How to Renew Your New Hampshire Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your New Hampshire driver's license in person at any DMV office, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The New Hampshire Department of Safety Division of Motor Vehicles handles all renewals. Most people renew by mail or online because it takes less time than a visit, but you must renew in person if your license has been suspended, if you need to update your address, or if you are renewing after it has expired for more than a year.

For any renewal method, you will need your current driver's license and proof of your Social Security number. If you are renewing in person, bring your license, your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works). If you are renewing by mail, you will mail your current license along with the renewal form and a check or money order.

Key Takeaways

New Hampshire driver's licenses expire on your birthday and can be renewed up to one year before expiration by mail or online.
Mail renewal takes about two weeks; online renewal is faster but only works if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than a year, suspended, or if you need to update your address.
The renewal fee is the same regardless of method, and New Hampshire does not charge extra for standard processing.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is the most common method for New Hampshire drivers. You can start the mail renewal process up to one year before your license expires. The Division of Motor Vehicles will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your expiration date, or you can request a renewal form by calling the DMV at 603-271-2371.

Complete the renewal form, include your current driver's license, and send a check or money order for the renewal fee along with the form to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they are received, and your new license typically arrives within two weeks of receipt. If you do not receive your renewed license within three weeks, contact the DMV to confirm they received your process.

Renewing online

Online renewal through the New Hampshire DMV website is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, and you do not have any suspensions or restrictions on your license. The online system will tell you when ready whether you may have access to.

To renew online, visit the DMV website, enter your license number and date of birth, and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and you will receive a confirmation number when ready after payment.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Visit any New Hampshire DMV office if you need to renew in person. The DMV has offices in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, and several other locations throughout the state. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You can find the full list of office locations and hours on the DMV website.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. The Concord office typically has shorter waits on weekday mornings, while Manchester and Nashua offices tend to be busier during lunch hours and after 3 p.m. You do not need an appointment for renewal, but some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce your wait. Your new license will be issued on the spot if all documents are in order, though you may be asked to take a new photo.

Renewal fees and what they cover

The renewal fee for a standard five-year New Hampshire driver's license is set by state law and does not vary by renewal method. As of 2024, the fee is $85 for a five-year renewal. If you are over 65 years old, the fee is lower. You can pay by check or money order if renewing by mail, or by credit or debit card if renewing online or in person.

The fee covers the license itself and processing. New Hampshire does not charge extra for standard processing, and there is no option to pay more for faster service. If you lose your renewed license before it arrives or after you receive it, you will need to pay a replacement fee to get a duplicate.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired less than a year ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process as a current license holder. If your license expired more than a year ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in New Hampshire, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you could be cited. If your license has been expired for a long time and you are unsure whether you need to take a new written or road test, call the DMV before your office visit to confirm what documents to bring.

Address changes and other updates

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address in person at a DMV office. You cannot change your address by mail or online renewal. Bring your current or expired driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

If you need to change your name, correct an error on your license, or update other information beyond your address, contact the DMV directly at 603-271-2371 to find out what documents you will need to bring to an office visit. Some changes require additional paperwork such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew by mail or online up to one year before your license expires. In-person renewal can begin up to 60 days before expiration. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire five years from your current expiration date, not five years from the renewal date.

What if I do not receive my renewed license in the mail?

Contact the DMV at 603-271-2371 with your license number and the date you mailed your process. They can check whether your process was received and processed. If it was lost in the mail, the DMV can issue a replacement or resubmit your process. You may be charged a replacement fee depending on the circumstances.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew by mail or online, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you renew in person at a DMV office, you may be asked to take a new photo, but this is not always required. Ask the DMV staff when you arrive whether a new photo will be taken.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Mail and online renewal cannot process name changes. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and the name-change document to any DMV office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.