Get a replacement license by visiting the DMV in person with proof of identity and residency
New Hampshire requires you to replace a lost driver's license in person at a DMV office. You cannot do this by mail or online. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the counter, and you'll walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.
The plastic license itself arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll need to bring two documents: one that proves who you are, and one that proves where you live. A passport works for identity. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works for residency. If you don't have both, the DMV will tell you what else they'll accept before you leave.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a New Hampshire DMV office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address.
- The replacement fee is $30 for a standard license, paid at the time you explore.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- The DMV is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with some locations offering extended evening hours.
- Bring the original documents themselves — copies are not accepted for identity or residency proof.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your original documents, not copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies for identity or residency proof. For identity, acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID from another state. If you have a Social Security card, bring that too — it helps speed up the process.
For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your current address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you've recently moved and don't have a bill yet, a lease or mortgage statement will work even if it's older, as long as it shows your current address.
If you don't have a passport or state ID, you can use a birth certificate plus one additional identity document like a school ID, employee badge, or credit card. Ask the DMV staff when you arrive if you're unsure whether your documents will work — they can tell you on the spot.
Where to go and when
New Hampshire has DMV offices in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, and several other cities. The main office is in Concord at 23 Hazen Drive. You can find the full list of locations and hours on the New Hampshire Department of Safety website under the Division of Motor Vehicles section.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some locations stay open until 6 p.m. on certain weekdays. Saturday and Sunday hours are not available. Call ahead or check online before you go, because hours vary by location and some offices close for lunch.
You do not need an appointment. Walk-in service is available at all locations, though wait times are typically shorter in the early morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays. If you go during lunch hours or late afternoon, expect a longer wait.
The replacement fee and what happens next
The replacement fee is $30, paid in cash or card at the DMV counter. This covers the cost of the new license. You pay this fee only once, when you explore.
After you pay, the DMV staff will take your photo and print your temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works anywhere a regular license does — you can drive with it when ready. Keep it in your wallet or car until your plastic license arrives.
Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address you provide at the DMV. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you explore. Once it arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer needed, though you can keep it as a backup. If your plastic license doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.
If your license was stolen or used fraudulently
If someone stole your license or you suspect it's been used fraudulently, tell the DMV staff when you explore for the replacement. They can flag your old license number in the system so it cannot be used. This is especially important if you're concerned about identity theft.
You do not need a police report to get a replacement, but if your license was stolen as part of a larger theft (like a wallet or car break-in), filing a police report is a good idea for your own records. The DMV does not require it, but it helps if you later need to dispute fraudulent charges or accounts opened in your name.
What to do if you can't find the right documents
If you don't have a passport or state ID, you can use a combination of other documents. A birth certificate plus a school ID, employee badge, or utility bill in your name can work. The DMV staff will tell you whether your specific documents are acceptable before you complete the process.
If you're missing documents entirely, you have options. You can order a birth certificate from the town or state where you were born — this usually takes one to two weeks by mail. You can also ask a family member or friend to bring a utility bill or lease in your name if you're living with them. The document just needs to show your current address and your name.
If you're in a bind and need to drive before your documents arrive, contact the DMV directly to ask about temporary solutions. They sometimes can issue a temporary license extension in unusual circumstances, though this is not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license the same day I explore?
You get a temporary paper license the same day you explore, valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive with the temporary license when ready.
What if I moved and my ID has my old address?
Bring your old ID for identity proof and a separate document showing your new address for residency proof. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your current address works. The DMV will update your address in the system when you explore.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
You don't need it, but bringing it speeds up the process. If you don't have it, the DMV can look up your number on file. Bring whatever identity and residency documents you have.
What if my plastic license gets lost in the mail?
Contact the DMV within two weeks of explore. They can check whether it was mailed and, if it's lost, issue a replacement. You may have to pay another $30 fee depending on how long it's been.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must explore in person at the DMV. However, once your plastic license arrives by mail, anyone can receive it at your address — you don't have to be home.