The fastest way to renew in New Hampshire
You can renew your New Hampshire driver's license online through the DMV portal, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is quickest — you can complete it in about 10 minutes if you have your current license and a valid payment method. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your process. In-person renewal at a local office typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on wait times.
Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid and whether you need to update your photo. If your license has not yet expired, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license is already expired, you must renew in person and will need to pass a vision test.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the New Hampshire DMV website is the fastest option and requires only your current license number, date of birth, and a credit or debit card.
- Mail renewal requires the paper form MV-20 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), a check or money order, and takes 7 to 10 business days after receipt.
- In-person renewal at any New Hampshire DMV office is required if your license has expired or if you need to update your photo.
- The renewal fee in New Hampshire is the same regardless of method, though online and mail renewals may have a small processing fee.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 5 to 7 business days after the DMV processes your renewal, whether you renew online or by mail.
Online renewal through the DMV website
The New Hampshire DMV website at nh.gov/safety/dmv has a dedicated renewal portal. You will need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and either a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card to pay the renewal fee. The system will verify your identity using information from your license record.
After you submit your online renewal, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address on file within 5 to 7 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to update your address, you can do that during the online renewal process.
Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you need to change your name, or if you want to update your photo. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.
Mail renewal using form MV-20
To renew by mail, read or request the form MV-20 (process for Renewal of Driver's License) from the New Hampshire DMV website or any DMV office. Fill out the form completely, including your name, license number, date of birth, and current address. Sign and date the form.
Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want confirmation of receipt. The DMV will process your process and mail your new license within 7 to 10 business days after they receive it.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal because of postal delays on both ends. If your license expires soon, online renewal is a safer choice. You can continue to drive on your current license while your renewal is being processed.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
Visit any New Hampshire DMV office with your current driver's license and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). You will need to pass a vision test and have your photo taken. Bring your current address proof if you have moved since your last renewal — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days works.
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you want to update your photo, or if you need to change your name or address. You must renew in person if you are over 75 years old, regardless of whether your license is still valid. Wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan.
The DMV office will print a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use to drive when ready. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 5 to 7 business days. Bring your temporary license with you until the new one arrives.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Current driver's license, credit or debit card | 5–7 business days (mailing) |
| Form MV-20, check or money order, current license | 7–10 business days after receipt | |
| In-person | Current license, proof of Social Security number, address proof if moved | Temporary license same day; permanent in 5–7 business days |
Renewal fees and payment methods
The New Hampshire driver's license renewal fee is set by state law and does not vary by renewal method. Online and mail renewals accept the same payment methods: credit card (online only), check, or money order. In-person renewals accept cash, check, credit card, and debit card at most offices, though payment methods may vary slightly by location.
If you renew online, the DMV charges a small convenience fee in addition to the base renewal fee. This fee covers the cost of processing your payment through the website. Mail and in-person renewals do not have an additional processing fee.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than a few months ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will take a vision test and have a new photo taken.
Expired licenses are treated as a renewal rather than a new process in most cases, so the process is faster than explore for a license from scratch. However, if your license has been expired for more than a year, the DMV may require additional documentation or may ask you to retake the written driving test. Call your local DMV office before you visit to ask what documents to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my New Hampshire license online if I moved to a different state?
No. Online renewal requires your current address to match the address on file with the DMV. If you have moved out of state, you must renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your new address. Many states do not recognize out-of-state renewals, so contact the DMV in your new state to learn whether you need to get a new license there instead.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. You must visit a DMV office in person and report your license lost. The DMV will issue a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your original license had not yet expired. Bring proof of your Social Security number and current address.
How long can I drive on my expired license while waiting for my renewal?
Once your license expires, you are not legally permitted to drive, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you renewed online or by mail, you can drive on your current license until it expires, but not after. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license that is valid until your permanent license arrives.
Can I renew my license early, before it expires?
Yes. New Hampshire allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — it will still be valid for the full term from the date of issue. Online and mail renewal are both available for early renewals.
What if the DMV mailed my new license but I never received it?
Contact the New Hampshire DMV with your confirmation number or process details. They can check whether the license was mailed and to which address. If it was lost in the mail, the DMV can issue a replacement. In the meantime, if your old license has not expired, you can continue to drive on it. If it has expired, visit a DMV office in person with your temporary paper license or renewal confirmation.