How to Change Your Address at the DMV in New Hampshire

Moving within New Hampshire means you need to update your address with the state’s motor vehicle agency so your license, registration, and official notices stay current. This guide walks you through how a New Hampshire DMV change of address works and what to expect.

State Verification: Who Handles What in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, the motor vehicle agency is the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), part of the Department of Safety.

However, not everything is handled in one place:

  • Driver licensing (license, non‑driver ID, address on your license/ID)
    • Handled by the New Hampshire DMV at state-run DMV offices.
  • Vehicle registration and plates
    • In New Hampshire, this is split between:
      • Your local city or town clerk’s office (the “municipal” side), and
      • A state DMV registration office (the “state” side), depending on what you need done.

In New Hampshire, this split system means:

  • For an address change on your driver’s license or ID, you deal directly with the New Hampshire DMV.
  • For an address change on your vehicle registration, you may need to contact your city or town clerk’s office, and in some cases a state DMV registration office as well.

Because of this structure, many drivers in New Hampshire find that they end up visiting or contacting two different places: one for license/ID and one for registration. Always confirm whether your change of address affects just your license, just your registration, or both.

Why Updating Your Address Matters in New Hampshire

Updating your address with the New Hampshire DMV is not just a courtesy—it affects several important records:

  • Driver’s license or non-driver ID

    • Your address should reflect your current New Hampshire residence.
    • Law enforcement and other agencies may rely on the address on your license.

  • Vehicle registration and title

    • Your Registration Certificate and, in many cases, your title record are tied to your address.
    • In New Hampshire, this can also affect which city or town handles your registration, and how local fees or property tax on vehicles are assessed.

  • Official notices and reminders

    • The state may mail you:
      • License renewal notices
      • Registration renewal reminders
      • Notices of suspensions, hearings, or insurance issues
    • If you do not update your address, you may miss these notices even though the state considers them legally sent.

  • Voting and residency connections

    • While voter registration is a separate process, in New Hampshire, documents tied to your motor vehicle record can be used as proof of residency. An outdated address can complicate other state or local processes.

Depending on your county in New Hampshire, local officials may rely on DMV-linked records when verifying residency or sending tax mailings, so keeping your address accurate helps avoid avoidable confusion.

What You’ll Need for a New Hampshire DMV Change of Address

The DMV change of address New Hampshire process will vary slightly depending on whether you are changing your address on:

  • Your driver’s license or non-driver ID
  • Your vehicle registration
  • Both

In general, you should expect to need:

  • Your current New Hampshire driver’s license or non-driver ID
  • Your current New Hampshire vehicle registration (for each vehicle you’re updating)
  • Your new physical New Hampshire address, including:
    • Street number and name
    • Apartment or unit number (if applicable)
    • City or town
    • ZIP code
  • Mailing address, if different from your physical address
    • In New Hampshire, this is important for:
      • P.O. boxes
      • Rural routes
      • Seasonal addresses
  • Basic personal information, such as:
    • Full legal name
    • Date of birth
    • Driver license or ID number
    • Last four digits of your Social Security number (if requested)
  • Supporting documents, if required for your situation, such as:
    • Proof of your new New Hampshire residence (lease, utility bill, tax bill, etc.)
    • Legal name change documentation, if you are changing name and address at the same time

If a New Hampshire DMV change of address form is required, you may need to:

  • Print the form, complete it in ink, and sign it, or
  • Fill it out online, if New Hampshire makes an electronic option available

Because forms and procedures can change, it’s safest to search the official New Hampshire DMV website for “change of address” or “address change form” and follow the latest instructions.

Why Address Change Requests Get Rejected

In New Hampshire, address change requests may be delayed or rejected for reasons such as:

  • Incomplete forms (missing signature, missing date, missing license or registration number)
  • Illegible writing on paper forms
  • Mismatched information
    • The name or license number does not match what is on file
    • The new address is not formatted clearly (especially for rural routes)
  • Unsupported address types
    • Trying to list only a P.O. box when a physical residence address is required for certain records
  • Out-of-state addresses
    • New Hampshire licenses and registrations are generally for New Hampshire residents, so a move out of state often requires a different process, not just an address update

To reduce the chance of rejection, many drivers in New Hampshire find it helpful to have a recent utility bill or lease handy to double-check the exact spelling and formatting of their new address.

Step-by-Step Options to Change Your Address in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, this is typically handled by a combination of online services, mail, and in-person visits, depending on what you are changing and whether you are eligible for each option.

Procedures can change, so always check the current instructions on the official site before you start.

Overview: License vs. Registration

Use the table below as a general guide:

Record you’re changingPrimary place to update in New Hampshire
Driver’s license / Non-driver IDNew Hampshire DMV (online, mail, or in-person, depending on eligibility)
Vehicle registration addressYour local city/town clerk, and in some cases a state DMV office
Title mailing addressNew Hampshire DMV (often via form or in-person)

1. Online Address Change (If Available)

Online options can change over time. Many states, including New Hampshire, offer at least some online DMV services.

To see whether you can do your New Hampshire DMV change of address online:

  1. Go to the official New Hampshire DMV website

    • A common entry point is the New Hampshire Department of Safety’s site, which links to DMV services.
    • If you are not sure of the exact URL, use a search engine to look for:
      • “New Hampshire DMV online services”
      • “NH DMV change of address online”

  2. Look for an “Address Change” or “Online Services” section

    • Check specifically for:
      • Driver license address change
      • Registration/address update or Duplicate registration

  3. Create or log into your account, if the system requires one. You may need:

    • Driver’s license or ID number
    • Date of birth
    • Last four digits of your Social Security number

  4. Enter your new address carefully

    • Include both:
      • Physical address (where you live in New Hampshire), and
      • Mailing address, if different
    • Confirm spelling, apartment numbers, and ZIP code.

  5. Review any confirmation page

    • Save or print any confirmation number or receipt that shows your address change request was submitted.

  6. Check whether a new card or registration will be mailed

    • In some cases, an online change updates the record but does not automatically send a new physical license or registration unless you request a replacement.

If you cannot find a clear online option for your specific type of address change (for example, for commercial licenses or complex registration situations), you will likely need to submit a form by mail or in person.

2. In-Person Address Change

In New Hampshire, in-person visits are common for:

  • Updating the address on your driver’s license and requesting a replacement card
  • Situations where online systems cannot verify your new address
  • Certain CDL (commercial driver license) changes
  • Complex cases such as name plus address changes at the same time

How to change your address in person (license/ID)

  1. Locate a New Hampshire DMV office

    • Look for “NH DMV locations” or “New Hampshire DMV office hours” on the official site.
    • Note that some offices are full service, while others may offer limited services.

  2. Gather your documents

    • Current New Hampshire driver’s license or ID
    • Any required change-of-address form, if the DMV requires one
    • Proof of your new address, if requested (for example, a New Hampshire utility bill, lease, or tax bill)

  3. Visit during business hours

    • Some locations in New Hampshire may require or recommend appointments for certain services, so check ahead.

  4. Request an address change on your license/ID

    • Indicate whether you want:
      • The record updated only, or
      • A replacement card showing your new address

  5. Pay any applicable replacement fee, if required

    • Do not rely on past fee amounts; these can change.
    • Ask the clerk or check the fee schedule on the official site.

  6. Review your temporary or receipt

    • Make sure your new address is correct before you leave.

How to change your address in person (registration)

Depending on your municipality in New Hampshire, registration changes may require you to visit:

  • Your local city or town clerk’s office, and
  • In some cases, a state DMV registration office (particularly for title- or plate-related changes)

  1. Contact your city or town clerk’s office

    • Search “[your town] NH town clerk motor vehicle” to find contact details.
    • Ask how they handle address changes on vehicle registrations.

  2. Bring your current registration

    • Include each vehicle you need to update.
    • Be prepared to show proof of your new residence if required.

  3. Request the address change

    • Some clerks may update the municipal record and advise you whether anything else is required at a state DMV registration office.

Because New Hampshire uses a municipal–state split for registration, don’t be surprised if you are directed to a second office for certain updates or documents.

3. Mail-In Address Change (If Available)

In New Hampshire, mailing a form can be an option when:

  • You cannot visit a DMV office easily
  • The change is relatively simple (e.g., address only, no name change)
  • You do not need a same-day replacement license card

To pursue a mail-in address change:

  1. Search the official New Hampshire DMV website for “change of address form”

    • Look for a downloadable PDF form for:
      • Driver license address change, and/or
      • Registration/title address change

  2. Print and complete the form

    • Use black or blue ink
    • Fill in all required fields (name, license number, old address, new address, etc.)
    • Provide both physical and mailing addresses if requested.

  3. Attach any required copies

    • Some mail-in processes may require a photocopy of your existing license or ID.
    • Do not send original identity documents through the mail unless the form explicitly requires it—and then follow instructions closely.

  4. Mail the form to the address listed on the form

    • Do not guess the mailing address; rely on the address printed on the most current form.

  5. Allow time for processing, then check your status

    • You can usually verify your updated address the next time you interact with the DMV or receive a mailing from them.

After You Submit Your Address Change

Once your New Hampshire DMV change of address request is processed, a few things generally happen:

  • Your DMV record is updated

    • The internal record for your driver license/ID or registration should now show your new address.

  • You may receive a new license or ID card

    • If you requested a replacement license or ID, the DMV will typically mail it to your new mailing address.
    • Processing and mailing times can vary.

  • Your registration documents may or may not change immediately

    • Some address changes are reflected only in the back-end system until your next renewal, while others may result in new printed documentation or decals.
    • Check with your city or town clerk or the DMV if you are unsure.

  • Future mail from the DMV should go to your new address

    • That includes renewal reminders and any official notices.
    • It’s wise to keep an eye on your mail over the next few weeks to ensure you are receiving DMV correspondence at the new address.

If you live in a rural or seasonal area, many drivers in New Hampshire find it useful to confirm with their local post office that mail forwarding and delivery at the new location are set up correctly, especially if you rely on both a physical address and a P.O. box.

Special Situations in New Hampshire

Certain groups and scenarios have additional wrinkles in the New Hampshire address-change process.

Commercial Driver License (CDL) Holders

CDL address changes may have stricter rules:

  • You may be required to appear in person at a full-service DMV office.
  • If your CDL has any endorsements (hazmat, passenger, etc.), federal rules may influence what documentation is needed.
  • In New Hampshire, CDL changes often cannot be completed through the same simple online systems as standard licenses.

Always check the New Hampshire DMV’s CDL-specific guidance before attempting an address change.

Active-Duty Military and Families

If you are stationed in New Hampshire or you are a New Hampshire resident stationed elsewhere:

  • Your residency status and station location can affect whether:
    • You must change your address on a New Hampshire license
    • You may keep a New Hampshire address while living temporarily in another state
  • Consider checking the military or out-of-state resident guidance on the New Hampshire DMV website.
  • For vehicles, you may still need to coordinate with your New Hampshire city or town clerk regarding registration and tax issues.

College and University Students

For students attending school in New Hampshire (or New Hampshire residents attending school out of state):

  • If you establish residency at a New Hampshire address different from your previous one, you may need to update your:
    • Driver’s license address
    • Vehicle registration address
  • If you are a non-resident student attending school in New Hampshire while keeping permanent residence in another state, different rules may apply.
  • Check any student-specific guidance or consider calling the DMV for clarification.

New Residents Moving Into New Hampshire (Out-of-State Licenses)

If you have just moved to New Hampshire from another state:

  • You do not simply perform a New Hampshire DMV change of address.
  • Instead, you typically must:
    • Apply for a New Hampshire driver’s license to replace your out-of-state license.
    • Register your vehicles in New Hampshire, usually beginning at your city or town clerk’s office.
  • This is a new residency process, not just an address update.

In New Hampshire, this is typically handled by first visiting your local town/city clerk for registration matters and then a DMV licensing office for your new license.

P.O. Boxes and Rural Routes

Many New Hampshire residents, especially in rural areas, rely on:

  • P.O. boxes, or
  • Rural route addresses

Key points:

  • For your driver’s license, the DMV may require a physical residence address, even if your mail is delivered to a P.O. box.
  • For mailing address, you can often list your P.O. box or rural route to ensure reliable delivery.

When completing a New Hampshire DMV change of address form, look for separate fields labeled “Physical Address” and “Mailing Address” and fill both out accurately.

Changing Your Name and Address Together

If you recently changed your name (through marriage, divorce, court order, etc.) and moved at around the same time:

  • New Hampshire may require supporting legal documents for the name change (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
  • In many cases, you will need an in-person visit to:
    • Update your name
    • Update your address
    • Obtain a replacement license or ID card

Because this is more complex than an address-only change, online options are usually not available for combined name-and-address updates.

Troubleshooting: If Your Address Change Doesn’t Go Through

Things do not always go smoothly. Here are common issues and what you can do in New Hampshire.

Online Address Change Rejected

If your attempt to complete a New Hampshire DMV change of address online is rejected:

  • Double-check your entries

    • Make sure your:
      • Name matches exactly what appears on your license
      • Driver’s license/ID number is correct
      • Date of birth and other identifiers are accurate

  • Look for error messages

    • Some systems will specify that:
      • The address is not in a valid format
      • Your identity could not be verified
      • You are not eligible for online changes (e.g., CDL or other restrictions)

  • Try a different device or browser

    • Occasionally, a technical issue is to blame.

  • If still unsuccessful, switch to mail or in-person

    • In New Hampshire, if the online route fails repeatedly, most people resolve it by visiting a DMV office or using a paper form.

You Submitted a Change, but Your Record Didn’t Update

If you sent a form or completed an in-person transaction but the address still appears old:

  1. Allow for processing time

    • It may take some time for the system to reflect the update, particularly if mailed.

  2. Check both license and registration records

    • In New Hampshire, your driver’s license record and your registration record are not always updated in the same place or at the same time.

  3. Contact the appropriate office

    • For license or ID: Contact or visit a New Hampshire DMV licensing office.
    • For registration: Contact your city or town clerk, and if needed, ask whether the state DMV registration office also needs to be involved.

Keep any receipts, confirmation numbers, or dated forms you used; they can help staff locate your request.

Rejected Request Due to Address Type or Documentation

If your change request is rejected because of your address type (e.g., P.O. box only) or missing documents:

  • Ask for specific guidance on what the DMV or clerk’s office needs.
  • Provide a physical New Hampshire residence address if required, and list your P.O. box separately as your mailing address.
  • If proof of residence is requested, gather documents such as:
    • Utility bill in your name with your New Hampshire address
    • Lease agreement
    • Property tax bill

Depending on your county in New Hampshire, some clerks may also accept local tax or assessment statements as proof of residence.

License Address Updated, but Registration Didn’t (or Vice Versa)

Because different offices handle different records, it is common for:

  • Your driver’s license address to be updated, but
  • Your vehicle registration to still show your old address (or the reverse).

To fix this:

  1. Confirm which record is incorrect

    • Check your actual license card and your latest Registration Certificate.

  2. Contact the correct office

    • If the license is wrong: Contact the DMV licensing office.
    • If the registration is wrong: Contact your city or town clerk first and ask if any further action is needed with a state DMV registration office.

  3. Update the missing record using whatever method is offered (in person, mail, or online if available).

Many drivers in New Hampshire find that keeping a written checklist (“license updated, registration updated, title mailing address checked”) helps avoid overlooking one of the records.

Moved Out of State

If you move out of New Hampshire:

  • You generally need to:
    • Obtain a new driver’s license in your new state of residence.
    • Register your vehicle in your new state, according to that state’s rules.
  • In most cases, you do not file a New Hampshire DMV change of address for an out-of-state move. Instead, your New Hampshire license and registration are typically replaced by your new state’s credentials.

However:

  • If you continue to receive New Hampshire DMV mail at your old address, or
  • If there are unresolved issues (such as tolls, fines, or suspended status),

it may be helpful to contact the New Hampshire DMV directly to confirm your record is updated or closed appropriately.

Keeping your address accurate with the New Hampshire DMV helps ensure that your license, registration, and title records match where you actually live and receive mail. The most reliable way to get current forms, verify whether online service is available, and confirm office locations is to visit the official New Hampshire DMV pages on the New Hampshire Department of Safety website or search for “NH DMV change of address.”

Once you know whether you’re updating your license, registration, or both, follow the steps that match your situation—online if you’re eligible, by mail when allowed, or in person when required—and keep any confirmations or receipts until you see your new address reflected on your records.