| City Clerk's Office, 1 Junkins Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801, Phone:(603) 610 - 7245, Fax:(603) 427-1579 | City Clerk's Home   FAQ   Birth, Marriage and Death Records   Licenses and Permits   Voting Information   Election Results   City Charter   City Council Revised Orders   Elected City Officials   Boards & Commissions   State and National Representation   Room Reservation Municipal Complex   Directions to City Hall   Noise Control Ordinance   Sidewalk Performer Guidelines   City Home   Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between the long form and the wallet size Birth Certificate? The long form and wallet size birth certificates are equally legal certificates that include a raised seal and a signature of the City Clerk. The long form birth certificate is approximately eight inches wide by five inches long. The wallet size birth certificate is the size of a credit card, which can be laminated. The informational difference on the certificates is that the long form provides additional details such How do I research my family genealogy? You can request access to unrestricted records (births prior to 1901; deaths and marriages prior to 1948) through the State of New Hampshire Bureau of Vital Records "Genealogy Center" that is located at 29 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH. It is open to the public at 8:30 - 11:45 and 12:15 - 4:00 Monday through Friday (except on Wednesday when the vault closes early at 3:30). Volunteers will help you do your research. If you have any Is the wallet size birth certificate still a legal document if it is laminated? The wallet size birth certificate will remain a legal document if upon issuance the certificate is laminated by our office. Do I need to license my dog? Any dog that resides in the City of Portsmouth needs to be licensed by our office. This should be done within fifteen days of moving into the City of Portsmouth. To license your dog, you will need to complete the application on our web site and mail the required information listed. How do I obtain a business license for the City of Portsmouth or the State of New Hampshire. The City of Portsmouth does not require a business license. However, the State of New Hampshire issues business license and applications may be obtained from the New Hampshire Secretary of State. They may be contacted at 603-271-3242 or via the web at www.state.nh.us/sos How do I become a Notary Public, Justice of the Peace, or Commissioner of Deeds? The application and issuance process is handled through the New Hampshire Secretary of State. They may be contacted at 603-271-3242 or via the web at www.state.nh.us/sos/.