Your driver's license number appears in four places on your New Hampshire card

Your driver's license number is printed on the front of your New Hampshire driver's license in the upper right corner, below your photograph. It is an eight-character code that starts with two letters followed by six numbers — for example, AB123456. This number is unique to you and stays the same throughout your life, even if you renew your license multiple times.

If you cannot locate it on your physical card, the same number also appears on your license renewal notice, your driving record printout from the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles, and in your online DMV account if you have created one through the state's licensing portal.

The number format has remained consistent for decades in New Hampshire, so whether your license is new or several years old, you will find it in the same location on the card itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Your New Hampshire driver's license number is an eight-character code (two letters plus six numbers) printed in the upper right corner below your photo.
  • The same number appears on your renewal notice, your driving record from the DMV, and in your online DMV account.
  • Your license number remains unchanged for life, even after renewals or address changes.
  • If your physical card is lost or damaged, you can retrieve your number by contacting the New Hampshire DMV directly or logging into your online account.
  • You will need this number to renew your license, register a vehicle, or respond to traffic citations.

How to find your number if your card is lost or damaged

If your physical license is not available, contact the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles directly at 603-271-2525. Have your full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. The DMV staff can look up your license number in their system and provide it over the phone within minutes.

You can also create or log into your account on the New Hampshire DMV website at nh.gov/safety/dmv. Once logged in, your driver's license number will be visible in your account dashboard. This method works 24 hours a day and does not require you to call during business hours.

If you have received a renewal notice in the mail from the DMV, your license number is printed on that document as well. Keep renewal notices in a safe place for this reason — they serve as a backup record even if your card is damaged.

When you need your license number and what to have ready

You will need your driver's license number when you renew your license, register a vehicle with the New Hampshire Department of Safety, respond to a traffic citation, or update your address with the DMV. Insurance companies also ask for it when you obtain a quote or file a claim.

When you call the DMV or visit in person, have your number written down if possible. If you do not have it memorized, bring your renewal notice, your vehicle registration, or any other document that displays it. This speeds up the process and reduces errors when staff enter your information into their system.

If you are renewing your license online through the New Hampshire DMV portal, you will need your license number to log in. This is one reason the DMV recommends saving your number somewhere find — a notes app on your phone, a document at home, or your email.

The difference between your license number and your Social Security number

Your New Hampshire driver's license number and your Social Security number are two separate identifiers. Your license number is issued by the state and appears only on your driver's license and related DMV documents. Your Social Security number is a federal identifier used for tax, employment, and credit purposes.

The DMV uses your Social Security number to verify your identity during the process process, but it does not print it on your license card itself. When you provide information to the DMV, they may ask for your Social Security number for verification, but they will not ask you to provide your license number to confirm your Social Security number.

If you are concerned about identity theft or fraud, protect both numbers carefully. Do not share your license number or Social Security number with anyone who contacts you unsolicited, and do not post either number on social media or public websites.

What to do if your license number has changed

Your license number does not change when you renew your license, move to a new address, or update your name due to marriage or legal change. The same eight-character number stays with you for life in New Hampshire.

The only time you receive a new license number is if you move to New Hampshire from another state and obtain a New Hampshire license for the first time. In that case, the DMV assigns you a new number based on New Hampshire's format, and your old license number from your previous state is no longer valid.

If you believe your license number has been compromised or used fraudulently, contact the New Hampshire DMV when ready. They can flag your account and issue you a replacement card if necessary, though your number itself will remain the same.

Retrieving your number from the New Hampshire DMV online portal

The New Hampshire DMV online account system allows you to view your license number without calling or visiting an office. Go to nh.gov/safety/dmv and select the option to log in or create an account. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to set up an account initially.

Once you have created an account, you can log in anytime to see your license number, check your license status, view your driving record, and manage renewals. The system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you forget your login password, the DMV provides a password reset option on the login page.

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to create an online account, the DMV office locations throughout New Hampshire can print your license number for you. Bring a form of identification and visit during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I look up someone else's driver's license number?

No. The New Hampshire DMV does not release driver's license numbers for other people. Only the license holder can view their own number through the online portal or by contacting the DMV directly. This protects privacy and prevents identity theft.

What if I have a commercial driver's license — is the number format different?

No. Commercial driver's licenses in New Hampshire use the same eight-character format (two letters and six numbers) as regular licenses. The number appears in the same location on the card. The only difference is the license class designation, which is printed separately on the card.

Do I need my license number to renew online?

Yes. The New Hampshire DMV online renewal system requires your license number to log in. If you do not have it, you can call the DMV at 603-271-2525 to retrieve it before starting your renewal, or you can renew in person at a DMV office instead.

Will my license number change if I get a REAL ID compliant license?

No. Your license number stays the same when you upgrade to a REAL ID compliant card. The number format and location on the card remain identical. The only changes are the card design and the addition of a gold star in the upper right corner to indicate REAL ID compliance.

What should I do if I see my license number used fraudulently?

Contact the New Hampshire DMV when ready at 603-271-2525 and report the fraud. They will review your account and may issue you a replacement card. You should also contact your state's attorney general's office and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov to document the incident.