Services:
Dog Licensing
- Every owner or keeper of a dog 4 months old or older must register the dog annually with the Town Clerk. Upon registration you receive a metal tag with town name, license year, and registered number.
- Licenses run from May 1 to April 30 of the following year, regardless of when the license is obtained.
- Proof of current rabies vaccination is required unless a valid certificate is already on file.
- Late licensing (after May 31) incurs an extra fee of $1.00 per month (unless the dog was newly acquired or just turning 3 months of age).
- Civil forfeiture of $25.00 applies for any unlicensed dog after May 31.
- Fees: $6.50 for puppies (3–7 months), $6.50 for spayed/neutered dogs, $2.00 for first dog of senior citizens, $9.00 for male/female dogs, and $20.00 for group licenses (min. 5 dogs).
Marriage Licenses (State of New Hampshire)
- Minimum age: 18 years.
- No residency requirement — couples do not need to live in NH to apply.
- Both parties must appear in person to complete the application and sign it. Armed forces members may submit a sworn affidavit if unable to appear in person.
- Fee: $50.
- Applicants must provide proof of age; if previously married, also submit certified copy of death certificate of former spouse, final divorce decree, or annulment as applicable.
- License validity: up to 90 days from issuance. Ceremony must occur after license date. Officiant must return license within 6 days.
- The license may be solemnized by a NH-commissioned Justice of the Peace, ordained or unordained clergy (with proper license if required), non-resident ordained clergy licensed by NH, or other qualified officiants approved by the state.
- Married name options: couples must indicate how their name(s) will appear — may keep current names, one may take the other’s surname, or adopt a hyphenated surname. First name cannot be changed via the license; middle name changes follow specific rules.
Vital Statistics (Birth, Death & Marriage Records)
- The Town Clerk’s Office provides certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and (in some cases) divorce records.
- Birth records: available to immediate family for births in Gorham before 1986, or any NH town after 1986. Birth records become public after 100 years.
- Marriage records: certified copies available to immediate family for licenses applied in Gorham before 1989, or any NH town from 1989 to present. Records become public after 50 years.
- Death records: certified copies available to immediate family for deaths in Gorham before 1990, or any NH town from 1990 to present. Death records become public after 50 years.
- Divorce records: available from 1990 up to 6 months before present.
- Fees: $15.00 for the first copy of a record, $10.00 for each additional copy issued at the same time. Checks should be payable to the Town.
Voting & Elections / Voter Registration
- Residents 18 years or older and U.S. citizens may register to vote with the Town Clerk up to 6–13 days before any election. Registration is also allowed on Election Day at the polling place. Proof of age, citizenship, and residency is required.
- You may register as soon as you move into town — no minimum residency period required.
- Absentee registration is available for those unable to register or vote in person (due to disability, religious beliefs, military service, or temporary absence). Request an Absentee Registration Affidavit and Voter Registration Form from the Town Clerk. The affidavit must be witnessed; both forms must be returned to the Clerk.
- Voters are not required to declare a political party. Undeclared voters may declare at the polls for a primary and revert to undeclared afterward if they wish. Party affiliation can also be changed at the Town Clerk’s Office.
- Absentee ballots are available; applications may be requested from the Clerk. Completed ballots submitted in person must be received by 5:00 pm the day before the election, or by 5:00 pm on Election Day if mailed. Armed services voters are eligible to vote for all offices.
Elections
Please visit NH Secretary of State Elections for everything you need to know about voting in New Hampshire
Voter Registration Requirements in New Hampshire
A person must meet the following to register and vote:
- Be 18 years of age or older on election day
- Be a United States Citizen
- Be domiciled in the town or ward where they seek to vote
Important Note
Anyone wishing to register to vote in New Hampshire for the first time must provide proof of citizenship, identity, age, and domicile.
Proof of Citizenship (examples):
- Birth certificate
- Valid U.S. Passport
- Certificate of Naturalization
A driver’s license is not proof of citizenship.
Proof of Domicile (examples):
- Electric or cable bill
- Renter’s agreement
- Driver’s license (if domicile address is listed)
Per HB 1569, the law no longer allows affidavits as an alternative means of proving qualifications as a voter. If an applicant does not provide acceptable documentary proof of identity, age, citizenship, and/or domicile, they cannot be registered to vote.
What You Need to Register
You must provide proof of your identity, age, citizenship, and domicile to register. Proof may be shown with documents in paper or electronic form.
- Identity and Age: Driver’s license or non-driver ID from any state
- Citizenship: Birth certificate, U.S. Passport/Passcard, or naturalization document
Contact
Karen Willhoite, Town Clerk
- Phone: 603-466-9434