Renewing your New Hampshire license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your New Hampshire driver's license through three routes: online at nh.gov/safety/dmv, by mail using the renewal notice the state sends you, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is fastest — you'll get your new license in about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes a few minutes but requires you to visit during business hours.
Which route you can use depends on your license type and how long it's been since you last renewed. Standard licenses can be renewed up to 6 months before expiration. If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a DMV office and pass the written test and vision screening again.
You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card for online, check or money order for mail). The renewal fee is $85 for a 5-year license or $165 for a 10-year license. If you're over 65, the fee is $42.50 for 5 years or $82.50 for 10 years.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at nh.gov/safety/dmv is the fastest option and takes 7 to 10 business days if your license is not expired or expired less than 5 years ago.
- Mail renewal using your renewal notice takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires a check or money order payment.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready but only necessary if your license has been expired for more than 5 years.
- Renewal fees are $85 for 5 years or $165 for 10 years, with reduced rates for drivers over 65.
- You can renew up to 6 months before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
Online renewal through the DMV website
Go to nh.gov/safety/dmv and select "Renew License" from the main menu. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you the renewal fee based on whether you want a 5-year or 10-year license.
Pay with a credit or debit card. The DMV charges a $1.50 convenience fee for online transactions. After you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address, you can do that during the online renewal process.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than 5 years, if you need to update your name due to marriage or court order, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). For those situations, use mail renewal or visit a DMV office.
Mail renewal using your renewal notice
The DMV mails renewal notices to your address on file about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form, payment instructions, and an envelope. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address shown on the notice. Do not send cash.
Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Mail can take several days to arrive, so send your renewal at least 3 weeks before your license expires if you need it by a specific date. Include your license number on the check or money order so the DMV can match your payment to your record.
If you lost your renewal notice, you can request a duplicate by calling the DMV at 603-271-2237 or visiting a DMV office. You can also renew by mail without the notice if you send a letter with your name, date of birth, license number, and a check or money order to the address listed on the DMV website.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
Visit any New Hampshire DMV office with your current license and payment. Bring a credit card, debit card, check, or money order. You do not need an appointment for license renewal — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The transaction usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
DMV offices are located in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, Berlin, Laconia, Keene, and Claremont. Hours vary by location but most are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some offices have extended hours on certain days. Check nh.gov/safety/dmv for the office nearest you and current hours before you go.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than 5 years ago. You'll need to pass a vision screening and may be asked to retake the written test. Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
What happens if your license is already expired
If your license expired less than 5 years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process. The DMV treats recent expirations the same as licenses that haven't expired yet. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renew as soon as you notice the expiration date has passed.
If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You'll need to pass the vision screening and written test again. Bring the same documents you would bring for a new license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of New Hampshire residency (such as a utility bill or lease).
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you're renewing online, you can update your address during the transaction. Enter your new address when prompted, and your new license will be mailed there. If you're renewing by mail, write your new address on the renewal form or include a note with your payment.
If you need to change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
Yes, if it expired less than 5 years ago. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same process. If it expired more than 5 years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office and pass the vision and written tests again.
How long does it take to get my renewed license?
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready — you'll receive your new license on the spot at the DMV office, though you may wait in line first.
What if I don't receive my renewed license in the expected time?
Contact the DMV at 603-271-2237 with your confirmation number (for online renewal) or your name and license number. They can check the status of your renewal and remail it if needed. Mail delays can happen, so allow a few extra days beyond the stated timeframe.
Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?
No. For online and mail renewal, the DMV uses your existing photo. If you renew in person at a DMV office, they will take a new photo as part of the process.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online or by mail?
No. Commercial licenses must be renewed in person at a DMV office. You'll need to pass the vision screening and may need to retake the written test depending on your renewal cycle.