New Hampshire has its own credit reporting law, RSA chapter 359-B, which runs alongside the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. It covers permissible uses of reports, obsolete information, disputes, and civil liability for willful and negligent violations. Under RSA 359-B:5, bankruptcies generally cannot be reported after 10 years. Lawsuits, judgments, paid tax liens, collection accounts and other negative items generally drop off after seven years. Those limits do not apply to credit or life insurance of $50,000 or more.
New Hampshire adds several identity theft protections. A security freeze is free under RSA 359-B:24. A bureau must place it within 24 hours of a phone or online request, or within three business days of a mailed one. An identity theft victim who gives a bureau a police report is entitled to a free copy of their report under RSA 359-B:27. RSA 359-B:28 lets an estate representative have a deceased person's report marked deceased within five business days, which helps stop thieves from using the identity of someone who has died.
Credit reporting cases for New Hampshire residents are often brought under the FCRA, and state claims under RSA 359-B may sometimes be added, subject to federal preemption. New Hampshire has a single federal district. FCRA cases are filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire, which sits in Concord. The FCRA allows actual damages for negligent violations and statutory and punitive damages for willful ones, plus attorney's fees.
Where New Hampshire FCRA cases are filed
FCRA claims are federal, so they go to a United States District Court. Cases from New Hampshire are heard in one federal district:
- District of New HampshireCourthouses: Concord.Filed with local or cooperating counsel
Our attorneys are licensed in Texas, California, and Georgia. Where they aren't admitted in your local federal court, we work with local or cooperating counsel who are. You may also be able to sue where the company that reported you is based, in a court where our attorneys are admitted:
- Experian: HQ in C.D. California · Dispute Processing in E.D. Texas · Offices in N.D. Illinois
- Equifax: HQ in N.D. Georgia
- TransUnion: HQ in N.D. Illinois
- Santander Consumer: HQ in N.D. Texas
Which court is right depends on your facts. We'll tell you at your free case review.
New Hampshire laws that add to the FCRA
- New Hampshire limits on obsolete information (RSA 359-B:5)
Bars reporting bankruptcies more than 10 years old and most other adverse items more than seven years old. The limits do not apply to credit or life insurance of $50,000 or more, or jobs paying $20,000 or more a year. Read it - New Hampshire security freeze (RSA 359-B:24)
Lets consumers freeze their reports for free. The bureau must place a freeze within 24 hours of a phone or electronic request, or three business days of a mailed request, and may not charge to lift or remove it. Read it - Free report for identity theft victims (RSA 359-B:27)
Requires credit bureaus to give an identity theft victim a free copy of their report on request when the victim provides a police report, investigative report or law enforcement complaint. Read it - Reports of deceased persons (RSA 359-B:28)
Lets an executor or other estate representative have a deceased person's report marked as deceased within five business days of providing proof. Read it
Common credit report errors
- Accounts that aren't yours, including mixed-file and identity theft accounts
- Late payments you didn't make, or payments not credited
- Paid, settled or discharged debts still shown as owed
- Collections reported past the seven-year limit or re-aged
- A deceased indicator on a living person's file
Learn how these cases work on our credit report lawsuits page, or read our lawsuit guides for Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
Frequently asked questions
Does New Hampshire have its own credit reporting law?
Yes. RSA chapter 359-B regulates consumer reporting agencies in New Hampshire. It covers obsolete information, disputes, security freezes, identity theft and civil liability, and it works alongside the federal FCRA.
I am an identity theft victim in New Hampshire. Can I get my credit report for free?
Yes. Under RSA 359-B:27, a credit bureau must give you a free copy of your report if you provide a police report or a complaint filed with law enforcement. You can also freeze your report for free under RSA 359-B:24.
Where are FCRA lawsuits filed in New Hampshire?
In federal court, FCRA cases are filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire in Concord. FCRA claims can also be filed in New Hampshire state court.
How long do I have to file an FCRA lawsuit in New Hampshire?
FCRA deadlines are the same everywhere: generally two years from when you discover the violation, and no more than five years from when it happened (15 U.S.C. § 1681p). Waiting can cost you the claim.
Sources
- RSA Chapter 359-B table of contents (New Hampshire General Court)
- RSA 359-B:5 (New Hampshire General Court)
- RSA 359-B:24 (New Hampshire General Court)
- RSA 359-B:27 (New Hampshire General Court)
- RSA 359-B:28 (New Hampshire General Court)
- RSA 651:5 (New Hampshire General Court)
- NELP, Ban the Box / Fair Chance Hiring State and Local Guide
- Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. (FTC)
- U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire
Updated November 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.