Where to renew your New Hampshire driver's license
You renew your New Hampshire driver's license through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which operates as part of the state Department of Safety. New Hampshire offers three ways to renew: in person at a DMV office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's portal for a limited renewal period.
The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid and how much time you have before expiration. If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must visit a DMV office in person and may need to retake the written test.
Key Takeaways
- New Hampshire driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before that date.
- You can renew online or by mail only if your license is still valid and you have not had any suspensions or medical restrictions added since your last renewal.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and a completed process form.
- The renewal fee is $130 for a standard five-year license, and you will receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks of approval.
- If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test and written exam.
Renewing online or by mail
New Hampshire allows online renewal through its DMV portal at the official state website. You can renew online if your current license is valid (not expired), you have no medical restrictions or suspensions on your record, and you are renewing a standard license — not a commercial or motorcycle endorsement.
To renew online, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method for the $130 renewal fee. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you will receive a temporary digital license when ready. Your physical license arrives by mail in two to three weeks.
If you prefer to renew by mail, read the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DSMV 14) from the DMV website, complete it, and mail it with your current license, a check or money order for $130, and proof of your current address. Mail renewals take four to six weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you have medical restrictions or suspensions on your record, or if you are adding a new endorsement such as a motorcycle or commercial license. In-person renewal also applies if you want to update your photograph or address.
Bring your current license, one document proving your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and a completed Form DSMV 14. You do not need an appointment at most New Hampshire DMV offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DMV website for your local office's hours and current wait times before you go.
The in-person visit usually takes 30 minutes. You will have your vision checked, pay the $130 fee, and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license arrives within two to three weeks.
What happens if your license expired more than one year ago
If your New Hampshire license expired more than 12 months ago, you cannot use the online or mail renewal process. You must visit a DMV office in person, and the renewal process becomes more involved.
You will need to retake the written knowledge test and pass a vision screening. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal — your expired license, proof of current address, and a completed Form DSMV 14. The DMV office will provide study materials and can administer the written test on the same day. Plan for 45 minutes to an hour for this type of renewal.
Documents and fees you will need
The renewal fee in New Hampshire is $130 for a standard five-year license. Payment methods accepted include cash, check, debit card, and credit card at DMV offices; online and mail renewals require a check, money order, or credit/debit card.
For any renewal method, you will need proof of your current address. The DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance policies, or government mail dated within 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of New Hampshire residency.
If you are renewing in person and want to update your photograph, bring a document with your photo — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. If you are changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
Timeline and what to expect after you renew
Online renewal is the fastest option: you receive a temporary digital license when ready and your physical license within two to three weeks. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from receipt. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, with your permanent license arriving in two to three weeks.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. If you move before it arrives, contact the DMV to update your mailing address. Do not discard your temporary license until you receive the permanent one.
Your new license will be valid for five years from the date of renewal. Your expiration date will be your birthday in the fifth year after renewal. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before that date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an out-of-state address?
No. To renew a New Hampshire license, you must be a New Hampshire resident. If you have moved out of state, you need to obtain a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but maintain a New Hampshire residence, contact the DMV to discuss your options.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
Bring legal documentation of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — to your in-person renewal appointment. If renewing by mail, include a copy of the legal document with your process. Online renewal cannot process name changes; you must renew in person or by mail.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
The DMV will take a new photo during in-person renewal. If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your previous license will be used. You can request a new photo at an in-person visit even if you are renewing by mail or online — just visit a DMV office and pay a $10 photo fee.
What if I lost my current license?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must obtain a replacement. A replacement is a different process from renewal and requires an in-person visit to a DMV office. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency, and you will pay a replacement fee rather than a renewal fee.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. New Hampshire allows you to renew your license up to one year before your expiration date. Renewing early does not extend your expiration date — your new license will still expire on your birthday, five years from the renewal date.