New Hampshire driver's licenses expire every five years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office
New Hampshire issues licenses that are valid for five years from the date of issue. When your license is about to expire, you have three paths: renew online through the state's website, mail in a renewal form, or visit a DMV office in person. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Mail and in-person renewal both work if you don't, but they take longer.
Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. This notice includes your renewal number, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. If you don't receive one, you can still renew, but you'll need your license number instead.
Key Takeaways
- New Hampshire driver's licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on what changes have occurred since your last license.
- Online renewal through the state DMV website is the fastest method and costs $30 for a standard five-year license if you meet the may be able to access requirements.
- You must renew in person if you have a new address, name change, or medical condition that affects your driving, or if your license was suspended or revoked.
- Mail renewal takes four to six weeks, while in-person renewal is typically completed the same day you visit the DMV office.
- New Hampshire does not offer Real ID-compliant licenses by mail or online; you must visit a DMV office in person to get a Real ID license.
Online renewal through the New Hampshire DMV website
To renew online, go to the New Hampshire Department of Safety DMV portal at nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv. You'll need your renewal notice (which includes your renewal number) or your current license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The process takes about 10 minutes.
Online renewal costs $30 for a standard five-year license. You'll pay by credit or debit card during the process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.
You can only renew online if your address hasn't changed, your name is the same, you have no medical conditions affecting your driving, and your license was not suspended or revoked. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail.
Mail renewal for New Hampshire driver's licenses
To renew by mail, fill out the renewal form that came with your notice, or read form DSMV 11 from the DMV website. Include your renewal notice or a copy of your current license, a check or money order for $30 made payable to "State of New Hampshire," and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. You can continue driving on your current license during this time. Mail renewal works for the same situations as online renewal — no address change, name change, medical issues, or license suspensions.
If you're renewing by mail and your address has changed, include a separate letter with your old and new addresses. The DMV will send your new license to your new address once it's processed.
In-person renewal at a New Hampshire DMV office
You must renew in person if your address has changed, your name is different from your current license, you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or your license was suspended or revoked. You'll also need to renew in person if you want a Real ID-compliant license.
Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $30 in cash, check, or card. If your name has changed, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have a medical condition, bring a completed medical form signed by your doctor.
New Hampshire has DMV offices in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, and Berlin. You can walk in during business hours, but many offices now use an online appointment system. Check the DMV website to see if your local office requires an appointment. In-person renewal is usually completed the same day, and you can get a temporary license to use while your new one is mailed.
Real ID-compliant licenses in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Real ID licenses are required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025. You cannot get a Real ID license online or by mail — you must visit a DMV office in person.
To get a Real ID license, bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of your address (utility bill or lease), and proof of your identity and date of birth (passport, birth certificate, or military ID). The cost is $30 for a five-year license, the same as a standard renewal.
If you already have a Real ID license, you can renew it online or by mail using the same process as a standard renewal, as long as nothing else has changed.
What to do if your license has expired
If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it using the same process as a standard renewal — online, by mail, or in person. The cost remains $30. You should not drive on an expired license, even if you have a renewal in progress.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring the same documents you would for an in-person renewal, plus your expired license. The DMV may require you to retake the written test or vision test depending on how long your license has been expired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my New Hampshire license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to six months before the expiration date. This is useful if you're traveling internationally or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online or by mail using your license number instead of your renewal number. If you're renewing in person, bring your current license or a copy of it. The DMV can look up your information in their system.
How much does a New Hampshire license renewal cost?
A standard five-year license renewal costs $30 regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Real ID licenses cost the same. If you renew in person, you can pay in cash, check, or card. Online and mail renewals require a check, money order, or card.
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the DMV before you can renew. Contact the DMV directly to find out what steps are needed to clear the suspension or revocation, then renew in person once it's resolved.
How long is my new license valid?
New Hampshire driver's licenses are valid for five years from the date of renewal. Your expiration date will be printed on your new license. You'll receive a renewal notice about 60 days before it expires.