Renew Your New Hampshire License Online, by Mail, or In Person

New Hampshire lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or at a DMV office — and which method you use depends on whether your license is still valid and how much time you have. If your license hasn't expired yet, online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option. If it has expired, you'll need to renew in person at a DMV office and may need to retake the written test.

The state's Division of Motor Vehicles handles all renewals. You can start the process from home if you're may be able to access, but you should know upfront that New Hampshire requires you to visit an office in person every ten years for a new photo and signature, even if you've renewed online in the years between.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DMV website costs $65 and takes about five minutes if your license is not yet expired.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs $65, but you cannot use it if your license has already expired.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired, and you will need to bring your current license, proof of residency, and Social Security number.
  • New Hampshire requires you to renew in person every ten years for a new photo, even if you have renewed online in between.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks of approval, whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Option

Online renewal is open to drivers whose licenses are not yet expired and who have not had a major change in their address or name since their last renewal. You go to the New Hampshire DMV website, create an account or log in, and complete the renewal form. The fee is $65, charged to a debit or credit card.

The whole process takes about five minutes. Once you submit, the DMV reviews your information and either approves or denies the renewal within a few days. If approved, your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within two weeks. You can check the status of your renewal by logging back into your DMV account.

Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you need to change your address or legal name, or if you have certain medical conditions on your record that require DMV review. If any of these explore, you'll need to use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Mail Renewal: Slower but No Office Visit

Mail renewal is an option only if your license is still valid. You request a renewal form from the DMV by phone at 603-271-2251 or by visiting an office in person, then fill it out and mail it back with a check or money order for $65. The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, which usually takes two to three weeks.

Mail renewal is useful if you live far from a DMV office or have a schedule that makes an office visit difficult. However, you cannot use this method if your license has expired, and you still cannot change your address or legal name through the mail — you'll have to do that in person.

Send your completed form and payment to the address the DMV provides with the renewal form. Keep a copy of everything you send, and do not mail cash. If your renewal is denied, the DMV will contact you by mail to explain why.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need to change your address or name, or if you have not had an in-person renewal in ten years. Bring your current license, one document proving your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. The fee is $65, and the DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

The DMV office will take a new photo and signature, update your information, and issue a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks. Wait times at offices vary by location and time of day; the DMV website shows current wait times for each office.

If your license expired more than a certain time ago, you may be required to retake the written test. The DMV will tell you whether this applies when you arrive. If you need to retake the test, bring your learner's permit or study materials, because you will take it the same day.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your license expired less than five years ago, you can renew it in person at a DMV office without retaking the written test in most cases. Bring the same documents as for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of address, and your Social Security number.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you will likely have to retake the written test and may have to retake the road test as well. The DMV will confirm this when you call or visit. If you need to retake either test, you'll schedule a separate appointment after your renewal is processed.

You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are pulled over, you could face a fine. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the DMV office for a temporary driving permit when you renew in person.

The Ten-Year In-Person Requirement

Even if you renew online or by mail, New Hampshire requires you to visit a DMV office in person every ten years. This is when the state takes a new photo and signature for your license. You cannot avoid this requirement by renewing online repeatedly.

When your ten-year mark approaches, the DMV will send you a notice in the mail telling you that your next renewal must be in person. You can still renew online or by mail up until that point, but once the ten-year important date passes, only in-person renewal is available. Plan ahead so you don't let your license expire while waiting for an office appointment.

Finding a DMV Office and Scheduling an Appointment

New Hampshire has DMV offices in multiple locations across the state. You can find the office nearest you, current wait times, and office hours on the DMV website. Some offices require appointments for in-person renewal, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check your local office's policy before you go.

If appointments are required, you can book one online through the DMV website or by phone at 603-271-2251. Appointments fill up quickly during peak times, so book as early as possible. If you cannot get an appointment at your preferred location, try offices in nearby towns — you can renew at any DMV office in the state, not just the one closest to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I changed my address?

No. Online renewal is only for drivers whose address and legal name have not changed since their last renewal. If you moved, you must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.

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

Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks of approval, whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that you can use to drive while you wait for the permanent one.

What if my license expired more than five years ago?

You will likely have to retake the written test and possibly the road test. Call the DMV at 603-271-2251 or visit an office to confirm what tests you need before you go. If you need to retake a test, you'll schedule a separate appointment after your renewal is processed.

Do I have to renew in person every time?

No, but you must renew in person every ten years. The DMV will send you a notice when your ten-year mark is approaching. You can renew online or by mail in the years between, as long as your license hasn't expired and your address and name haven't changed.

Can I renew by mail if my license has expired?

No. Mail renewal is only available if your license is still valid. If your license has expired, you must renew in person at a DMV office, even if it expired just a few days ago.