How to Renew Your New Hampshire Driver's License

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 if you meet certain conditions, or online through the NH DMV website for some renewal types. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had a name change, and how soon you need the new card.

For an in-person renewal at a DMV office, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current New Hampshire address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, you'll also need the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The NH DMV has offices in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, and Berlin. You can walk in during business hours or schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time. Appointments are not required but are strongly recommended, especially at the Manchester and Nashua locations.

Key Takeaways

New Hampshire driver's licenses expire on your birthday and can be renewed up to one year before expiration.
Online renewal through the NH DMV website is available if your license is not suspended, you have no address changes, and you have no vision or medical restrictions.
Mail renewal is an option if you meet specific conditions, but processing takes 7 to 10 business days plus mailing time.
In-person renewal at a DMV office requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.
The renewal fee is $85 for a five-year license or $170 for a ten-year license; you can pay by cash, check, or card at DMV offices.

Online renewal through the NH DMV website

The NH DMV allows online renewal for standard driver's licenses if you meet all of these conditions: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any address changes since your last renewal, you have no vision or medical restrictions noted on your license, and you are renewing a standard (not commercial) license. You'll log into your account on the NH DMV website, verify your information, pay the renewal fee by card, and receive a temporary digital license when ready.

Your new physical license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal — $85 for five years or $170 for ten years. If any of the conditions above don't explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail.

Mail renewal and processing time

You can renew by mail if your license is valid (not expired or suspended), you have no address changes, and you have no medical or vision restrictions. To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the NH DMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the time the DMV receives your process, plus mailing time in both directions. This means the total time from when you mail your process to when you receive your new license is typically 3 to 4 weeks. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal at a DMV office is faster — you can receive a temporary license the same day and your permanent card within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee depends on how long you want your license to be valid. A five-year license costs $85, and a ten-year license costs $170. At DMV offices, you can pay by cash, check, or card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover). By mail, you must pay by check or money order — the DMV does not accept card payments through the mail.

If you renew online, you pay by card at the time you complete your process. There are no additional fees for online or mail renewal; the cost is the same regardless of which method you choose.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office and includes a vision test and new photograph. You'll need to bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and proof of your identity (passport, military ID, or birth certificate).

The fee for a new license is the same as renewal ($85 for five years or $170 for ten years), but the process takes longer because of the vision test and photograph. You can receive a temporary license the same day and your permanent card within 7 to 10 business days.

Address changes and other updates

If you've moved since your last license was issued, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), proof of your Social Security number, and your identity document.

You can also update your address without renewing your license by visiting a DMV office or using the online address change form on the NH DMV website. An address change does not extend your license expiration date — your license still expires on your birthday as originally scheduled.

Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DMV office, and you'll need to pass a vision test and medical examination. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and your medical certificate (MCSA-5875 form) if your medical certification has expired or will expire within 30 days.

CDL renewal fees are the same as standard license renewal ($85 for five years or $170 for ten years). If your medical certificate has expired, you'll need to renew it with a certified medical examiner before or at the same time as your CDL renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. New Hampshire allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you're planning to travel or want to avoid renewing on or near your birthday. The expiration date on your new license will be five or ten years from the date you renew, not from your original expiration date.

What if I lost my current license?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot use mail or online renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person to report it and receive a replacement. Bring proof of your identity, Social Security number, and address. The replacement fee is $20, separate from any renewal fee if your license is also expired.

How long does a temporary license last?

A temporary license issued at a DMV office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within 30 days, contact the DMV to check the status of your process.

Can I renew if my license is suspended?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the DMV to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it through any available method.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, the document proving your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. You cannot renew by mail or online with a name change.

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.