How to Renew a New Hampshire Driver's License [2024]

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Renew Your Operator License in New Hampshire

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In Person

Most licenses are valid for 5 years and will expire on your birthday. It is illegal to drive with an expired license. The DMV office will send you a renewal notice 2 months before the expiration date, but you can renew without a notice up to 6 months before the license expiration date.

Note that you won’t get a renewal notice if you moved and didn’t let the DMV know your new address or your mail is forwarded.

Plan of Action:

1. Apply in person at a DMV office: You may choose any DMV office. No appointment is needed.

2. Complete an application form: You can download it here.

3. Present your current NH driver’s license: If you lost your license, show another proof of identity. If you are a non-US citizen, there are more requested documents depending on your status.

4. Bring documentation required for Real ID (optional): If your expiring license is not Real ID compliant (doesn’t have a yellow circle with a star in the corner), you may bring the documents below to get a Real ID license. Note that only this type of license will allow you to board the plane after October 1, 2020.

   Bring the following:

   • Proof of identity
   • Proof of Social Security Number
   • Proof of NH residency (2 documents)

5. Pass the vision test: It will measure how clearly you see. Wear your glasses or lenses if needed. You must be able to read the 20/40 vision line with both eyes.

6. Pay the renewal fee: $50.00 paid by cash, credit, money order, personal, or traveler’s check.

7. Have your picture taken: See top 7 tips for an excellent driver’s license photo.

8. Get your temporary license: It will be valid for 60 days. Your permanent license will be sent by mail within 60 days.

If your license expired less than a year ago, you may still renew it following the procedure above.

If your license expired more than one year ago and less than 3 years ago, you must bring all the documentation for the type of license you are renewing.

If your license expired more than 3 years ago, you will have to pass knowledge and road tests as well.

Find a DMV office near you

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By Mail

You may renew by mail if you are a member of the armed forces stationed out of state or a spouse of such member.

Plan of Action:

1. Download and complete Armed Forces Affidavit of Residency.
2. Download and complete the application form.
3. Photocopy your military identification (military personnel only).
4. Provide results of your vision test (spouses only).
5. Add a check made out to “State of NH-DMV” for $50.00 (spouses only).
6. Send the packet to: NH Dept. of Safety DMV - Driver Licensing 23 Hazen Drive Concord, NH 03305

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Online

You may renew online only if everything below is true:

• You received a renewal notice with a 10-digit Renewal Identification Number (RIN).
• You haven’t lost your renewal notice.
• You don’t need a Real ID compliant license.
• You want to keep your old photo on your new license.

Plan of Action:

1. Go to NH Online Driver License Renewal.
2. Enter your name, NH driver’s license number, and its date of issue.
3. Enter the RIN from the renewal notice.
4. Pay $50.00 by Visa or Mastercard.
5. Print your temporary license.
6. Receive your permanent driver’s license by mail within 60 days.

If you renew your license for your 21st birthday, renew no sooner than your actual birthday. Otherwise, your license might be printed in a vertical orientation.

Renew online

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Renewing in a different state?