What You Need to Know About NH License Renewal
New Hampshire lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether your address or other information has changed. Most people can renew without taking a new photo or passing a test — you straightforward send in your current license and pay the renewal fee, or complete the transaction online.
Your license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. New Hampshire sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year early if you want to.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is the fastest option and works for most drivers whose licenses are not expired and whose addresses have not changed.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license and a check to the DMV, along with a completed process form.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if your license is expired, your address has changed, or you need a new photo.
- The renewal fee is $100 for a five-year license, and you can renew up to one year before your current license expires.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and either a valid email address (for online) or a mailing address (for mail or in-person).
Renewing Online Through the NH DMV Portal
The New Hampshire DMV website allows you to renew online if your license is not yet expired and your address has not changed since your last renewal. Go to nh.gov/safety/dmv and select the renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You pay the $100 renewal fee with a debit or credit card, and your new license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. This is the fastest method if you are may be able to access.
Online renewal does not work if your license has already expired, if you have moved and need to update your address, or if your name has changed. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by Mail
To renew by mail, read the process form from nh.gov/safety/dmv or request one by calling the DMV at 603-271-2371. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current driver's license and a check for $100 payable to "State of New Hampshire."
Send the envelope to the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles, 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. If you are close to your expiration date, mail renewal may not be fast enough — consider in-person renewal instead.
You can renew by mail even if your address has changed, as long as you write your new address clearly on the process form. If your license is already expired, you can still renew by mail, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.
Renewing in Person at a DMV Office
Visit any New Hampshire DMV office with your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security 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). Bring a check or debit card to pay the $100 fee.
In-person renewal is the only option if your license is expired, if you need to update your address, or if you want a new photo taken. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
DMV offices are located in Concord, Manchester, Salem, and Laconia. You can find hours and locations at nh.gov/safety/dmv. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary. You can also schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired
If your license has expired, you cannot legally drive, even if you have already started the renewal process. You must renew in person or by mail — online renewal is not available for expired licenses. Once you submit your process by mail or visit a DMV office in person, you receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being processed.
If you are caught driving with an expired license, you face a fine and possible license suspension. The temporary paper license protects you during the renewal period, so keep it with you while you drive.
Address Changes and Other Updates
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you will need to renew by mail or in person. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will also need to provide proof of your Social Security number and current address.
Fees and Payment Methods
The renewal fee for a five-year New Hampshire driver's license is $100. If you renew online, you pay by debit or credit card. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order payable to "State of New Hampshire." If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, or debit card — most offices do not accept credit cards for in-person transactions, so call ahead to confirm.
There are no additional fees for address changes or name changes during renewal. If you lose your license or it is damaged before renewal, you can request a replacement for $20, but this is separate from the renewal process.
Scam Alert: Fake Renewal Notices
Be cautious of emails or text messages claiming to be from the New Hampshire DMV and asking you to click a link or provide personal information. The real DMV does not send unsolicited emails asking you to renew or verify your license. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click any links or provide information. Instead, go directly to nh.gov/safety/dmv or call 603-271-2371 to confirm whether the message is real.
Scammers sometimes create fake websites that look like the official DMV site and charge fees to process renewals. Always type the address directly into your browser or call the DMV phone number to make sure you are on the real website. The official New Hampshire DMV website is nh.gov/safety/dmv, and there is no charge for using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew online or in person, your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, the entire process takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. You can drive with a temporary paper license during this time.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, unless you renew in person. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo. If you want a new photo or if your current photo is more than 10 years old, you can request one during in-person renewal at no extra cost.
What if I move out of state before my license expires?
You should get a driver's license in your new state. You can still renew your New Hampshire license by mail or online if it has not expired, but most states require you to get a local license within 30 to 60 days of moving. Check your new state's DMV website for requirements.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No, you must renew yourself. You cannot authorize another person to renew your license on your behalf. However, you can renew by mail or online from anywhere, so you do not have to visit an office in person unless your address has changed or your license is expired.