New Hampshire driver's license fees by type

A standard New Hampshire driver's license costs $71 for a five-year license or $142 for a ten-year license. The ten-year option is available only to drivers aged 21 and older. If you are under 21, you can only get the five-year license at the $71 price.

These are the fees charged by the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when you renew or get a license for the first time. The exact amount you pay depends on which type of license you need and how long you want it to be valid. Some people also pay additional fees for things like Real ID endorsement or duplicate licenses, which are separate charges.

Key Takeaways

  • A five-year New Hampshire driver's license costs $71, and a ten-year license costs $142 if you are 21 or older.
  • Drivers under 21 can only purchase the five-year license for $71.
  • A Real ID-compliant license costs an extra $30 on top of the standard license fee.
  • A duplicate or replacement license costs $25 if your current license is lost, stolen, or damaged.
  • You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card at any New Hampshire DMV office.

Real ID endorsement adds $30 to your total

If you want your New Hampshire driver's license to work for federal purposes — such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building — you need a Real ID endorsement. This costs an additional $30 on top of your regular license fee. So a five-year Real ID license would cost $101 total ($71 + $30), and a ten-year Real ID license would cost $172 total ($142 + $30).

Real ID is not required for driving in New Hampshire. It is only necessary if you plan to use your driver's license as identification for air travel or federal facility access. If you do not need it, you can skip this fee and keep your standard license.

Duplicate or replacement license costs $25

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a duplicate for $25. This is a separate transaction from renewal and does not extend your license's expiration date — your new card will have the same expiration as your original.

You can request a duplicate in person at any New Hampshire DMV office or by mail. If you order by mail, include your $25 payment, a completed process form, and proof of your identity. The DMV will mail your duplicate to the address on file.

Payment methods accepted at New Hampshire DMV

The New Hampshire DMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). If you are paying by check or money order, make it payable to "State of New Hampshire." Credit card payments may have a small processing fee added by the DMV.

When you renew in person at a DMV office, you can pay when ready and walk out with your license the same day (or within a few days if you ordered a Real ID). If you renew by mail, include your payment with your process.

Where to pay and how to renew

You can renew your New Hampshire driver's license at any of the state's DMV offices. The main office is in Concord, but there are regional offices in Manchester, Nashua, Keene, and other cities. You can find the full list of office locations and hours on the New Hampshire DMV website.

You can also renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you do not need to update your photo or address. Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal — typically two to three weeks — so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon. Some people also renew online through the DMV website, though this option has restrictions based on when you last renewed and your age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay extra if I change my address?

No. Changing your address on your driver's license is free. You can update your address in person at any DMV office, by mail, or online through the DMV website. You do not need to pay a fee unless you also want a duplicate card with your new address printed on it, which costs $25.

What if I need my license before the standard processing time?

If you renew in person at a DMV office, you typically receive your license the same day or within a few business days. If you renew by mail, processing takes two to three weeks. There is no expedited fee or rush option — the timeline depends on which method you choose.

Can I renew my license online, and does it cost the same?

Yes, you can renew online through the New Hampshire DMV website if you meet certain requirements: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must have renewed in person within the last ten years, and you must be at least 21 years old. Online renewal costs the same as in-person or mail renewal — $71 for five years or $142 for ten years.

What happens if I let my license expire?

You can still renew an expired license at any DMV office or by mail. There is no penalty fee for renewing late, and the cost is the same as a regular renewal. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renew as soon as you notice your license has expired.