New Hampshire renews licenses by mail or in person, depending on your age and how long it's been since your last renewal
New Hampshire offers two paths to renew your driver's license: by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DMV office. The mail route is faster and requires no appointment, but only works if you're between 18 and 69, your license isn't suspended or revoked, and you haven't had certain violations in the past five years. If you don't fit those requirements, or if your license has been expired for more than five years, you'll need to renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
Your New Hampshire license is valid for five years from the date of issue. The state will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for it to start the process. You can renew up to six months before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Mail renewal is available only if you're 18 to 69, your license is valid or expired less than five years, and you have no recent suspensions or serious violations.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.
- New Hampshire charges $105 for a five-year license renewal, whether you renew by mail or in person.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and will need to pass the written knowledge test again.
- You can renew up to six months before your license expires; the state will send a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration.
Renewing by mail: what you need and how long it takes
To renew by mail, you'll need your current New Hampshire driver's license, a check or money order for $105 payable to "State of New Hampshire," and the renewal form. You can get the form by calling the DMV at 603-271-2318 or by downloading it from the New Hampshire Department of Safety website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the time the DMV receives your materials. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file with the DMV. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster—you'll walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent license by mail within two weeks.
You cannot renew by mail if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you've had a DUI or refusal conviction in the past five years; or if you're over 69. You also cannot use mail renewal if your license has been expired for more than five years.
Renewing in person at a New Hampshire DMV office
In-person renewal requires you to visit a DMV office with your current license, proof of your current address, and $105 in cash, check, or card. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days. The DMV office will take a new photo and issue you a temporary license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
New Hampshire has DMV offices in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, and Berlin. You do not need an appointment for license renewal—it's first-come, first-served. Wait times vary by location and time of day; the Concord office tends to be busier than regional offices. Most renewals take 20 to 30 minutes from check-in to temporary license in hand.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and will be required to pass the written knowledge test. You can study using the New Hampshire Driver's Manual, available free on the Department of Safety website. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through any method. You must first contact the DMV to understand why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps are required to restore it. Suspensions are often tied to unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, or medical conditions reported to the state. Revocations are more serious and usually result from multiple DUI convictions or serious traffic violations.
Once the reason for suspension or revocation is resolved—fines paid, court appearance completed, or medical clearance obtained—you can explore for reinstatement. The DMV will tell you the specific process when you call. Reinstatement may require an in-person visit, additional fees, or a written test, depending on the cause.
Renewing after a long lapse: what to expect
If your license has been expired for more than five years, the renewal process is more involved. You must renew in person at a DMV office and will need to pass the written knowledge test. You'll also need to bring your current (expired) license, proof of address, and $105.
The written test covers the same material as the original licensing test: road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You have 30 days from your in-person visit to pass the test. If you fail, you can retake it, but you'll need to return to the DMV office. Study materials are free on the New Hampshire Department of Safety website.
Fees and payment methods
New Hampshire charges $105 for a five-year driver's license renewal, whether you renew by mail or in person. This is the standard fee and does not vary based on age or driving record. If you renew in person, the DMV accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order.
There are no additional fees for a temporary license issued at the time of in-person renewal. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license before your renewal date, that is a separate transaction with its own fee.
What to do if your renewal is delayed or lost
If you renewed by mail and haven't received your new license within three weeks, contact the DMV at 603-271-2318. Have your renewal confirmation or the date you mailed your materials ready. The DMV can check the status and reissue your license if needed.
If you renewed in person and your temporary license is about to expire before your permanent license arrives, return to the DMV office with your temporary license and ask for an extension. Extensions are issued at no charge and can extend your temporary license by up to 30 additional days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No. New Hampshire does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a DMV office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online—you fill out a form, mail it with payment, and receive your new license by mail.
What if I've moved since my last license was issued?
If you're renewing by mail, your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the DMV. If you've moved, contact the DMV before mailing your renewal to update your address, or wait until you renew in person and provide your new address then. If you renew in person, bring proof of your current address.
Do I need to retake the written test to renew?
No, not unless your license has been expired for more than five years. Standard renewals do not require a new written test. If your license expired long ago, you'll need to pass the written test as part of the renewal process.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You'll need to renew in person and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue a new license with your current legal name. Mail renewal is not an option if your name has changed.
How long is my temporary license valid?
Your temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within two weeks, but if it doesn't, you can return to the DMV office to request an extension of your temporary license at no charge.