How to Renew Your New Hampshire Driver's License

New Hampshire Renewal: In-Person, Mail, or Online

New Hampshire offers three renewal paths depending on your license type and how long it has been expired. If your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online through the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office and retake the written test.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access: you log into your DMV account, pay the fee, and receive a temporary digital license when ready. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes once you arrive, but you may wait depending on the location and time of day.

New Hampshire does not use the standard Real ID format unless you request it. Your current license will remain valid for federal purposes (flying, entering federal buildings) until it expires. If you want a Real ID-compliant license, you must renew in person and bring additional documents.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal works if your license is current or expired less than five years, costs $120 for a five-year renewal, and gives you a temporary digital license the same day.
Mail renewal requires the same documents as online but takes two to three weeks and costs the same fee.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, and you must retake the written test at a DMV office.
New Hampshire licenses do not expire on your birthday; expiration dates are staggered by the DMV based on your birth month and license type.
Real ID upgrade requires in-person renewal and proof of citizenship, Social Security number, and current address.

Online Renewal: Step-by-Step

To renew online, go to the New Hampshire DMV website and log into your account using your license number and date of birth. You will need to verify your current address and confirm that your vision, medical conditions, and restrictions have not changed. If anything has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online and must visit a DMV office in person.

After you confirm your information, you will pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The fee for a five-year renewal is $120. Once payment is processed, you will receive a temporary digital license that you can screenshot or save to your phone. This temporary license is valid when ready for driving and is recognized by law enforcement. Your physical card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Online renewal is open to drivers whose licenses are current or expired less than five years. You must have a valid email address on file and a way to pay online. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a motorcycle endorsement, you cannot renew online and must go to a DMV office.

Mail Renewal: Documents and Timeline

To renew by mail, contact the New Hampshire DMV at 603-271-2371 or visit a DMV office to request a renewal form. You can also read the form from the DMV website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $120 (five-year renewal) to the address listed on the form.

Include a copy of your current license or a form of identification that shows your name and date of birth. If your address has changed, include a utility bill, lease, or other document showing your current address dated within the last 60 days. Mail your packet to the DMV processing center; processing takes two to three weeks from the date they receive it. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process.

Mail renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago. If you have a CDL, motorcycle endorsement, or medical restrictions that have changed, you must renew in person.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

Visit any New Hampshire DMV office with your current license, proof of address, and payment. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your license expired more than five years ago, bring your original birth certificate or passport because you will retake the written test and the DMV treats this as a new license process.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved and your license does not reflect your new address, bring the address document even if your license is current. The DMV office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your card is printed and mailed.

In-person renewal costs $120 for a five-year license. Most DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations offering Saturday hours. Check the DMV website for your nearest office and current wait times before you go.

Real ID Upgrade During Renewal

New Hampshire Real ID licenses are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner and meet federal requirements for flying and entering federal buildings. If you want to upgrade to Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Standard renewal by mail or online does not include Real ID.

Bring your current license, proof of citizenship (original birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and proof of current address. The fee for a Real ID license is $120 for five years, the same as a standard renewal. The DMV will take a new photo and issue a temporary paper license while your Real ID card is printed and mailed.

Real ID is not required to drive in New Hampshire, but it is required to fly domestically or enter federal buildings without a passport. If you do not need Real ID, you can renew your standard license by mail or online without upgrading.

Fees, Expiration Dates, and License Types

New Hampshire renewal fees depend on the license type and how long you want the license to be valid. A five-year renewal costs $120. A ten-year renewal costs $200. Drivers age 70 and older can renew for five years only. Fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

New Hampshire does not renew licenses on your birthday. Instead, the DMV assigns expiration dates based on your birth month and license type to spread renewals throughout the year. Check your current license to see your expiration date. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) must be renewed in person every four years and require a medical certificate. Motorcycle endorsements must also be renewed in person. Hardship licenses and licenses with medical restrictions require in-person renewal and may need updated medical documentation from your doctor.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Once your license is expired, you cannot drive legally, and if you are stopped by police, you can be cited. Renew at least two weeks before your expiration date if you are renewing by mail, or one week before if you are renewing online or in person.

Do not assume your address is current in the DMV system. If you have moved, bring proof of your new address even if you think the DMV has it on file. An incorrect address will delay your renewal and you may not receive your new license.

Do not try to renew online if your medical conditions or restrictions have changed. The online system will reject your renewal if you answer "yes" to any health question. Go to a DMV office in person so a clerk can review your situation and determine whether you need a medical evaluation from your doctor.

Do not send cash by mail. Use a check or money order only. If you are renewing in person, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DMV office and retake the written test. If your license has been expired for more than five years, the DMV treats the renewal as a new license process. Bring your original birth certificate or passport, proof of address, and proof of Social Security number.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes. Bring your current license, the name-change document, proof of address, and proof of Social Security number.

How long is the temporary digital license valid?

The temporary digital license you receive after online renewal is valid for driving when ready and remains valid until your physical card arrives by mail, usually two to three weeks. You can screenshot it or save it to your phone to show law enforcement if you are stopped.

Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?

If you renew online or by mail, the DMV will use your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo. You cannot request a new photo if you renew by mail or online.

What happens if I renew but my license arrives damaged or with incorrect information?

Contact the New Hampshire DMV at 603-271-2371 when ready. If the card is damaged, the DMV will reissue it at no charge. If the information is wrong, the DMV will correct it and reissue the card. Bring your damaged or incorrect license and proof of the error if you have it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.