Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your New Hampshire driver's license in person at any DMV office, by mail, or online through the state's portal — but not all three routes work for every person. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've changed your address, and how soon you need the new one.
Before you start, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
New Hampshire does not require a new photo every renewal cycle. If your license photo is less than 10 years old and you're renewing by mail or online, you can keep the same photo. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo unless you specifically request to keep your old one.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the New Hampshire DMV portal is the fastest option if your license is valid and you haven't moved or changed your name.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs less than in-person renewal, but you cannot change your photo or address this way.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office takes one to two hours and is required if your license has expired, you've moved, or you need a new photo.
- Your New Hampshire license is valid for five years from the date of issue, and you can renew it up to one year before it expires.
Renewing online through the DMV portal
Online renewal is the simplest path if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if your license is currently valid (not expired), you have not changed your address, you have not changed your name, and you are renewing a standard driver's license (not a commercial license or a license with special restrictions).
Go to the New Hampshire DMV website and log into the online services portal with your driver's license number and date of birth. Answer the questions about your current information, review the photo from your existing license, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The fee for a five-year renewal is $110. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days.
If you need to change your address or photo, you cannot finish the online renewal. Stop and use the mail or in-person route instead.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is cheaper than in-person renewal and requires no trip to the DMV, but it is slower and more limited. You can renew by mail only if your license is valid and you have not changed your name. You can update your address by mail, but you cannot get a new photo.
read the driver's license renewal form (Form DSMV 11) from the New Hampshire DMV website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $110, your current license, and proof of your address. Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the day the DMV receives your envelope.
Do not mail your original license unless you are certain you will not need it before your new one arrives. If you need to drive during the renewal period, keep your current license and send a photocopy instead — the DMV will accept it.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, you have changed your address or name, or you want a new photo. It is also the fastest way to get a license in your hands the same day, though you will need to wait in line.
Find the DMV office nearest you on the state website and check its hours before you go. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and any name-change documents. The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. The fee is $110 for a five-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within seven to ten business days.
Some DMV offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can cut your wait time significantly. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than a few months ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means taking the written test, the road test, and paying the full fee for a new license rather than a renewal fee.
The exact cutoff depends on how long ago your license expired. Contact your local DMV office or check the state website to find out whether you can still renew or whether you must reapply. If you are unsure, go in person to the DMV with your expired license and ask; they can tell you in minutes.
Address changes and name changes during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address. You can do this online (if you are renewing online), by mail (if you are renewing by mail), or in person. The DMV will not automatically use your voter registration address or any other record — you must tell them your new address yourself.
If you have changed your name, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go in person to a DMV office and bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will verify the document and issue a new license with your new name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your New Hampshire license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not extend your license's expiration date — your new license will still expire five years from the date you renew it, not five years from when your old one would have expired.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew a license you do not have. You will need to report it lost to the DMV and request a replacement before you can renew. Go in person to a DMV office with proof of your identity and address, and they will issue a replacement license. Once you have it, you can renew normally.
How much does renewal cost?
A five-year renewal costs $110 whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online and mail renewal may have a small additional processing fee depending on your payment method. In-person renewal at the DMV has no extra fee.
What if I moved out of state but still have a New Hampshire license?
You should get a driver's license from your new state instead of renewing your New Hampshire license. Most states require you to get a local license within 30 to 60 days of moving. If you still want to renew your New Hampshire license, you can do so by mail or online if you meet the other requirements, but you will need to provide your out-of-state address as your current address.
How long does it take to get my renewed license?
Online renewal takes seven to ten business days by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the day the DMV receives your envelope. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail in seven to ten business days.