What you need to do to get a replacement license in New Hampshire
To replace a lost driver's license in New Hampshire, you visit your local DMV office in person with proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you explore. Your temporary license is issued when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot replace your license by mail or online in New Hampshire — you must appear at a DMV office. The state does not offer a digital or temporary digital license, so you will need the paper temporary document they give you until the permanent one arrives.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a New Hampshire DMV office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address to replace a lost license.
- The replacement fee is $30 for a standard five-year license or $60 for a ten-year license, paid at the time of your visit.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though it is not required to get a replacement.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Bring one form of valid photo ID — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents that prove your identity, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card.
You also need proof of your current New Hampshire address. An electric or water bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a bill in your name, a signed letter from your landlord or a utility company confirmation letter can substitute.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will need it to complete the process form.
Where to go and how to find your nearest DMV office
New Hampshire has 20 DMV offices across the state. The main office is in Concord at 23 Hazen Drive, but you can visit any office — you do not have to go to the one closest to your home or the one that issued your original license.
Find the full list of offices, hours, and phone numbers on the New Hampshire Department of Safety website under "Division of Motor Vehicles." Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some have different hours. A few offices close for lunch. Call ahead if you are traveling more than 30 minutes, because some offices have limited staff on certain days.
You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are recommended or required in your area.
What happens when you arrive at the DMV
Hand your documents to the clerk and tell them you are replacing a lost license. They will verify your identity and address, then ask you to complete a driver's license process form (DSMV 10). You will provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. The form takes about five minutes.
Next, you will have a new photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable in — the photo will be on your license for five or ten years depending on which license type you choose. You cannot wear a hat or sunglasses, and your face must be clearly visible.
After your photo, you pay the replacement fee at the cashier. A five-year license costs $30; a ten-year license costs $60. You can pay by cash, check, or card — most offices accept all three, but call ahead to confirm your office's payment methods.
Your temporary license and when your permanent one arrives
Before you leave the DMV, you will receive a temporary paper license. This is a valid form of identification and can be used to drive when ready. Keep it with you until your permanent license arrives.
Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it after two weeks, contact the DMV office where you applied. Provide your name, date of birth, and the date you applied so they can check the status.
If you need to drive out of state before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is valid in all 50 states. If you are traveling internationally, you will need a passport or other travel document — the temporary license is not valid outside the United States.
If your license was stolen and you want to report it
Reporting a stolen license to police is optional but recommended if you are concerned about identity theft. Contact your local police department's non-emergency line and provide your name, license number (if you remember it), and date of birth. They will file a report and give you a report number for your records.
You do not need a police report to get a replacement license from the DMV. The DMV will issue a new license whether or not you report the theft. However, if you are worried about someone using your stolen license to commit fraud, keeping a police report on file can help you dispute charges or false records later.
If your license was stolen along with other documents, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to monitor for unauthorized accounts opened in your name.
Cost and timeline at a glance
| Item | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Five-year replacement license | $30 | Permanent license arrives in 7–10 business days |
| Ten-year replacement license | $60 | Permanent license arrives in 7–10 business days |
| Temporary paper license | Included in replacement fee | Issued when ready at DMV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I do not have a photo ID?
Yes. Bring two non-photo documents that prove your identity, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, passport card, or naturalization papers. You still need proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
What if I lost my license out of state and I live in New Hampshire?
You still go to a New Hampshire DMV office. Bring your out-of-state ID (if you have one) or two non-photo identity documents, plus proof of your New Hampshire address. The DMV will issue a New Hampshire license, not replace the out-of-state one.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police before going to the DMV?
No. The DMV does not require a police report to issue a replacement. You can report it to police separately if you are concerned about fraud, but it is not necessary for the replacement process.
Can I renew my license at the same time I replace it?
No. A replacement and a renewal are two separate transactions. If your license has expired, you will need to renew it after you receive your replacement. Contact the DMV for renewal procedures and fees.
What if my address has changed since I lost my license?
Provide your current address on the replacement process form. Your new license will show your current address. If you moved out of state, you will need to follow that state's process for getting a new license.