How to Renew Your New Hampshire Driver's License

Renewing Your New Hampshire Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person

New Hampshire lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest route if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is same-day for a temporary license, with your permanent card arriving later by mail.

You can renew online only if your license is not expired more than 5 years, you have no medical conditions that need review, and your name and address have not changed since your last renewal. If any of those do not explore, you must renew in person or by mail.

New Hampshire charges $120 for a five-year renewal and $180 for a ten-year renewal. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You pay by credit card online, by check or money order by mail, or by cash, check, or card in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last 5 years, you have no medical holds, and your name and address match your current records.
New Hampshire charges $120 for a five-year license or $180 for a ten-year license, regardless of renewal method.
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days; mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks; in-person renewal gives you a temporary license the same day.
You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
If your license has been expired more than 5 years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must appear in person with an original birth certificate or passport.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route

To renew online, go to the New Hampshire DMV website and select the online renewal portal. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a credit card. The system will verify your identity and check whether you are may be able to access — if you are not, it will tell you when ready and direct you to in-person or mail renewal.

Online renewal does not let you change your address or name. If either has changed since your last renewal, you must renew by mail or in person. The same applies if you want to change your license class, add or remove endorsements, or update your medical information.

After you complete the online form and pay the $120 or $180 fee, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your confirmation number as proof of a valid license until the card arrives.

Mail Renewal: What You Need to Send

To renew by mail, read the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DSMV 10) from the New Hampshire DMV website. Fill it out completely, including your current license number, address, and the renewal term you want (five or ten years). Sign and date the form.

Mail your completed form along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $120 (five-year) or $180 (ten-year) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash by mail. Include a return envelope with your address if you want your old license back; otherwise, the DMV will destroy it.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. Send your renewal at least 4 weeks before your license expires to avoid a gap. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail, but you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

To renew in person, visit any New Hampshire DMV office with your current driver's license and a payment method (cash, check, or card). You do not need an appointment for renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DMV website for office hours and locations near you.

Bring your current license and nothing else if your name and address have not changed. If either has changed, bring a document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a name change; a utility bill or lease for an address change. If you are renewing after your license has expired more than 5 years, bring an original or certified birth certificate or passport.

At the office, you will complete a renewal form, have your photo taken (unless you opt to keep your current photo), and pay the fee. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed. Your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

When Your License Has Expired More Than 5 Years

If your New Hampshire license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must appear in person at a DMV office with an original or certified birth certificate, a passport, or a military ID. You will also need proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).

The DMV treats this as a new process rather than a renewal, so you will pay the full license fee ($120 for five years or $180 for ten years) and have your photo taken. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent card by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Address or Name Changes During Renewal

If your address or name has changed since your last renewal, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, note the change on your process for Driver's License form and include a document that proves it — a utility bill or lease for an address change, or a marriage certificate or court order for a name change.

For in-person renewal, bring the same proof documents and tell the DMV staff about the change when you arrive. They will update your record and print your new license with the correct information. The fee remains $120 or $180 regardless of whether you change your address or name.

Medical Conditions and License Restrictions

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — vision problems, seizure disorders, or certain medications — the DMV may place a hold on your renewal. You cannot renew online if a medical hold is on your record. You must renew in person or by mail and may need to provide a medical report from your doctor.

If the DMV has flagged your record for a medical review, you will receive a letter explaining what information is needed. Follow the instructions in that letter before attempting to renew. Renewing without clearing a medical hold can result in your license being suspended or cancelled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my New Hampshire license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to 6 months before it expires. Renewing early does not extend your expiration date — your new license will expire 5 or 10 years from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew. Online renewal is available for early renewals if you meet the other may be able to access rules.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license number. You must appear in person at a DMV office with a photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) and proof of your address. The DMV will look up your record and issue a replacement license. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it in person at the DMV. Your permanent card should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within that window, contact the DMV with your confirmation number.

Can I change my license class or add endorsements during renewal?

No, not online. Online renewal only extends your current license as-is. To change your class (from Class D to Class M, for example) or add endorsements (motorcycle, hazmat, or school bus), you must renew in person or by mail. You may need to pass a written or road test depending on the change you want.

What if my name appears differently on my license than on my Social Security card?

Contact the DMV before you renew. Mismatches between your license and Social Security record can cause problems with online renewal. The DMV can help you correct your record or explain whether you need to bring additional documents when you renew in person.

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.