Determine the Status of Your License

Driving without a valid license is illegal. If it’s getting close to the time your license will expire, renew it (see below). You must also have adequate insurance. Shopping online is the most convenient way to get multiple quotes.

Valid License

Every five years, your driver's license expires, whether you’ve got a noncommercial license with or without a motorcycle endorsement.

Commercial drivers have to go by different rules to renew their licenses.

If you question whether or not your license is still valid or you’re not sure what type of license you hold, look at your driving record.

Expired License

If you drive with an expired license and get pulled over, expect a citation. You must renew on or before the license expires.

There may be additional fees to renew an expired license. Depending on how long ago it expired, you may be required to retake the written or road tests. Check with your nearest DMV substation.

To check to see if your license expired, order a copy of your driving record.

Suspended License

If you suspect that your license is suspended and you missed the notice about it, you should look at your driving record. This tells you how many points you have and other information. Driving on a suspended license is against the law.

When you get your license back, you’ll probably be looking at higher insurance rates. Consider doing some comparison shopping to see if you can get a cheaper rate.

Lost License

Getting your license lost or stolen is no fun. It’s important to report it right away, so no one can use your identity. Then get a replacement.

Check Your Renewal Notice

The DMV sends a renewal notice about two months before your license expires. If you have moved and didn't update your address with the DMV, you won't get your reminder card.

You can renew your license anytime in the two month period before it expires on your birthday. You can get the application online but you go to a DMV substation for renewal.

Renew Online

There are no online renewals.

Renew By Mail

Only those who are out of state can renew by mail. For instance, you may be a student or on a long vacation somewhere. To renew:

1. Mail the Vision Re-examination Form with the renewal application and proper fee, to the DMV Headquarters in Concord.
3. Include your out-of-state mailing address so the renewed license can be sent directly to you.
4. Take the Vision Re-examination Form to an optometrist for your vision test.
5. Send the exam and your renewal application to the DMV Headquarters in Concord.

• Department of Safety

• Division of Motor Vehicles

• 23 Hazen Drive

• Concord, NH 03305

NOTE: Eye exams and renewal fees are waived for active-duty military and their families.

Renew In Person

• Fill out the renewal application

• Go to a DMV substation. Check their licensing hours first.

• Take a vision test.

• Pay the renewal fee. It’s $50; $55 if you’re also renewing a motorcycle endorsement.

When you renew, you will also receive an updated photograph for your driver's license. Be sure to check over your new license for appropriate restrictions and for proper endorsements. The best time to fix any license problems is then and there.

DMV Headquarters Only

If you hold a Visa or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you must renew at DMV Headquarters in Concord.

• Department of Safety

• Division of Motor Vehicles

• 23 Hazen Drive

• Concord, NH 03305

Update Your Driving Skills

Your license only gets renewed every half-decade. Most people don’t renew their driving skills that often. Taking a supplemental class to learn new traffic laws and refresh your skills is a great idea. Plus, it can make your car insurance rates cheaper.

Read your policy or call your agent to inquire if your company offers this discount. If they don’t, consider looking for someone who will.

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