Renewing your New Hampshire driver's license online, by mail, or in person
New Hampshire lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions, by mail if you prefer not to go in person, or at a DMV office. The online route is fastest — you can complete it in minutes and your new license ships within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no appointment. In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary only if your license has been suspended, if you need to change your address or name, or if you don't meet the requirements for online or mail renewal.
Your license expires on your birthday. New Hampshire sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, though you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the New Hampshire DMV website is the fastest option and works if your license is valid, not suspended, and you have not changed your address or name since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order, and takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is suspended, if you need to update your address or legal name, or if you do not meet online or mail requirements.
- The renewal fee is $100 for a five-year license and $150 for a ten-year license; military members and veterans may may have access to for a reduced fee.
- You cannot renew online if you have unpaid traffic fines, an active suspension, or a medical condition that affects your driving.
Online renewal through the DMV website
Visit the New Hampshire Department of Safety DMV portal at nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your information against DMV records and ask you to confirm your address and emergency contact details.
Online renewal is available only if your license is currently valid, not suspended, and you have not changed your address or legal name since your last renewal. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person. Once you complete the online form and payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If you need to change your address or name, you cannot use online renewal. You must go to a DMV office in person with proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) or proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree).
Mail renewal with a paper form
read form DSMV 10 (process for Renewal of Driver's License) from the New Hampshire DMV website or request it by phone at 603-271-2525. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a photocopy of proof of address if you have moved since your last renewal.
Send your packet to the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles, 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305. The DMV will process your renewal within 4 to 6 weeks of receiving your completed packet. You will receive your new license by mail at the address on file. During this time, your current license remains valid for driving.
Mail renewal works if your license is valid and not suspended. If your license is suspended or if you need to change your address or name, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
Visit any New Hampshire DMV office with your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and payment for the renewal fee. If you are changing your address, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement). If you are changing your legal name, bring the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree).
You can walk in to most DMV offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. To avoid a long wait, check the DMV website for current wait times at each office before you go, or call ahead to ask about the busiest hours. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling through the DMV website.
In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, if you have unpaid traffic fines, if you need to update your medical information, or if you have a medical condition that affects your driving. It is also necessary if you are changing your address or legal name, or if you do not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A five-year driver's license costs $100 to renew. A ten-year license costs $150. New Hampshire offers reduced fees for military members and veterans — contact your local DMV office for the current rate and what documentation you need to show.
For online renewal, you can pay with a debit or credit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order made out to the State of New Hampshire. For in-person renewal, the DMV 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.
When you cannot renew online or by mail
You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered fines, or if you have an active medical suspension. You also cannot renew online or by mail if you are changing your address, legal name, or sex designation on your license.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — such as a seizure disorder, vision loss, or a condition that causes loss of consciousness — the DMV may require an in-person examination or a statement from your doctor before renewing. Call the DMV at 603-271-2525 to ask whether your condition requires special documentation.
What to expect after you renew
If you renewed online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days (online) or 4 to 6 weeks (mail). Your old license remains valid for driving until the new one arrives. Once you receive your new license, destroy your old one or return it to a DMV office.
If you renewed in person, you will receive your new license when ready or within a few days, depending on the office. Some offices issue licenses on the spot; others mail them within a week. Ask the DMV staff when you can expect to receive it.
Your new license will be valid for five or ten years from the date of renewal, depending on which term you chose. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of the license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
Yes. An expired license can still be renewed by mail or in person. However, you cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than a certain period — contact the DMV at 603-271-2525 to confirm whether your expired license is still may be able to access for online renewal. If not, use mail or in-person renewal.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license. You must go to a DMV office in person with proof of your identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID) and proof of your Social Security number. The DMV will issue a replacement license, which counts as a renewal.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Most New Hampshire DMV offices accept walk-ins, but some locations offer online appointment scheduling. Check the DMV website to see if your local office takes appointments. Even if appointments are available, walk-ins are usually accepted, though you may wait longer during peak hours.
Can I renew my license if I owe child support or have other court-ordered debt?
New Hampshire can suspend your license if you owe child support or have unpaid court fines. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended. You must resolve the debt or set up a payment plan before you can renew. Contact the court or the agency that issued the suspension to find out what you owe and how to resolve it.
How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew online?
Online renewals are mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DMV receives your completed packet. In-person renewals are issued when ready or within a few days, depending on the office.