How to get the documents and proofs you need
Who this is for: Anyone gathering paperwork for a benefit, housing, or ID application — and the people helping them.
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The chicken-and-egg problem is normal
Documents often require each other — an ID needs a birth certificate, a birth certificate needs an ID. Don't panic. Start with whatever you already have, and lean on a case manager, a Community Action Agency, or 211 to help you untangle it. This happens to a lot of people and there are workarounds.
Photo ID (NH non-driver ID card)
A state photo ID you can use even if you don't drive. Many applications and offices ask for one.
Cost: About $50 (standard) or $60 (REAL ID). Fees can change — check the DMV site.
Timeline: You get a temporary paper ID the same day; the real card is mailed to you.
How to get it
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Go to any NH DMV office
You apply in person. Use the DMV's online Document Checkerfirst so you bring exactly the right papers — it's the #1 reason people get turned away.
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Bring your documents
You'll need proof of who you are (like a birth certificate), your Social Security number, and proof you live in NH. A standard ID needs fewer documents than a REAL ID.
What to bring
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Proof of your Social Security number
- Proof of NH residency (a bill or lease with your name)
Notice the loop: an ID often needs a birth certificate, and a birth certificate needs an ID. If you're stuck, a case manager or a local agency can often help you break it — and NH town clerks can issue a birth certificate with other forms of identification.
Birth certificate
Proof of your identity and citizenship. Needed for a REAL ID, a Social Security card, and many benefits.
Cost: In NH: a $15 search fee that includes your first copy; extra copies are about $10 each. Online/expedited services add their own fees.
Timeline: Fastest in person at a town or city clerk. Mail takes longer; expedited online services are quickest but cost more.
How to get it
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If you were born in New Hampshire
Go to any NH city or town clerk (not just the town you were born in) with a photo ID, or order from the NH Division of Vital Records — in person in Concord, by mail, or online (expedited) through VitalChek.
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If you were born in another state
You have to order from that state'svital records office. The CDC's "Where to Write for Vital Records" directory lists every state's office, cost, and how to order. Many states also use VitalChek online.
What to bring
- A valid government photo ID (a photocopy if you're mailing the request)
- The fee (check or money order for mail requests)
- Your date and place of birth and parents' names
Out of state? Find the right office at the CDC directory: cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.
Proof of income
Documents that show what money you have coming in. Almost every benefit asks for this.
How to get it
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If you work: pay stubs
Download recent stubs from your employer's payroll website (like ADP, Workday, or Paychex), or ask your manager or HR/payroll for printed copies. Most programs want your last 30 days (usually 2–4 stubs).
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If you get Social Security, SSI, or SSDI: a benefit letter
Get an instant benefit verification letter from a my Social Security account online, or call 1-800-772-1213and they'll mail one (about 10 business days).
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If you get unemployment
Log in to the NH unemployment system to print your payment history and tax form (1099-G), or call 603-271-7700.
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If you have no income
That's okay — you can say so on the application. Some programs accept a simple written statement that you currently have no income.
Proof of residency (proof you live in NH)
Documents that show where you live. There are options even if you have no home.
How to get it
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The usual documents
A recent utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or official mail with your name and NH address.
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If you're homeless or have no fixed address
You can still qualify. For NH Medicaid, you can state where you live yourself — no bill or lease required. A shelter verification letteror a signed note from a shelter, agency, or case manager also works for many programs. You can use a shelter's address, or your DHHS District Office's address, to receive mail.
What to bring
- A utility bill, lease, or official mail with your name and NH address — OR
- A shelter/agency letter, or your own signed statement of where you live
The rule is simply that you live in New Hampshire and plan to stay. Not having a permanent address does not disqualify you.
Bank statements
A record of your account. Some programs ask for one to check your resources.
Cost: Recent statements are usually free. Old or mailed paper copies may cost a small fee.
How to get it
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Download it online (fastest)
Log in to your bank's website or app, find "Statements & Documents," pick the month, and download the PDF. You can print it or email it to yourself.
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Get it at a branch or by mail
Ask a teller to print one on the spot, or call the customer service number on the back of your card and request a copy by mail (about 7–10 days).
Free help gathering everything
- Call 211 (free, 24/7) — they can point you to the nearest DMV, town clerk, and agencies that help with document fees.
- Ask your case manager or CMHC — helping clients get documents is part of what they do.
- Community Action Agencies can sometimes help cover the cost of an ID or birth certificate. Find yours at capnh.org/cap-lookup.
Need help right now?
Call or text 988(Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or reach NH Rapid Response 24/7 at 833-710-6477. For any emergency, call 911.
Social Security card (replacement)
Proof of your Social Security number. Getting a replacement is always free.
Cost: Free — Social Security never charges for a replacement card. Anyone charging you is not the SSA.
Timeline: Online is fastest if you're eligible; otherwise the card is mailed after your documents are verified.
How to get it
Try online first
If you have a driver's license or state ID, you may be able to request a replacement through a free my Social Security account at ssa.gov — no trip required.
Or apply in person / by mail
Make an appointment at a local Social Security office, or mail Form SS-5 with your original documents. Social Security accepts originals or agency-certified copies only — not photocopies.
What to bring