New Hampshire Renewal: 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 visit an office, or in person at a DMV location. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license. Most people renew online through the NH DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing by mail or in person.

Your license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. You can renew it up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online — you must go to a DMV office in person or renew by mail using a paper form.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the NH DMV website is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your address or name.
  • Mail renewal requires the paper form DMV-14 and takes two to three weeks; use this method only if you cannot access the online system.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has expired, you need a Real ID, or you are changing your address or name.
  • The renewal fee is $60 for a five-year license, payable by credit or debit card online, or by check or money order if you renew by mail.
  • You do not need to take a new photo or pass a vision test unless your license has been expired for more than five years.

Online Renewal Through the NH DMV Website

To renew online, go to the official New Hampshire DMV website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information. You can then review your address and other details, make any corrections, and pay the $60 fee with a credit or debit card.

Online renewal works only if your license is still valid (not expired), you have not changed your address or legal name since your last renewal, and you do not need a Real ID. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person. Once you complete the online process, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail Renewal Using Form DMV-14

If you prefer to renew by mail, read or request the form DMV-14 from the NH DMV website or call the DMV at 603-271-2525. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and signature. Do not use a pen that is too light or too dark — use blue or black ink only. Enclose a check or money order for $60 payable to "State of New Hampshire." Do not send cash.

Mail your completed form and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and costs the same, so use it only if you cannot access the online system or prefer a paper process. Your new license will be mailed to you once processing is complete.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a Real ID-compliant license, or if you are changing your address or legal name. Visit any DMV office during business hours. Bring your current license and one document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

The DMV will take a new photo and may ask you to read a vision chart. The fee is $60. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license will be issued on the spot or mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office and whether the photo needs to be verified. Call ahead to confirm the office's hours and whether you need an appointment.

Real ID Compliance and When You Need It

A Real ID is a federally compliant driver's license required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 7, 2025. If your current New Hampshire license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not Real ID-compliant. You cannot get a Real ID by renewing online or by mail — you must go to a DMV office in person.

To get a Real ID, bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), proof of your date of birth (birth certificate or passport), and proof of your current address (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days). If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document. The fee is $60, the same as a standard renewal. Your Real ID will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

What to Do If Your License Has Expired

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, a vision test, and a written knowledge test. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew it by mail or in person without retaking the knowledge test, but you cannot renew online.

To renew an expired license by mail, use form DMV-14 and follow the mail renewal process described above. To renew in person, visit a DMV office with your expired license and proof of your current address. The DMV may ask you to read a vision chart. The fee is still $60. Processing takes the same amount of time as a standard renewal.

DMV Office Locations and Hours

New Hampshire has DMV offices in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, Keene, and Berlin. Each office has different hours, and some require appointments while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The Concord office is the largest and typically has the shortest wait times. You can find the full list of offices, hours, and phone numbers on the official NH DMV website.

If you are renewing in person, call the office ahead of time to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment. Many offices now use an online appointment system. If you cannot reach an office by phone, you can also email the DMV through the website. Bring all required documents to avoid a second trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my New Hampshire license if I live out of state?

Yes. If you live out of state, you can renew online if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your address or name. If you need to update your address to an out-of-state address, you must renew by mail using form DMV-14 or visit a DMV office in person. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You cannot renew a lost or stolen license. You must request a replacement at a DMV office in person or by mail. A replacement costs $25 and requires your current address and proof of identity. Call the DMV at 603-271-2525 for instructions on how to proceed.

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

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DMV to confirm your mailing address. You can continue to drive on your old license until the new one arrives.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

No, not if you renew online or by mail. The DMV will use your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo. If you want a new photo for an online or mail renewal, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

What if my name or address changed since my last renewal?

If your address changed, you cannot renew online. Renew by mail using form DMV-14 with your new address, or visit a DMV office in person with proof of your new address (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days). If your name changed, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change.