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're renewing early, or online through the state's portal if you meet certain conditions. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, how soon you need it, and whether you've had any changes to your address or name since your last renewal.
New Hampshire licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew up to one year before expiration, which means you have flexibility in timing. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person — mail and online options are not available for expired licenses.
Before you start, gather your current license, proof of your Social Security number (your card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had any address or name changes since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you explore at least two weeks before expiration, though processing takes four to six weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is the only option if your license has expired or if you need it quickly.
- New Hampshire DMV offices are located in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, and Berlin, with limited hours that vary by location.
- The renewal fee is $100 for a five-year license or $150 for a ten-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card depending on your renewal method.
Renewing online through the DMV portal
Online renewal through the New Hampshire DMV website is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. You can complete the entire process from home in about 15 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. However, this option is only available if your current license is not expired, your address has not changed, your name has not changed, and you do not need to update your photo.
Go to the New Hampshire DMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. Review your information on screen, choose your license term (five or ten years), and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready, and your new license ships within five business days.
If you're not sure whether you're may be able to access for online renewal, the DMV website has a tool that checks your account before you begin. This saves you from starting the process and discovering halfway through that you need to renew in person instead.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but works if your license is still valid and you don't need it urgently. You must mail your process at least two weeks before your license expires. Processing typically takes four to six weeks from the date the DMV receives your process, so plan accordingly if you have travel or other plans that require a valid license.
read the Driver License Renewal process (Form DSMV 10) from the New Hampshire DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill it out completely, sign it, and include a copy of your proof of address. Mail the form, your current license, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash through the mail.
Mail renewal is not an option if your license has already expired. If you're close to expiration and uncertain whether your process will arrive in time, renew in person instead — the wait at a DMV office is usually shorter than the mail processing time.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need your new license within a few days, or if you've had changes to your address, name, or photo since your last renewal. Walk-in service is available at all New Hampshire DMV offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The Concord office typically has shorter waits on weekday mornings, while the Manchester and Nashua offices are busier during lunch hours and after 3 p.m.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If you've changed your name, bring the certified document showing the change. If you need a new photo (which is optional unless your current photo is damaged or you've changed significantly), the DMV will take one at no extra charge. Pay the renewal fee in cash, by check, or by card — all four DMV offices accept all payment methods.
Your new license will be issued on the spot if you're renewing before expiration. If your license has already expired, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you, which takes about two weeks.
DMV office locations and hours
New Hampshire operates four full-service DMV offices. The main office in Concord is located at 23 Hazen Drive and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Manchester office at 1 Hazen Drive is open the same hours. The Nashua office at 410 Main Street is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Berlin office at 324 Main Street has limited hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All offices are closed on state holidays and weekends. If you're traveling from out of state or have a long drive, call ahead to confirm current hours — the DMV occasionally closes for staff training or other reasons. You can reach any office by calling the main DMV line at 603-271-2371.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A five-year New Hampshire driver's license costs $100. A ten-year license costs $150. These are the standard renewal fees and do not change based on your age or driving record. If you renew online or by mail, you can pay by check or money order (mail only) or by debit or credit card (online only). If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, or card.
Some DMV offices have ATMs on site, but not all. If you plan to pay by cash and don't have exact change, bring bills and coins — staff cannot make change. If you're paying by check, make it payable to "State of New Hampshire."
What happens if your license expires before you renew
If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally if you have a renewal confirmation in your vehicle. If you renewed online or by mail, print your confirmation number or take a screenshot. If you renewed in person and received a temporary paper license, that serves as your proof of renewal. Police will accept either document as evidence that you've begun the renewal process.
However, if you're pulled over without proof of renewal, you may receive a citation. To avoid this, renew at least two weeks before expiration if you're using mail, or at least one week before if you're renewing in person. If your license has already expired and you have not started renewal, go to a DMV office in person — do not wait for mail processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an out-of-state address?
No. Your New Hampshire license requires a New Hampshire address. If you've moved out of state, you must surrender your New Hampshire license and obtain a license from your new state. If you've moved temporarily but still maintain a New Hampshire residence, you can renew using that address.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
A new photo is optional unless your current photo is damaged, faded, or unreadable. If you want a new photo, the DMV will take one at no extra charge during in-person renewal. You cannot update your photo through online or mail renewal.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You'll need to replace your license first, then renew it. Go to a DMV office in person with your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The staff will issue a replacement license and can process your renewal in the same visit. You'll pay both fees together.
How long does it take to receive a renewed license by mail?
Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. Mail delivery to the DMV typically takes three to five business days, so allow at least three weeks total from the date you mail your process. If you're close to expiration, renew in person or online instead.
Can I renew online if I'm renewing early?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, and online renewal is available for early renewals as long as your address and name have not changed and you don't need a new photo. This is a good strategy if you're planning travel and want your new license before your current one expires.