Renewing your New Hampshire driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your New Hampshire driver's license in three ways: online through the DMV website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option and available to most drivers whose licenses are not expired or suspended. Mail renewal takes about two weeks and works if your license is still valid and you have no medical or legal holds. In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is already expired, if you need to update your photo, or if you have restrictions or endorsements that need review.
Your renewal timeline depends on your license type and when it was issued. New Hampshire driver's licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires, which gives you plenty of time to choose your method and avoid the rush near your expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the New Hampshire DMV website is the fastest method and works for most drivers whose licenses are current and have no suspensions or medical holds.
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires your current license, a completed form, and a check or money order for the renewal fee, which varies by license type.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, or if you have endorsements or restrictions that require verification.
- New Hampshire licenses are valid for five years, and you can start the renewal process up to one year before your expiration date.
- You will need proof of residency and identity for any renewal method, though the specific documents accepted vary slightly between online, mail, and in-person options.
Online renewal through the New Hampshire DMV website
Online renewal is available at nh.gov/safety/dmv and is the quickest option if your license is current and you have no active suspensions, medical holds, or outstanding violations. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card). The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal does not include a new photo, so your current photo will be used on your renewed license. If you want a new photo or if your address has changed since your last license was issued, you will need to renew in person instead. You cannot use online renewal if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, or if you have any medical restrictions that need to be reviewed by a DMV examiner.
The renewal fee for online renewal is $65 for a five-year license. Payment is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep this number in case you need to check the status of your license or contact the DMV.
Mail renewal with a completed form and payment
Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid (not expired) and you have no suspensions, medical holds, or outstanding violations. You will need to complete Form DSMV 11, which you can read from the DMV website or request by phone at 603-271-2525. Include your current license, a check or money order for $65, and mail everything to the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles, 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305.
Mail renewal typically takes 10 to 14 business days from the date the DMV receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license, so update your address before you mail in your renewal if you have moved. Do not send cash through the mail; use a check or money order only.
Like online renewal, mail renewal does not include a new photo. If you need to change your photo, address, or any endorsements or restrictions on your license, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
In-person renewal at a New Hampshire DMV office
Renew in person at any New Hampshire DMV office if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, if your address has changed, or if you have endorsements or restrictions that need review. You will need to bring your current license (or expired license if it has been less than five years since expiration), proof of identity, and proof of residency. Acceptable identity documents include a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
In-person renewal includes a new photo and takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. The fee is $65 for a five-year license. You can pay with 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 your process requires additional review.
New Hampshire DMV offices are located in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, and several other cities. You can find the full list of office locations and hours on the DMV website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment. Check the website or call 603-271-2525 to confirm the office nearest you and whether you need to schedule ahead.
Documents and fees you will need
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, Social Security number, payment method | $65 | 7–10 business days |
| Current license, Form DSMV 11, check or money order | $65 | 10–14 business days | |
| In-person | Current or expired license, proof of identity, proof of residency | $65 | Same day or 7–10 business days |
The renewal fee of $65 is the same for all three methods and covers a five-year license. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee may be higher and additional documentation may be required. Check the DMV website or call 603-271-2525 to confirm fees for your specific license type.
If you are renewing after your license has expired, you may be charged a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. The amount depends on how long your license has been expired. Renewing before your expiration date avoids this extra cost.
What happens if your license is expired or suspended
If your New Hampshire driver's license has expired, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of identity and residency. If your license expired more than five years ago, you may be required to take a written test and vision test in addition to the renewal fee. Contact the DMV at 603-271-2525 to find out what tests you will need before you visit an office.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions in New Hampshire are usually caused by unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical conditions reported to the DMV, or DUI convictions. You will need to resolve the underlying issue (pay fines, complete a DUI program, or have a medical clearance) before the DMV will allow you to renew. Contact the DMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps you need to take.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended or expired, you can check your status on the DMV website or by calling 603-271-2525. Have your license number and Social Security number ready when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my New Hampshire license before it expires?
Yes. You can start the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. This is a good idea if you are planning to travel or if you want to avoid waiting in line near your expiration date. Online and mail renewal will process faster if you renew early.
What if I moved to a new address since my last license?
If you renew online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license. You must update your address in person at a DMV office or by calling 603-271-2525 before you renew if you have moved. In-person renewal allows you to update your address at the same time you renew.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my license?
Online and mail renewal use your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. A new photo is also required if your current photo is more than 10 years old or if the DMV determines your appearance has changed significantly since the photo was taken.
How long does it take to get my renewed license?
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days, mail renewal takes 10 to 14 business days, and in-person renewal is either same-day or 7 to 10 business days depending on the office and whether your process needs additional review. You will receive a confirmation number or receipt that you can use to check the status of your license.
What if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?
CDL renewal requirements and fees differ from standard driver's license renewal. You must renew in person at a DMV office and may need to provide medical certification or take additional tests. Call 603-271-2525 or visit the DMV website to find out what documents and tests you will need for your CDL renewal.