Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your New Hampshire driver's license in person at any DMV office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and requires you to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your New Hampshire address. If you're renewing by mail, you'll send the same documents along with the renewal form to the address listed on the DMV website.

New Hampshire has DMV offices in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, and several other cities. You can find the full list and hours on the New Hampshire Department of Safety website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to skip the wait.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any New Hampshire DMV office or by mail if your license is not suspended and you haven't had certain violations.
  • Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (like a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your address (like a utility bill or lease).
  • The renewal fee is $85 for a five-year license or $165 for a ten-year license, paid by cash, check, or card at the DMV.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks if you renew in person, or within three to four weeks if you renew by mail.
  • You can schedule an appointment online to avoid waiting, though walk-ins are also accepted.

When you can renew by mail instead of going in person

Mail renewal is faster to start but slower to finish. You don't have to leave home, but your new license takes longer to arrive. You're allowed to renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no outstanding violations or court orders, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.

To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the New Hampshire Department of Safety website, fill it out, and mail it with your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address to the address shown on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee—the DMV does not accept card payments by mail. Your new license will arrive in three to four weeks.

The renewal fee and what affects the cost

The fee depends on how long you want your new license to be valid. A five-year license costs $85. A ten-year license costs $165. You pay at the DMV counter when you renew in person, using cash, check, or debit or credit card. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order.

The fee does not change based on your age, driving record, or how long you've held your current license. It is the same for everyone renewing in New Hampshire.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew your license by mail or in person if it is currently suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation—usually by paying fines, completing a required course, or meeting other court-ordered conditions. Contact the New Hampshire DMV directly to find out what you need to do before you can renew.

Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew through the normal process. The DMV will tell you whether you need to come in person or whether mail renewal is available to you at that point.

How long your new license takes to arrive

If you renew in person at a DMV office, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two weeks. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the counter that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive. If you renew by mail, the process takes three to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your form.

If your new license doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the DMV with your confirmation number or receipt. Processing times can vary during busy periods, but the DMV can check the status of your renewal.

Changing your address or other information during renewal

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a DMV office—you cannot use mail renewal. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

You can also update your name, organ donor status, or emergency contact information when you renew in person. If you're renewing by mail and your information hasn't changed, you don't need to do anything except send in the form and documents.

What to do if you've lost your current license

If you've lost your license and need to renew, you'll need to report it lost and request a replacement at the same time. Go to a DMV office in person with your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The DMV will issue you a new license with a new number, and you'll pay the standard renewal fee.

You cannot renew by mail if your license is lost, because you need to bring your current license with you or report it in person. The DMV office will handle both the lost-license report and the renewal in one visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early doesn't cost extra, and your new expiration date will be five or ten years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.

What if I don't have a Social Security card?

You can bring other documents that show your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2 form, or 1099 form. The DMV needs to verify your number but doesn't require the card itself. Call your local DMV office if you're unsure whether your document will work.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

No, walk-ins are accepted at all New Hampshire DMV offices. However, scheduling an appointment online will save you time waiting. You can book an appointment on the New Hampshire Department of Safety website.

What if I'm out of state when my license expires?

You can renew by mail before you leave, or you can renew in person when you return to New Hampshire. If your license expires while you're away, you cannot legally drive in New Hampshire until you renew it, even if you're a resident.

Can someone else pick up my new license for me?

No. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. You cannot pick it up at the DMV or have someone else collect it. If your mailing address is different from your residential address, tell the DMV staff when you renew in person, and they'll mail it to the correct location.