Get a replacement license by visiting your local DMV office with proof of identity and residency
New Hampshire's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged cards. You cannot order one by mail or online — you must appear in person at a DMV office with specific documents. The process takes about 30 minutes once you arrive, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
The state charges a fee for a replacement license. The cost depends on how much time remains on your current license. If your license expires soon, you may pay less for a replacement than for a full renewal, or you may choose to renew for the full term instead. Ask the DMV staff which option costs less before you pay.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a New Hampshire DMV office in person with a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address to get a replacement license.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because the DMV will verify your identity through the Social Security Administration.
- The replacement fee varies based on how long your current license is valid, so ask the DMV which is cheaper: replacement or full renewal.
- New Hampshire DMV offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with some locations offering extended hours on certain days.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Bring one government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. You also need proof that you live in New Hampshire. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address will satisfy this requirement. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.
Have your Social Security number ready. If you do not have it memorized, bring a document that shows it: a Social Security card, tax return, W-2, or 1099 form. The DMV verifies your identity through the Social Security Administration, so this step is required.
If you changed your name since your lost license was issued, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, the DMV cannot issue a license under your new name.
Finding your nearest DMV office and checking hours
New Hampshire has DMV offices in most towns and cities. Visit the official New Hampshire DMV website and use their office locator tool to find the one nearest you. The site lists the address, phone number, and hours for each location.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but some have extended hours on certain days or close for lunch. A few locations offer Saturday hours. Call ahead or check the website before you go, because hours change seasonally and some offices close for staff training.
You do not need an appointment at most New Hampshire DMV offices. Walk in during business hours, take a number, and wait your turn. During peak times — lunch hours and late afternoons — wait times can stretch to an hour or more. Early morning visits typically have shorter waits.
What happens when you arrive at the DMV
Give your documents to the DMV staff member at the counter. They will verify your identity, check your Social Security number, and confirm your address. They will ask you to sign a form confirming that your license was lost or stolen. If it was stolen, you may be asked whether you reported it to police — this is not required, but reporting it can help if someone uses your license fraudulently.
The staff member will take a new photo for your replacement license. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your face, and the background must be plain. If you dislike your photo, you can request a retake, though some offices limit retakes to one per visit.
Pay the replacement fee. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most locations, but call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific office. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you.
When your new license arrives in the mail
Your replacement license is printed and mailed to the address you provided at the DMV. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit the office. During busy periods, printing may take longer. The DMV does not offer expedited mail, so you cannot pay extra to speed up delivery.
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, which gives you time to receive your plastic card. If your card does not arrive within 30 days, contact the DMV office where you applied. Keep the temporary license until your replacement arrives — it is your proof of a valid license if you are stopped while driving.
Once your new license arrives, destroy the temporary paper license. Do not carry both, because showing an expired or temporary license alongside a new one can confuse law enforcement during a traffic stop.
If your license was stolen and you are concerned about fraud
If someone stole your license, consider reporting it to local police. You do not have to file a report to get a replacement, but a police report creates a record if your license is used fraudulently. Some people use stolen licenses to open accounts or make purchases in someone else's name.
Monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see accounts you did not open, contact the credit bureau and the company that opened the account to dispute the charge.
You may also place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting one of the three bureaus. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. The alert lasts one year and is free to place.
Replacing a license that is damaged but not lost
If your license is damaged — cracked, faded, or unreadable — you can get a replacement using the same process: visit a DMV office with your documents and pay the replacement fee. Bring the damaged license with you if you have it. The DMV will take it and destroy it, so you do not need to worry about someone finding it later.
A damaged license does not require a police report. straightforward tell the DMV staff that the card is unreadable or unusable. They will process it as a replacement rather than a new license, which may affect the fee you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license on the same day I explore?
No. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your plastic replacement is mailed to you over 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive when ready, the temporary license is valid for that purpose.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You must have a Social Security number to get a New Hampshire driver's license. If you do not have one, contact the Social Security Administration to explore. The DMV cannot issue a license without it.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
No, reporting is not required to get a replacement. However, if you are concerned someone may use your license fraudulently, a police report creates a record and may help if fraud does occur.
What if my address has changed since I lost my license?
Bring proof of your new address to the DMV. Your replacement license will show your current address, not the one on your lost license. This is the same process as updating your address on an existing license.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to the address you provide at the DMV. You do not pick it up in person. If you move before it arrives, contact the DMV to update your mailing address.