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New Hampshire licensing

Do I need a debt collection license in New Hampshire?

No. New Hampshire does not require a state-level debt collection license.

State Laws

New Hampshire licensing laws

9 verticals covered for New Hampshire

← All states
Reviewed by Cornerstone Staff28 years of financial services state licensing experienceLast verified August 3, 2026

This guide covers 9 regulated activities in New Hampshire: New Hampshire Debt Collection Laws & Regulations, New Hampshire Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements, New Hampshire Subdivision Bond Requirements, New Hampshire Contractor License Bond Requirements, New Hampshire Charitable Solicitation Registration, New Hampshire Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing, New Hampshire Credit Services Organization Bond Requirements, New Hampshire Notary Bond Requirements, and New Hampshire Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements. For each one, the summary below names the state agency in charge. It shows whether a license or registration is required. It also shows whether New Hampshire calls for a surety bond before you can operate.

Oversight in New Hampshire runs through New Hampshire Attorney General (consumer protection), New Hampshire Banking Department, Local city or county government (plat approval authority) in New Hampshire, Local licensing offices (no statewide general contractor license), New Hampshire Attorney General, Charitable Trusts Unit, New Hampshire Secretary of State, and New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles. 5 of the 9 need a surety bond before you can operate. The bond protects the state and your customers if you break the rules tied to your license.

States change their statutes and fee schedules often. Treat the details below as a starting point. Confirm the current rule with the regulator before you file. When you are ready, Cornerstone Licensing can prepare and submit the New Hampshire filings for you. We track every renewal date and keep your license in good standing year after year.

debt collection

New Hampshire Debt Collection Laws & Regulations

New Hampshire does not require a state-level license for third-party debt collection. Collectors in New Hampshire must still follow the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). They must also follow any consumer-protection statutes the state Attorney General enforces.

Application process

No state-level debt collection license is required in New Hampshire. Check for any local or municipal registration rules. Review your obligations under the federal FDCPA.

Renewals

No state license means no renewal cycle applies. Keep your practices FDCPA-compliant. Watch for any future state licensing legislation.

New Hampshire relies on the federal FDCPA and the state Attorney General's consumer-protection authority. It has no stand-alone licensing regime. Confirm this exemption before you rely on it.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 1692) . Federal framework governing third-party debt collection nationwide.

mortgage

New Hampshire Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements

Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in New Hampshire. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in New Hampshire.

Application process

Mortgage companies generally apply through the NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System) for New Hampshire mortgage licensing. Requirements include a completed MU1 form, surety bond, audited financial statements, business plan, background checks (FBI criminal and credit) for all control persons, and net worth requirements. Individual MLOs are generally required to complete pre-licensing education (20 hours minimum including 3 hours of federal law, 3 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional lending, plus New Hampshire-specific hours), pass the SAFE MLO test, and submit an MU4 form through NMLS.

Renewals

Mortgage licenses in New Hampshire are renewed annually through NMLS. Company renewals require updated financial statements, bond confirmation, and payment of renewal fees. MLOs are generally required to complete continuing education (8 hours minimum annually, including New Hampshire-specific requirements) and pay renewal fees through NMLS. The renewal period typically runs November 1 through December 31.

All mortgage companies and MLOs operating in New Hampshire are generally required to be registered through NMLS. New Hampshire participates in the CSBS multi-state licensing process. Additional requirements may include maintaining a physical office, appointing a qualified individual, and filings with both state and federal regulations including TILA, RESPA, and the Dodd-Frank Act.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • SAFE Act (12 U.S.C. § 5101) . Federal framework for MLO licensing through NMLS

subdivision

New Hampshire Subdivision Bond Requirements

How subdivision (site improvement / plat) bonds work in New Hampshire: the enabling statute local governments rely on, how the bond amount is sized from the engineer's estimate, and what developers post to get a plat approved.

Application process

The bond is posted with the city or county that approves the plat, not a state agency. The local government (the obligee) sizes the security from the project engineer's estimate of the improvements still to be built (streets, curbs, sidewalks, storm drains, water and sewer), and the developer files the executed bond with the development or subdivision improvement agreement. Many New Hampshire jurisdictions reduce the required amount as phases are inspected and accepted.

Renewals

The bond stays in force until the local government inspects and accepts the improvements and releases the security; it is not renewed on a fixed license cycle.

Amounts are set locally under N.H. RSA 674:36, so two projects in different New Hampshire jurisdictions can face different security terms for the same scope of work. Confirm the exact security form and amount with the approving city or county before ordering the bond.

Key statutes

  • Subdivision regulations, performance security (N.H. RSA 674:36) . Authorizes planning board subdivision regulations to provide for performance security, including bonds, guaranteeing completion of street and utility improvements.

contractor license

New Hampshire Contractor License Bond Requirements

Whether New Hampshire requires a contractor license bond, what the state's contractor licensing rules actually require, and which bonds New Hampshire contractors still need: project bid, performance, and payment bonds plus any city or county license bonds.

Application process

There is no statewide contractor license bond to file in New Hampshire. New Hampshire has no statewide general contractor license; only specific trades are state licensed. Contractors still encounter surety bonds at the project level (bid, performance, and payment bonds on public and many private jobs) and through city or county contractor licensing programs that require their own bonds.

Renewals

With no statewide license bond, there is nothing to renew at the state level in New Hampshire. Keep any local license or permit bonds and project bonds current under their own terms.

Cities and counties in New Hampshire can require their own contractor license or permit bonds even though the state does not. Confirm current requirements with Local licensing offices (no statewide general contractor license) and the local jurisdiction before bidding.

Key statutes

  • Local contractor regime (No statewide GC statute; RSA trade licensing chapters) . New Hampshire general contractors are not licensed or bonded at the state level; specific trades are licensed through state boards.

charitable registration

New Hampshire Charitable Solicitation Registration

A guide to charitable solicitation registration in New Hampshire: who must register with the New Hampshire Attorney General, Charitable Trusts Unit before asking New Hampshire residents for donations, common exemptions, renewal timing, and the professional fundraiser and charitable gaming rules that run alongside it.

Application process

Charitable organizations register with the New Hampshire Attorney General, Charitable Trusts Unit before soliciting contributions in New Hampshire, whether the ask happens in person, by mail, by phone, or online to New Hampshire residents. A typical filing includes the state registration form (or the multistate Unified Registration Statement where accepted), the IRS determination letter, articles of incorporation and bylaws, a list of officers and directors, the most recent IRS Form 990 or financial statements, and disclosure of any professional fundraiser contracts.

Common exemptions cover religious organizations, educational institutions, and small organizations under a revenue threshold, but exemption is rarely automatic; many states require an exemption filing. Registration fees are typically tiered to annual contributions; confirm the current schedule with the New Hampshire Attorney General, Charitable Trusts Unit.

Renewals

Charitable registrations in New Hampshire renew annually, generally keyed to the organization's fiscal year end, with updated financial reporting (IRS Form 990 or audited financials above the statutory revenue threshold) and the renewal fee. Late renewals can incur penalties and suspend the organization's authority to solicit.

Professional fundraisers, professional solicitors, and fundraising counsel must register separately in New Hampshire before working with charities, and paid solicitors typically post a surety bond. Charitable gaming (raffles, bingo, casino nights) is licensed separately where New Hampshire permits it. Nonprofits registering in multiple states also need a registered agent in each state where they are incorporated or qualified to do business.

Key statutes

  • New Hampshire charitable solicitation law (NH charitable solicitation statute) . Requires charitable organizations to register with New Hampshire Attorney General, Charitable Trusts Unit before soliciting contributions in New Hampshire, subject to statutory exemptions.

money transmitter

New Hampshire Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing

Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in New Hampshire. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire money transmitter requirements at a glance

New Hampshire money transmitter licensing requirements
Surety bond $25,000
Minimum net worth $100,000
Renewal cadence Annual
FinCEN MSB registration Required

Application process

To obtain a money transmitter license in New Hampshire, applicants generally need to submit a completed application to the New Hampshire Banking Department, provide a surety bond of $25,000-$500,000, demonstrate minimum net worth of $100,000, provide audited financial statements, implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program, and pass background checks for all control persons. Many states now accept applications through NMLS. The application process typically takes 3-12 months depending on the state and complexity of the applicant's business model.

Renewals

Money transmitter licenses in New Hampshire generally require annual renewal. Renewal typically requires submission of audited financial statements, updated surety bond, quarterly or annual transaction reports, BSA/AML filing documentation, and payment of renewal fees. Some states require call report filings on a quarterly basis throughout the year.

Money transmitters operating in New Hampshire are also generally expected to register with FinCEN as a money services business (MSB) and implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program. This includes appointing a filings officer, developing written policies and procedures, conducting employee training, filing Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs), and submitting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). New Hampshire may have specific requirements for cryptocurrency and virtual currency businesses.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. § 5311) . Federal BSA/AML requirements for money services businesses

credit services

New Hampshire Credit Services Organization Bond Requirements

New Hampshire requires a 5% of fees ($5,000 min, $25,000 max) credit services organization bond under N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. ch. 359-D, filed with the New Hampshire Secretary of State. Bond equals 5% of total credit services fees, within the statutory band.

Application process

Apply for or renew your credit services organization registration with the New Hampshire Secretary of State and file a 5% of fees ($5,000 min, $25,000 max) surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond runs with the credit services organization registration term and renews on the same cycle (about every 1 year).

Bond equals 5% of total credit services fees, within the statutory band.

Key statutes

  • New Hampshire credit services organization statutes (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. ch. 359-D) . Statutory basis for the New Hampshire credit services organization bond requirement.

notary

New Hampshire Notary Bond Requirements

New Hampshire does not require a surety bond to hold a notary public commission. Requirements can change; confirm with the New Hampshire Secretary of State.

Application process

No notary bond filing applies in New Hampshire. Complete the standard notary public commission process with the New Hampshire Secretary of State.

Renewals

No bond means no bond renewal cycle in New Hampshire. Keep the underlying notary public commission current with the New Hampshire Secretary of State.

Key statutes

  • New Hampshire notary statutes (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. ch. 455) . Governing law confirming New Hampshire does not condition the notary public commission on a surety bond.

auto dealer

New Hampshire Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements

New Hampshire requires a $25,000 motor vehicle dealer bond under N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. ch. 261, filed with the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles.

Application process

Apply for or renew your motor vehicle dealer license with the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles and file a $25,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond runs with the motor vehicle dealer license term and renews on the same cycle (about every 1 year).

Key statutes

  • New Hampshire dealer licensing statutes (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. ch. 261) . Statutory basis for the New Hampshire motor vehicle dealer bond requirement.

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State Laws

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Licenses in New Hampshire

New Hampshire licenses by industry

Every regulated vertical we track in New Hampshire, with the full law summary and the direct application path for each license type.

debt collection licensing

Regulated by New Hampshire Attorney General (consumer protection)

mortgage licensing

Regulated by New Hampshire Banking Department

charitable registration licensing

Regulated by New Hampshire Attorney General, Charitable Trusts Unit

money transmitter licensing

Regulated by New Hampshire Banking Department

Bonds and insurance in New Hampshire

Where New Hampshire conditions a license on a posted surety bond, these pages carry the statutory bond amount and filing steps.

New Hampshire regulator contacts

The state agencies that issue and oversee the licenses above.

  • New Hampshire Attorney General (consumer protection) debt collection licensing
  • New Hampshire Banking Department mortgage, money transmitter licensing
  • Local city or county government (plat approval authority) in New Hampshire subdivision licensing
  • Local licensing offices (no statewide general contractor license) contractor license licensing
  • New Hampshire Attorney General, Charitable Trusts Unit charitable registration licensing
  • New Hampshire Secretary of State credit services, notary licensing
  • New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles auto dealer licensing

Planning tools and data

Scope a New Hampshire expansion before you file.

Registered agent coverage in New Hampshire

Every registered entity in New Hampshire needs an agent of record. Requirements, live pricing, and same-day ordering.

Ready to apply in New Hampshire?

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Apply in New Hampshire

Ready to apply in New Hampshire?

Start your money transmitter application with New Hampshire-specific requirements pre-loaded. Most filings open in under three minutes.

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Start your debt collection application with New Hampshire-specific requirements pre-loaded. Most filings open in under three minutes.

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Regulatory Watch

Stay Ahead of the Rules

Recent rule changes, deadline announcements, and state agency updates we are tracking for you.

  • Action CSBS Aug 4, 2026

    CSBS MTMA Adoption Tracker Updated, 31 States Enacted in Full or Part

    CSBS updated its Money Transmission Modernization Act tracker in August 2026 and reported that 31 states had enacted the law in full or in part. The update is not a single state rule, but it is a meaningful cross-state licensing development for money transmitters.

  • Action CSBS Aug 4, 2026

    CSBS Comment Letter on Federal Reserve Payment System Risk and Account Access Proposal

    On July 24, 2026, CSBS posted a comment letter on proposed revisions to the Federal Reserve Policy on Payment System Risk and the guidelines for account and services requests. This is a policy advocacy item rather than a binding regulatory change.

  • Action NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS Remote Work Status Details Due for 2027 Renewal Readiness

    NMLS directed companies to complete MLO remote work status details by August 31, 2026 to prepare for the 2027 renewal cycle. This was an active operational requirement during the review period.

  • Action NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS 2026 Disclosure Question Updates Require Completion Before 2027 Renewal Activity

    NMLS implemented revised MU4 and MU2 disclosure questions earlier in 2026, and the system urged affected users to complete updates by August 31, 2026. The change remained active during the July 21 to August 4 period and could affect filing workflows.

  • Watch CSBS / NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS Modernization Phase Three Scheduled for August 2026

    CSBS indicated that NMLS Modernization Phase Three is scheduled for August 2026. The planned changes include state agency task management for the individual licensing process and improved two-way communication for review items.