Get a replacement license in person at your local DMV office
To replace a lost New Hampshire driver's license, you must visit a New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person. You cannot order a replacement online or by mail. The DMV will issue you a new license with the same number as your original, valid for the same expiration date.
New Hampshire has DMV offices in Concord (headquarters), Manchester, Nashua, and Berlin. You can walk in during business hours without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The Manchester and Nashua offices typically see higher traffic than the Concord or Berlin locations.
Bring your completed process form and required documents to the counter. The staff will verify your identity, take a new photo, and issue your replacement license on the spot. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a New Hampshire DMV office in person with proof of identity and residency to get a replacement license.
- Bring a completed process for Operator's License or Non-Driver ID (Form DSMV 14) and at least one form of identification such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card.
- The replacement license will have your original license number and expiration date, so you do not lose time on your current license term.
- DMV offices in Manchester and Nashua typically have longer waits than Concord or Berlin, so consider visiting during off-peak hours or choosing a less busy location.
Documents you need to bring
Bring your completed process for Operator's License or Non-Driver ID (Form DSMV 14). You can read this form from the New Hampshire DMV website or fill one out at the office. You will also need proof of your Social Security number — your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form all work.
Bring at least one form of government-issued photo identification. A U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all satisfy this requirement. If you do not have photo ID, bring two forms of non-photo ID instead, such as a birth certificate, voter registration card, or bank statement with your name and address.
Bring proof of New Hampshire residency. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days works. Your name and current address must appear on the document. A bank or credit card statement also works if it shows your name and address.
If you changed your name since your original license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not issue a replacement under a different name without this documentation.
What happens at the DMV office
Hand your completed form and documents to the DMV staff member at the counter. They will check that all required information is filled in and that your documents are valid. If anything is missing or unclear, they will ask you to correct it before moving forward.
The staff member will verify your identity by checking your documents against DMV records. They will ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file. If your address has changed since your last license, update it now — this is the time to correct any errors in your record.
You will sit for a new photo. Wear clear glasses if you normally do, and avoid hats or sunglasses. The photo will appear on your replacement license exactly as it does on your current one.
Pay the replacement fee. New Hampshire charges $30 for a replacement license. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. The DMV will hand you your new license before you leave the office.
Replacement fees and license validity
The replacement fee is $30 for a standard driver's license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building entry and domestic air travel after May 7, 2025), the fee is also $30 — there is no extra charge to upgrade. You can request a Real ID license at the same time you get your replacement.
Your replacement license will expire on the same date as your original license. If your original license expired while it was lost, your replacement will also be expired, and you will need to renew it separately. If your original license is still valid, your replacement is valid for the remainder of that term.
If you lost your license less than a year ago and are now replacing it, you do not pay a second replacement fee — the $30 covers one replacement per license term. If you lose the replacement license, you will pay another $30 for a second replacement.
If you need a temporary license while waiting
New Hampshire does not issue temporary paper licenses or permits. Your replacement license is issued when ready at the DMV office, so you do not have to wait for it to arrive by mail. You can drive legally as soon as you leave the office with your new license in hand.
If you need to drive before you can visit a DMV office, you have limited options. Some insurance companies will issue a temporary ID card for identification purposes, though this is not a legal driving document. Your best option is to visit the DMV as soon as possible — most offices have extended hours on certain weekdays and some Saturday hours.
DMV office locations and hours
The Concord DMV office (headquarters) is at 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., and Saturday 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
The Manchester DMV office is at 1687 South Willow Street, Manchester, NH 03103. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., and Saturday 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. This location typically has the longest waits.
The Nashua DMV office is at 10 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, NH 03060. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., and Saturday 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
The Berlin DMV office is at 430 Main Street, Berlin, NH 03570. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. This location does not have Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm current hours, as they can change seasonally or due to staffing.
What to do if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, follow the same replacement process at the DMV. You do not need to file a police report first, though you may want to for your own records if the theft was part of a larger incident like a break-in or purse theft.
If you are concerned about identity theft — for example, if your wallet was stolen along with other documents — contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name. You can do this for free by calling or visiting their websites.
Monitor your credit report for unauthorized accounts or charges. You can view your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official site run by the three bureaus. If you spot fraud, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must be present at the DMV office to have your photo taken and to receive your license. The DMV will not issue a license to anyone but the person whose name is on it, even with a power of attorney or written permission.
What if I don't have a Social Security card or number?
You must provide proof of your Social Security number to get a driver's license in New Hampshire. If you do not have a card, bring a W-2, 1099, or other tax document that shows your number. If you do not have a Social Security number at all, contact the DMV office directly to discuss your options.
Will my replacement license have a different number than my original?
No. Your replacement license will have the same number as your original license. The DMV keeps your license number on file and reissues it when you replace a lost or damaged license.
How long does a replacement license take if I order it by mail?
New Hampshire does not offer mail-in replacement licenses. You must visit a DMV office in person and receive your license the same day. There is no option to have it mailed to you later.
Do I need an appointment to get a replacement license?
No. All New Hampshire DMV offices accept walk-ins during business hours. You do not need to schedule an appointment in advance. Arrive early or during off-peak hours (mid-morning on weekdays) to minimize your wait time.