How to check your suspension status in New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains a record of every driver's license status, including suspensions. You can find out whether your license is suspended by contacting the DMV directly or checking online through their license status lookup tool.
The fastest way is the online lookup at nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv. You'll need your driver's license number and date of birth. The system tells you when ready whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired. If you don't have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the DMV at 603-271-2251 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
If your license is suspended, the DMV record will show the reason — whether it's unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, a DUI conviction, or another cause. Knowing the reason is essential because it determines what you must do to get your license back.
Key Takeaways
- Check your license status online at nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv using your license number and date of birth, or call the DMV at 603-271-2251 during business hours.
- The DMV record will show whether your license is suspended and the specific reason for the suspension.
- Different suspension reasons require different steps to restore your license — unpaid fines, court failures, and DUI convictions each have their own process.
- You cannot legally drive in New Hampshire or most other states while your license is suspended, even if you have a valid license from another state.
- If you need to drive before your suspension is lifted, you may be able to request a work permit or hardship license depending on the reason for suspension.
Common reasons for license suspension in New Hampshire
New Hampshire suspends licenses for several reasons, and the most common are unpaid traffic fines and failure to appear in court. If you received a ticket and didn't pay the fine or didn't show up for your court date, the court notifies the DMV, which suspends your license automatically. This suspension stays in place until you pay the fine, appear in court, or resolve the underlying ticket.
DUI (driving under the influence) convictions result in a mandatory suspension. A first DUI offense in New Hampshire carries a minimum 6-month suspension; subsequent offenses carry longer suspensions. Some DUI suspensions are administrative (automatic upon arrest) and separate from the criminal conviction suspension.
Other suspension reasons include accumulating too many points on your driving record, failing to maintain auto insurance (which triggers a suspension under New Hampshire's financial responsibility law), and failing to pay child support. Medical suspensions also occur if the DMV receives a report that you have a condition that makes you unsafe to drive.
What to do if your license is suspended for unpaid fines or court failure
If your suspension is due to an unpaid fine or failure to appear, contact the court that issued the ticket. You can find the correct court by searching nh.gov/courts or calling the DMV for the court's phone number. The court will tell you the exact amount owed and whether you can pay over the phone, by mail, or in person.
Once you pay the fine or resolve the court case, notify the DMV. You can do this by phone at 603-271-2251 or in person at a DMV office. The DMV typically processes the reinstatement within one to three business days after the court notifies them of payment. Some courts process this notification automatically; others require you to request it.
If you cannot pay the full amount when ready, ask the court about a payment plan. Many New Hampshire courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Your license will remain suspended until the court confirms that you've begun the plan and are making payments on schedule.
Steps to restore your license after a DUI suspension
A DUI suspension in New Hampshire has two parts: the administrative suspension (which begins when ready after arrest) and the criminal conviction suspension (which begins after sentencing). You must complete both suspension periods before your license is fully restored.
After the suspension period ends, you must request reinstatement from the DMV. You'll need to provide proof that you've completed any court-ordered programs, such as a substance abuse treatment program or DUI education course. The DMV will also require a reinstatement fee, which varies but is typically between $100 and $150.
If you were arrested for DUI but not convicted, or if your case was dismissed, contact the DMV directly to request early reinstatement. Bring documentation of the dismissal or acquittal. The DMV may reinstate your license when ready once they verify the court's decision.
Hardship and work permits during suspension
New Hampshire allows drivers with suspended licenses to request a work permit (also called a hardship license) in certain situations. A work permit lets you drive to and from work, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs — but nowhere else.
To request a work permit, you must show the DMV that the suspension causes genuine hardship. You'll need to fill out a form at the DMV office and provide documentation: a letter from your employer stating that you need to drive for work, proof of your address, and proof of auto insurance. The DMV approves or denies the request within a few days.
Work permits are not available for all suspension reasons. DUI suspensions, for example, typically do not may have access to for a work permit during the first 30 days of suspension. Suspensions for unpaid fines or court failure may may have access to if you can demonstrate hardship. Call the DMV at 603-271-2251 to ask whether your specific suspension allows a work permit.
Reinstating your license after suspension ends
Once your suspension period is over, your license does not automatically become active again. You must request reinstatement from the DMV. The process depends on why your license was suspended.
For most suspensions (unpaid fines, court failure, points accumulation), you can request reinstatement by phone, online, or in person at a DMV office. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee, which is typically $25 to $50. The DMV will confirm that the reason for suspension has been resolved before they restore your license.
For DUI suspensions, you must provide proof of completion of any required programs before reinstatement. Bring your completion certificate to the DMV office along with proof of insurance. The DMV will also require the reinstatement fee.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in New Hampshire is a criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $250 to $500 and possible jail time. A second offense within five years carries a fine of $500 to $1,000 and mandatory jail time of at least 10 days. Subsequent offenses carry even steeper penalties.
If you're stopped by police while driving on a suspended license, your vehicle may be impounded. Your insurance company may also deny coverage for any accident that occurs while you're driving illegally, leaving you personally liable for damages. Additionally, driving on a suspended license can extend your suspension period or result in a new suspension.
If you need to drive before your suspension ends, a work permit is the legal option. If you don't may have access to for a work permit, use public transportation, ride-sharing services, or ask someone with a valid license to drive you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn about my license is suspended?
The online lookup tool at nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv shows your status when ready. If you call the DMV at 603-271-2251, you'll typically get an answer within a few minutes during business hours. If you visit a DMV office in person, staff can check your status when ready.
Can I drive in another state if my New Hampshire license is suspended?
No. A suspension in New Hampshire is recognized by most other states through the Interstate Compact on Driver's License Compact, a system that shares suspension information between states. You cannot legally drive in another state on a suspended New Hampshire license.
What if I don't know why my license is suspended?
Call the DMV at 603-271-2251 and provide your license number and date of birth. The DMV will tell you the reason and the date the suspension began. If the reason is unclear or you believe it's an error, ask to speak with a supervisor or request a written explanation.
Can I get my license back before the suspension period ends?
In some cases, yes. If your suspension is for unpaid fines or court failure, paying or resolving the issue can end the suspension when ready. For other reasons (like DUI), you must wait out the full suspension period. A work permit may allow limited driving during the suspension if you meet hardship requirements.
Do I need to take a driving test again after my suspension ends?
For most suspensions, no — you only need to request reinstatement and pay any required fee. For DUI suspensions, you may need to provide proof of completion of a substance abuse program, but you typically don't need to retake the written or road test unless your license has also expired.