What you need to do to get your New Hampshire license back
To reinstate your New Hampshire driver license, you must contact the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), pay any reinstatement fees, and meet the specific requirements tied to why your license was suspended or revoked in the first place. The process and cost depend on whether your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, medical reasons, or another cause. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set period; others require you to take action before you can drive legally again.
New Hampshire does not have a single reinstatement pathway. The DMV will tell you exactly what you owe and what steps explore to your situation once you contact them or check your driving record online through the state's license status system.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the New Hampshire DMV directly to learn why your license was suspended or revoked and what reinstatement requires.
- You must pay all reinstatement fees and any outstanding fines or court costs before the DMV will restore your driving privileges.
- DUI-related suspensions often require an ignition interlock device, a substance abuse program completion certificate, or both before reinstatement is possible.
- Some suspensions are lifted automatically after the suspension period ends; others require you to submit paperwork or pass a new written or road test.
- You can check your license status and suspension reason online through the New Hampshire DMV website before visiting in person.
How to find out why your license was suspended
The first step is to know the reason for your suspension. Visit the New Hampshire DMV website and use the license status lookup tool, or call the DMV directly at (603) 271-2371. Have your driver license number or Social Security number ready. The DMV will tell you the suspension type, the date it began, when it ends (if applicable), and what you must do to reinstate.
Common suspension reasons in New Hampshire include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear in court, DUI or DWI convictions, medical suspension due to a reported condition, failure to maintain auto insurance, and accumulation of too many points on your driving record. Each reason has its own reinstatement rules.
Reinstatement fees and what they cover
New Hampshire charges a reinstatement fee to restore your license. The fee amount varies depending on the suspension reason and how long your license was suspended. As of recent years, reinstatement fees typically range from $100 to $250, but you should confirm the exact amount with the DMV because fees can change. You must pay this fee before your license is restored.
In addition to the reinstatement fee, you may owe unpaid traffic fines, court costs, or other financial obligations tied to the original violation. The DMV will not reinstate your license until all of these debts are paid. If you are unsure what you owe, the DMV can provide an itemized list when you call or visit.
Reinstatement for DUI or DWI suspensions
DUI and DWI suspensions in New Hampshire carry stricter reinstatement requirements than most other suspension types. Before the DMV will restore your license, you must complete a substance abuse assessment and any recommended treatment program, install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle (for most first-time offenders), and provide proof of completion to the DMV.
The length of the suspension and the specific requirements depend on whether it is your first offense and the circumstances of the arrest. You must also pay the reinstatement fee and any court-ordered fines. Some people are required to carry an SR-22 insurance certificate (proof of financial responsibility) for a set period after reinstatement. The DMV will explain all requirements when you contact them about your DUI suspension.
Reinstatement for unpaid fines and court costs
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed before reinstatement. Contact the court that issued the ticket or fine to confirm the exact balance. Once you have paid, ask the court for written confirmation of payment, then provide that confirmation to the DMV along with your reinstatement fee.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, some courts allow payment plans. Contact the court directly to ask about this option. The DMV cannot reinstate your license until the court confirms that your debt is resolved, so working with the court first is essential.
Medical suspensions and reinstatement
New Hampshire may suspend your license if you report a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or if the DMV receives a report from a healthcare provider or law enforcement that you may be medically unfit to drive. To reinstate after a medical suspension, you must provide a medical clearance letter from your doctor stating that you are safe to drive.
The DMV may also require you to pass a new written test, road test, or both before your license is restored. Contact the DMV to find out what medical documentation is needed and whether you must retake any tests. Processing times for medical reinstatement can be longer than other types because the DMV must review your medical information.
Steps to complete your reinstatement
Once you know what you owe and what documents you need, follow these steps. First, pay all outstanding fines, court costs, and the reinstatement fee. You can pay by mail, phone, or in person at a DMV office. Keep proof of payment. Second, gather any required documents — such as proof of DUI program completion, medical clearance, or court payment confirmation — and bring them to a DMV office or mail them in.
Third, visit a DMV office in person or submit your paperwork by mail, depending on your suspension type. Some reinstatements can be processed by mail; others require an in-person visit. Call the DMV ahead of time to confirm what your situation requires. Once the DMV receives all required documents and fees, processing typically takes one to two weeks. You will receive written confirmation when your license is restored.
Where to go and how to contact the DMV
The New Hampshire DMV has multiple regional offices across the state. You can find the office nearest you on the DMV website at nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv. The main DMV phone line is (603) 271-2371, and you can also email questions to the DMV through their website contact form.
If you prefer to handle your reinstatement by mail, the DMV can provide a mailing address specific to your situation. Call ahead to ask whether your reinstatement can be completed by mail or whether you must visit an office in person. Bring or send your driver license, proof of payment, and any required supporting documents. Processing is faster if you visit in person and bring everything at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the DMV officially restores it. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in New Hampshire and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. Wait for written confirmation from the DMV before you drive.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the DMV to ask whether a payment plan is available for the reinstatement fee itself. For unpaid fines and court costs, the court that issued them may offer a payment plan. The DMV cannot reinstate your license until all debts are paid, but exploring payment options with both the court and the DMV may help.
Do I have to retake my written or road test to get my license back?
Not always. Most reinstatements do not require a new test. However, medical suspensions and some other situations may require you to pass a written test, road test, or both. The DMV will tell you whether a test is required when you contact them about your specific suspension.
How long does reinstatement take?
Processing time is typically one to two weeks from the date the DMV receives all required documents and fees. Medical suspensions may take longer because the DMV must review medical information. If you submit incomplete paperwork, processing will be delayed until you provide what is missing.
What if my license was suspended in another state but I live in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire is part of the Driver License Compact, which means suspensions from other states are recognized in New Hampshire. You must resolve the suspension in the state where it was issued before New Hampshire will restore your license. Contact the DMV in the state where the suspension originated to learn what reinstatement requires there.