What you need to renew in New Hampshire
New Hampshire renews driver's licenses for eight years. You can renew in person at a DMV office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's portal — but online is only available if your license is not expired and you have no medical or legal holds on your record.
The state does not send renewal reminders by mail or email, so you need to track your expiration date yourself. Your license number is printed on the front of your card; your expiration date is on the back. You can also check your status on the New Hampshire DMV website by entering your license number and date of birth.
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person and bring the same documents you would for an original license process.
Key Takeaways
- New Hampshire licenses are valid for eight years, and you must renew before the expiration date on the back of your card.
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is current and you have no medical or legal restrictions, and takes about 10 business days to receive your card.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you have no medical conditions or legal holds.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired, you need to update your address or name, or you have medical or legal restrictions on your record.
- You will need to pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Online renewal through the New Hampshire DMV portal
Online renewal is the fastest route if your license is current. Go to the New Hampshire DMV website, select "Renew Your License Online," and enter your license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your record and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online. If you see a message that you cannot renew online, stop — you will need to use mail or in-person renewal instead.
If you are may be able to access, you will answer questions about whether your address, name, and medical information have changed. You cannot change your address online; if you have moved, you must renew in person or by mail and include a proof of residence document. You will upload a new photo or use your existing one, then pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. The state will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 10 business days.
Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal. The exact fee depends on how many years you are renewing for, but it is generally between $40 and $60 for an eight-year renewal.
Mail renewal for unchanged information
You can renew by mail only if your license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you have no medical conditions or legal restrictions on your record. read the renewal form from the New Hampshire DMV website (form DSMV 10), print it, and fill it out by hand. Do not type the form — the DMV requires handwritten applications for mail renewals.
Include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a new photo that meets New Hampshire's requirements (color, 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches, taken within the last six months, head-on, no sunglasses or hats). Mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks, and your new license will be mailed to your current address.
Mail renewal costs slightly more than online renewal — typically $50 to $65 for an eight-year renewal — because the state has to process the form manually. If you are unsure whether your record has restrictions, call the DMV before sending your process; if you mail it and are ineligible, you will have to start over in person.
In-person renewal at a New Hampshire DMV office
You must renew in person if your license is expired, you have changed your address or legal name, you have medical conditions that affect your driving, or you have any legal holds on your record. Find your nearest DMV office on the state website — there are offices in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, and several other cities. Some offices take walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check the office's hours and appointment policy before you go.
Bring your current license (even if expired), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your legal name, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will take a new photo at the office, answer medical questions, and pay the renewal fee.
In-person renewal costs more than online or mail renewal — typically $65 to $75 for an eight-year renewal — but you leave with a temporary license that is valid when ready. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 10 business days.
Address changes and name changes
If you have moved, you cannot renew online. You can renew by mail only if you have not changed your address; if you have, you must go to a DMV office in person. Bring a proof of residence document dated within the last 60 days: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill with your name and current address.
If you have changed your legal name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person. Bring the certified document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order from the state where the change was made). New Hampshire will not process a name change by mail or online.
Medical conditions and driving restrictions
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — vision problems, seizures, diabetes, or other conditions — you may need to provide medical documentation when you renew. The DMV will ask you about your health during the renewal process. If you answer yes to any medical questions, the examiner may require a report from your doctor before approving your renewal.
If you have a restriction on your current license (such as corrective lenses required, or automatic transmission only), that restriction will carry over to your new license unless you provide documentation that the condition has changed. If you want to remove a restriction, bring the medical documentation that supports the change and renew in person.
What happens if your license expires
If your license has expired, you cannot drive legally in New Hampshire, and you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person with the same documents you would bring for an original license process: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. You will take a new written test and vision test, and pay the full renewal fee plus a late fee. The late fee varies but is typically $10 to $25.
If your license has been expired for more than a few months, the DMV may require you to retake the written driving test. Call your local DMV office before you go to find out what documents and tests you will need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my New Hampshire license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to one year before your license expires. In-person renewal can happen up to 180 days before expiration. Renewing early is a good idea if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online. Go to a DMV office in person and bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. You will pay both a replacement fee for the lost license and the renewal fee. The office will issue a temporary license on the spot.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Online and in-person renewals typically arrive within 10 business days. Mail renewals take four to six weeks because the form must be processed manually. If you need your license faster, renew in person and use the temporary license until your permanent card arrives.
Do I need a Real ID to renew my New Hampshire license?
New Hampshire offers both standard licenses and Real ID licenses. Real ID is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you want to upgrade to Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person and bring additional identity documents. Standard license renewal can happen online, by mail, or in person.
What if the DMV says I cannot renew online because of a hold on my record?
A hold usually means you have an unpaid traffic fine, child support obligation, or other legal issue. Call the DMV to find out what the hold is for. You will need to resolve it before you can renew, either by paying the fine or contacting the agency that placed the hold. Once it is cleared, you can renew online or by mail.