How to renew your New Hampshire driver's license

You can renew your New Hampshire driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew by mail or online because it takes less time than visiting an office. You'll need your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your New Hampshire address. The renewal process takes about two weeks by mail and a few minutes online if you're renewing early enough before expiration.

New Hampshire licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew up to one year before expiration, which gives you flexibility in timing. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a DMV office — mail and online renewal are not available for expired licenses.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not yet expired and you meet the age and status requirements.
  • Mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires sending your current license, a completed form, and payment to the DMV.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has expired or if you need to update your photo or address.
  • New Hampshire licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year in advance.
  • The renewal fee varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it valid — typically $30 to $100.

Renewing online through the New Hampshire DMV website

Online renewal is available through the New Hampshire DMV website at nh.gov/safety/dmv. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start. The system will verify your identity and then let you pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks.

Online renewal has restrictions. You must be renewing a standard driver's license (not a commercial license), your license cannot be expired, and you cannot have any suspensions or restrictions on your record. If you've changed your address or want to update your photo, you cannot do it online — you'll need to renew in person instead.

Renewing by mail with the DMV

To renew by mail, read form DSMV 11 from the New Hampshire DMV website or request it by calling the DMV at 603-271-2411. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return) and proof of your current New Hampshire address (such as a utility bill or lease).

Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. Send your materials early enough that they arrive before your license expires if you need to drive before the new one arrives. Keep a copy of your mailed form for your records. If the DMV needs additional information, they will contact you by mail or phone.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Visit any New Hampshire DMV office to renew in person. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (original or certified copy), and proof of your New Hampshire address. Bring two documents if one doesn't clearly show both your name and address. The DMV will take a new photo, process your renewal, and issue a temporary license on the spot that's valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you want to change your address or photo, or if you have any suspensions or restrictions on your record. DMV offices are located in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, and several other cities. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the DMV website before you go.

What documents you need to bring

For any renewal method, you'll need proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable documents include your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. You also need proof of your current New Hampshire address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name and address must match what's on your license, or you'll need to explain the difference.

If you're renewing in person, bring your current license and the documents listed above. If you're renewing by mail, send copies of your proof documents along with the form and your current license. For online renewal, you won't need to submit documents — the system will verify your information electronically.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

New Hampshire renewal fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year renewal costs $30. A ten-year renewal costs $60. Commercial driver's licenses and licenses with special endorsements have different fees. You can choose the length of validity when you renew, so you can pick a five-year or ten-year license based on your preference.

Payment methods vary by renewal method. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices, though some locations may have different payment options — call ahead if you want to confirm.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your New Hampshire license has expired, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license along with proof of your Social Security number and proof of your address. The DMV will process your renewal the same way as an in-person renewal for an unexpired license, including taking a new photo.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in New Hampshire, even if you've submitted a renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you could receive a citation. If your license expired more than a few years ago, the DMV may require you to pass a vision test or written test in addition to the standard renewal process — call 603-271-2411 to ask what's required before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. New Hampshire allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your birthday. The new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew, not when your current license was set to expire.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

By mail or online, your new license arrives in about two weeks. If you renew in person, you get a temporary license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, the temporary license is valid for that period.

What if my address has changed since I got my current license?

If you're renewing online or by mail, you cannot update your address — you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of your new address along with your current license and proof of your Social Security number. The DMV will update your address and issue a new license with the correct information.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

If you renew by mail or online, your current photo stays on your license. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail or online, you'll need to visit a DMV office instead.

What happens if I lose my license before the new one arrives?

Contact the DMV when ready at 603-271-2411 to report it lost. You can request a replacement license at any DMV office. If you've already submitted a renewal, the DMV can tell you the status and may be able to expedite the new license or issue a temporary one.