos County Registry of Deeds | Recorded deeds, mortgages, liens | In-person; limited online |
| Municipal Assessing Offices | Property assessments, tax data | In-person; online via NH DRA |
| NH Granite Tax Connect | Statewide tax information | Online, free |
| NH GRANIT GIS | Mapping and parcel data | Online, free |
Online Search Methods:
1. Property Appraiser / Assessing Office
In New Hampshire, property assessment functions are administered at the municipal level rather than the county level. Each town or city within Coos County maintains its own assessing office. The NH Department of Revenue Administration oversees municipal assessing statewide and provides access to assessment data.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID or map-lot number
- By municipality within Coos County
- By GIS/map location
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property address and legal description
- Parcel/map-lot number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type)
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
- GIS map location
How to Search:
- Visit the NH Granite Tax Connect portal
- Select the applicable municipality within Coos County
- Enter search criteria (address, owner name, or parcel number)
- Review the results list
- Select a property to view the full property card, assessment history, and tax data
- Print or save the information as needed
2. Coos County Registry of Deeds
The Coos County Registry of Deeds is the official repository for recorded instruments affecting real property within the county. Members of the public may search grantor/grantee indexes and, where available, view document images.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller or transferor)
- Grantee name (buyer or transferee)
- Book and page number
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Liens (mechanic's, judgment, tax)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Declarations of restrictions and covenants
- Plats and subdivision plans
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
- Affidavits affecting title
- Lis pendens notices
How to Search:
- Contact the Coos County Registry of Deeds directly for online access availability
- Select the appropriate search type (grantor, grantee, or document type)
- Enter search criteria including names and date ranges
- Review the results and note book and page or instrument numbers
- Request document images or certified copies as needed
3. Tax Information via NH Granite Tax Connect
The NH Granite Tax Connect portal provides statewide property tax information, including data for municipalities within Coos County.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel/map-lot number
- Tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and payment status
- Outstanding balances
- Exemptions applied
- Millage and tax rate information
- Payment history
4. GIS / Mapping System
The NH GRANIT statewide GIS system provides interactive mapping for Coos County parcels, including aerial photography, property boundaries, zoning layers, flood zones, and environmental features. Users may navigate the map, click on a parcel, and access linked property information.
In-Person Searches:
Coos County Registry of Deeds
Coos County Registry of Deeds
55 School Street, Suite 103
Lancaster, NH 03584
Phone: (603) 788-2392
Coos County Registry of Deeds
Services available in person include viewing official records, requesting certified copies, searching grantor/grantee indexes, accessing record books, and receiving staff assistance with document searches.
Municipal Assessing Offices
Because New Hampshire administers property assessment at the municipal level, members of the public seeking assessment records for specific towns within Coos County — such as Berlin, Gorham, Lancaster, or Colebrook — should contact the respective town or city assessing office directly.
NH Department of Revenue Administration (Property Appraisal Division)
109 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 230-5950
NH Department of Revenue Administration
By Mail Requests:
Registry of Deeds — Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests to the Coos County Registry of Deeds by mail. Requests should specify the document by book and page number or instrument number, or by property address and approximate date range. Payment for copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request.
Mailing Address:
Coos County Registry of Deeds
55 School Street, Suite 103
Lancaster, NH 03584
Municipal Assessing Offices — Mail Requests
Written requests for assessment records should be directed to the assessing office of the specific municipality where the property is located. Requesters should include the property address or map-lot number and a return envelope.
Through Professionals:
Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers provide comprehensive title searches, abstracts of title, and title insurance commitments. These professionals identify all recorded interests in a property and are commonly engaged in connection with real estate transactions. Real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties and pull comparable sales histories as part of their representation services.
Search Tips:
- When searching by owner name, try last name first and check spelling variations, including maiden names and business entity names
- When searching by address, try with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W) and check for address changes
- For historical records not available online, an in-person visit to the Registry of Deeds or the relevant municipal office is required
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear in online systems due to recording delays
- Verify results by cross-referencing the parcel number or legal description when multiple results appear
What Is Coos County Property Records
Coos County property records are official documents related to real property — land and buildings — maintained by county and municipal government offices. These records constitute the legal foundation for property ownership and transactions within the county, and they are accessible to any member of the public under New Hampshire law.
Purpose of Property Records:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens
- Document property transfers and sale prices
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Determine property values for lending and appraisal purposes
- Protect property rights and enable title insurance
- Facilitate real estate transactions
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Title documents and transfer records
- Ownership history and chain of title
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
Encumbrance Records
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictions, covenants, and homeowner association documents
- Lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and outstanding balances
- Exemptions (homestead, veteran, elderly, disabled)
- Tax rates and special assessments
- Delinquency records
Legal Descriptions
- Plat maps and subdivision plans
- Surveys and metes-and-bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
- Condominium declarations
Building and Permit Records
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violations and zoning information
- Land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records:
Coos County Registry of Deeds
The Registry of Deeds records, indexes, and maintains all instruments affecting title to real property in Coos County, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats. Under RSA 478, the Register of Deeds is responsible for the custody and preservation of all recorded instruments.
Municipal Assessing Offices
Each municipality within Coos County maintains property valuation records, assessment rolls, property characteristics data, and exemption applications. The NH Department of Revenue Administration provides oversight and publishes equalization ratios.
Tax Collection Offices
Municipal tax collectors maintain tax bills, payment histories, delinquent tax records, and related information. The NH Granite Tax Connect portal aggregates much of this data statewide.
Building and Planning Departments
Individual municipalities maintain building permits, inspection records, zoning information, and code enforcement records.
Legal Framework:
Under RSA § 477:3, every conveyance of real property in New Hampshire must be recorded with the Registry of Deeds in the county where the property is located to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. New Hampshire's recording statutes establish a race-notice system, meaning that a subsequent purchaser who records first and has no notice of a prior unrecorded interest takes priority.
Are Property Records Public Information in Coos County?
Property records in Coos County are public information. Under RSA § 91-A, New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law, governmental records are presumed open to public inspection and copying unless a specific exemption applies. Recorded property instruments — including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats — have been public records under New Hampshire law since the state's earliest recording statutes, reflecting centuries of common law tradition requiring transparency in land ownership.
Why Property Records Are Public:
- Transparency: The public has a recognized interest in knowing who owns real property, how it is taxed, and what encumbrances affect it. Open records prevent fraudulent transfers and secret conveyances.
- Commercial Purposes: Real estate transactions, title searches, title insurance, property appraisals, and mortgage lending all depend on access to recorded property information.
- Legal Protections: Recording provides constructive notice to the world, establishes chain of title, and protects against fraudulent transfers and competing claims.
- Public Interest: Tax assessment transparency, community planning, historical research, genealogical research, and journalistic investigation all rely on access to property records.
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and property addresses
- Sale prices and transfer amounts
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment status
- Property characteristics (size, age, building type)
- Deeds and recorded document images
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Certain personal information is protected even within public property records. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under state and federal law. New Hampshire's Address Confidentiality Program, administered by the Attorney General's Office, permits certain individuals — including domestic violence victims, stalking victims, and sexual assault survivors — to use a substitute address for public records purposes.
Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure. Members of the public seeking access to exemption application details should contact the relevant municipal assessing office for applicable policies.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any person may access Coos County property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, property owners reviewing their own records, investors, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.
Commercial Use of Property Records:
Commercial use of public property records — including real estate marketing, property valuation services, title insurance, investment analysis, and market research — is permitted under New Hampshire law. Commercial data aggregators such as CoreLogic and First American compile public property records into subscription databases. Anti-harassment laws, fair housing laws, and other applicable statutes continue to govern the use of information obtained from public records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Coos County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at the Coos County Registry of Deeds at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. The following fee structure reflects current charges at the Registry of Deeds and municipal offices.
Registry of Deeds Copy Fees:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of recorded document (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of recorded document | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee |
| Recording a new document (first page) | $10.00 |
| Recording a new document (each additional page) | $4.00 |
| Online document viewing | Free (where available) |
Recording fees in New Hampshire are governed by RSA § 478:17-g, which establishes the schedule of fees applicable to the Register of Deeds.
Tax Information:
- Online access to tax information through NH Granite Tax Connect is free of charge
- Copies of tax bills from municipal tax collectors may be subject to a nominal per-page fee consistent with RSA § 91-A:4
Assessment Records:
- Online access to assessment data through the NH Department of Revenue Administration is free
- Copies of assessment records from municipal assessing offices are subject to standard copying fees, which vary by municipality
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check (payable to Coos County Registry of Deeds or the applicable municipality)
- Money order
- Credit and debit cards (accepted at many offices; confirm availability in advance)
Fee Waivers: New Hampshire law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies. However, members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost, and online access to assessment and tax data is provided free of charge through state-administered portals.
What's Included in a Coos County Property Record?
A complete Coos County property record draws from multiple official sources, including the Registry of Deeds, municipal assessing offices, and tax collection offices. The following information is available within the public record system.
Ownership Information:
Current Ownership:
- Legal owner name(s) as recorded on the deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
- Acquisition date and deed book/page or instrument number
- Mailing address for tax billing purposes
Previous Ownership:
- Chain of title with prior owner names
- Transfer dates and historical deed references
- Ownership timeline from original grant to present
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Municipality and ZIP code
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, metes and bounds)
- Map-lot parcel number and tax account number
Physical Characteristics:
Land Information:
- Lot size in square feet or acres
- Lot dimensions and frontage
- Land use designation and zoning classification
- Topography and soil type (where recorded)
Building Information:
- Total living area in square feet
- Year built and effective year
- Number of stories and building type
- Construction type and exterior wall material
- Roof type, foundation type
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Garage, pool, porch, and additional structures
- Heating type, water source, and sewer system
Valuation Information:
- Land value and building value (assessed)
- Total assessed value and market value estimate
- Assessment year and historical values for prior years
- Agricultural classification where applicable
Tax Information:
- Total tax amount due and taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rate and breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, municipality, special districts)
- Payment status, due dates, and payment history
- Exemptions applied (elderly, veteran, disability, current use, conservation)
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed document numbers
- Grantor and grantee names for each transfer
- Sale type (warranty deed, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, gift, inheritance)
- Documentary stamp amounts
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages with lender names, amounts, and recording dates
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens notices
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Current zoning classification and permitted uses
- Future land use designation
- Special district assignments (school, fire, water)
- Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
- FEMA flood zone designation
- Wetlands and conservation area designations
Maps and Images:
- Property exterior photograph (where available)
- Aerial photograph and GIS map with property boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
What Is NOT Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Personal financial information beyond recorded documents
- Interior photographs
- Social Security numbers (redacted)
- Private agreements not recorded with the Registry of Deeds
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Coos County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Coos County are maintained permanently. The Coos County Registry of Deeds retains all recorded instruments affecting title to real property indefinitely, as required by New Hampshire law and the fundamental necessity of an unbroken chain of title.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:
Under RSA § 478, the Register of Deeds is charged with the permanent custody and preservation of all recorded instruments. The New Hampshire Division of Archives and Records Management establishes records retention schedules for state and county offices, and recorded property instruments are classified as permanent records that are never subject to destruction.
Records Kept Permanently:
Deed Records
All recorded deeds — including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, trustee's deeds, and all other conveyance instruments — are retained permanently. Records in Coos County date to the county's formation and, in some cases, to original land grants and territorial-period conveyances.
Mortgage Records
All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments are maintained permanently, even after the underlying loan has been paid in full.
Lien Records
All recorded liens — including judgment liens, tax liens, mechanic's liens, and their releases — are retained permanently as part of the official title record.
Plats and Surveys
All recorded subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats are permanent records.
Other Recorded Documents
Easements, restrictions, covenants, declarations, powers of attorney affecting property, and court documents affecting title are all retained permanently.
Format and Storage:
Historical Records:
- Pre-20th century records: Handwritten ledger books
- Early-to-mid 20th century: Typed entries in bound volumes
- Mid-20th century onward: Microfilm
- Recent decades: Digital scans and electronic document management systems
Modern Format:
- Electronic document management with scanned images of original instruments
- Digital signatures for newly recorded documents
- Off-site backup and cloud-based systems for digital preservation
- Climate-controlled storage for original books and microfilm
Access to Historical Records:
Recent records (the last 20 to 40 years) are accessible online in many counties. For Coos County, members of the public seeking older records should contact the Registry of Deeds directly to confirm online availability and arrange in-person access or retrieval from archive storage. Staff can retrieve records from books, microfilm, or digital archives. Advance notice may be required for very old records.
Property Appraiser / Assessment Records:
Municipal assessing offices retain current and historical assessment rolls, property cards, and assessment data permanently. Exemption applications are retained for a period that varies by municipality, with many offices maintaining applications for five to seven years. Recent assessment history is available online through the NH Department of Revenue Administration; historical assessments are available at the relevant municipal office.
Tax Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven to ten years by municipal tax collectors. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained for several years following resolution. Permanent tax deed sale records are held at the Registry of Deeds.
Chain of Title:
Every transfer of real property in Coos County from the original grant to the present is part of the permanent public record. Title searches conducted in connection with real estate transactions review the chain of title for a minimum of 40 to 60 years, though a full abstract may extend to the original land grant. Gaps in the chain of title create title defects that must be resolved before a clear title can be conveyed.
Destruction of Records:
Recorded instruments affecting title to real property are never destroyed. Administrative working files, duplicate copies, and internal correspondence may be subject to destruction following applicable retention periods under the state records retention schedule. Any destruction of administrative records must comply with the NH Division of Archives and Records Management guidelines.
Contact for Historical Records:
Coos County Registry of Deeds
55 School Street, Suite 103
Lancaster, NH 03584
Phone: (603) 788-2392
Coos County Registry of Deeds
NH Division of Archives and Records Management
9 Capitol Street
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 271-2236
NH Division of Archives and Records Management
How To Find Liens on Property in Coos County?
A lien is a legal claim against real property that secures payment of a debt or obligation. In Coos County, liens affecting real property are recorded with the Coos County Registry of Deeds and are part of the permanent public record. Members of the public may search for liens using the following methods.
Types of Liens Recorded at the Registry of Deeds:
- Federal and state tax liens
- Judgment liens arising from court proceedings
- Mechanic's liens filed by contractors and materialmen
- Municipal tax liens for unpaid property taxes
- HOA assessment liens
- Child support liens
- Code enforcement liens
Step-by-Step Search Process:
- Contact the Coos County Registry of Deeds at (603) 788-2392 or visit in person at 55 School Street, Suite 103, Lancaster, NH 03584
- Request a grantor/grantee index search for the property owner's name
- Specify the time period to be searched and the property address or legal description
- Review all recorded instruments indexed under the owner's name, including any documents identified as liens, notices of federal tax lien, or lis pendens
- Note the book and page or instrument number for each lien found
- Request copies or certified copies of lien documents as needed
Federal Tax Liens:
Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the Registry of Deeds in the county where the property is located. Members of the public may also search the IRS Centralized Lien Operation for federal tax lien information.
Municipal Tax Liens:
Under New Hampshire law, municipalities may file a tax lien against real property when property taxes remain unpaid. Municipal tax lien information is available through the relevant town or city tax collector's office and through the NH Granite Tax Connect portal.
Judgment Liens:
Judgment liens arising from civil court proceedings are recorded with the Registry of Deeds. Members of the public may also search the New Hampshire Judicial Branch case lookup system to identify civil judgments that may have been converted to recorded liens.
Mechanic's Liens:
Mechanic's liens filed by contractors, subcontractors, or materialmen for unpaid construction work are recorded with the Registry of Deeds under RSA § 447. A search of the grantor index under the property owner's name will identify any recorded mechanic's liens.
Professional Lien Searches:
Title companies and real estate attorneys conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process. These searches cover all recorded instruments at the Registry of Deeds, federal tax lien filings, judgment records, and municipal tax lien records, providing a complete picture of encumbrances affecting a property.
Coos County Registry of Deeds
55 School Street, Suite 103
Lancaster, NH 03584
Phone: (603) 788-2392
Coos County Registry of Deeds
What Is Property Owner Rule in Coos County?
The property owner rule in Coos County refers to the body of New Hampshire statutes, common law principles, and local regulations that govern the rights, responsibilities, and limitations of real property ownership within the county. Property ownership in New Hampshire is subject to state law, municipal ordinances, and recorded restrictions that collectively define what an owner may do with real property.
Fundamental Property Rights Under New Hampshire Law:
New Hampshire recognizes the right to own, use, transfer, and encumber real property as a fundamental legal right. The New Hampshire Constitution, Part I, Article 12 affirms the right of individuals to acquire, possess, and protect property. These rights are subject to reasonable regulation by the state and municipalities in the exercise of police power, including zoning, land use planning, environmental protection, and taxation.
Recording Requirements:
Under RSA § 477:3, every conveyance of real property must be recorded with the Registry of Deeds in the county where the property is located. An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties but does not provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers or encumbrancers. New Hampshire follows a race-notice recording system, meaning that a subsequent purchaser who records first and has no actual notice of a prior unrecorded conveyance takes priority over the prior unrecorded grantee.
Property Tax Obligations:
Property owners in Coos County are subject to annual property taxation administered at the municipal level. Under RSA § 72, all real property in New Hampshire is subject to taxation unless specifically exempted by statute. Property owners may apply for exemptions including the elderly exemption, veteran's tax credit, disability exemption, and current use assessment for qualifying agricultural, forest, or open space land. Applications are filed with the municipal assessing office.
Zoning and Land Use Regulations:
Each municipality within Coos County adopts its own zoning ordinance governing permitted uses, setbacks, lot coverage, building heights, and subdivision requirements. Property owners must comply with applicable zoning regulations before undertaking construction, subdivision, or change of use. Zoning information is available from the planning or zoning office of the relevant municipality.
Deed Restrictions and Covenants:
Property owners are bound by any deed restrictions, covenants, or conditions recorded against the property at the Registry of Deeds. These restrictions run with the land and are enforceable against all subsequent owners regardless of whether the owner had actual knowledge of the restriction at the time of purchase. A title search conducted prior to acquisition will identify all recorded restrictions.
Adverse Possession:
Under New Hampshire common law and RSA § 508:2, a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and adversely possesses real property for a period of 20 years may acquire legal title through adverse possession. Property owners in Coos County should be aware of boundary disputes and encroachments that could give rise to adverse possession claims.
Eminent Domain:
The State of New Hampshire and municipalities within Coos County retain the power of eminent domain — the authority to take private property for public use upon payment of just compensation, as required by the New Hampshire Constitution, Part I, Article 12, and the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Property owners subject to a taking are entitled to fair market value compensation and have the right to challenge the amount offered through judicial proceedings.
Environmental Regulations:
Property owners in Coos County are subject to state and federal environmental regulations administered by the NH Department of Environmental Services, including wetlands permitting, shoreland protection, and groundwater regulations. Properties located within designated wetlands, floodplains, or shoreland protection zones are subject to additional use restrictions.
NH Department of Environmental Services
29 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03302
Phone: (603) 271-3503
NH Department of Environmental Services