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You will need to renew your New Hampshire driver's license before it expires if you plan to continue driving in the state.
For information about renewing your New Hampshire commercial driver license (CDL) or ID card, see our pages on Renewing Your CDL in New Hampshire or Identification Cards in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire REAL ID Driver's Licenses
The New Hampshire DMV has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses. As of October 1, 2021, the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—a standard license will not after this date.
You have the option to obtain either a REAL ID-compliant or non-compliant license upon renewal, though the DMV highly encourages you to get a REAL ID. Renewal info for both credentials is outlined below. For further details, visit the DMV's guide to NH REAL IDs.
The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will mail you a renewal notice 2 months before your driver's license is due to expire. However, you may renew your valid NH driver's license before the expiration date.
Your NH driver's license status will determine how and when you can renew your license. Read below to find out more about the requirements for each driver's license status in New Hampshire.
If you have changed your name or address, see our Changing Your Name in New Hampshire and Changing Your Address in New Hampshire pages for more information.
You may renew your valid NH driver's license before it expires. When you renew in person, the NH DMV will mail your updated NH driver's license within 60 days.
During the driver's license renewal process in New Hampshire, you have the option to enroll as an organ donor in the NH Donor Registry.
This simple designation on your NH driver's license can help save lives in the future.
Pay attention to the red expiration date on the front of your license. When your NH driver license passes that date, you cannot drive until you renew it.
If your New Hampshire driver's license is expired, you must renew it at your local NH DMV office. See the “In-Person Driver's License Renewals" section below. You will also need to bring the following documents:
If your New Hampshire driver's license is suspended, you will need to reinstate it first before you can renew it.
The length of your NH driver's license suspension will vary depending on your type of conviction.
If you're required to show proof of insurance to the NH DMV, the SR-22 certificate is your only option.
You can find more about NH suspended licenses by visiting our Suspended License in New Hampshire page.
Is your driver's license valid or suspended? Click HERE to get your driving record!
If your NH driver's license is lost or stolen, read our page about Replacing a Lost License in New Hampshire to learn how to obtain a duplicate copy.
You can still renew your NH driver's license, but you'll need to prove your identity in person if you don't have a photo on file with the NH DMV.
For a complete list of accepted identification documents in New Hampshire, please visit the NH DMV website.
Depending on your eligibility, you may be able to renew your New Hampshire license:
*If you are upgrading from a standard driver's license to a REAL ID, you MUST do your renewal in person.
If you're eligible to renew your NH driver license online, you'll receive a renewal notice in the mail containing a 10-digit renewal identification number (RIN). If you're upgrading to a REAL ID, you MUST visit a licensing office in person (see below for steps).
To renew your NH driver's license online, visit the New Hampshire online renewal system. You will need:
There are no additional fees to use the New Hampshire online renewal service.
Your current photo on file will be used for your renewed NH driver's license. You will need to print your temporary NH driver's license to use until your new card arrives in the mail. If you haven't received your license, you can check its status by contacting the NH DMV.
NOTE: If you are turning 21 years old the earliest you can renew your license is on your 21st birthday.
You'll receive a renewal notice approximately 2 months before your New Hampshire driver's license expires. However, you can renew it in person before this date.
To renew your NH driver's license in person at your local NH DMV office, you will need to:
If your name is different than the name on the documents you bring in, then you will also need to bring in proof of your legal name change. Your renewed New Hampshire driver license will arrive in the mail within 60 days.
If you're a non-U.S. citizen (permanent resident, asylee or refugee) and you previously submitted an I-94 form or green card, you may renew your NH driver's license in person at your local New Hampshire DMV office.
You will need your:
If you're living in New Hampshire on a U.S. visa or work employment card, you must renew your NH driver's license at the main Concord DMV office and bring your:
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Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany
If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.
Your renewal fee will be waived if you have served in active military duty for 2 years or more, and at the time of enlistment, you were:
If you are stationed out of state on active military duty, you can renew your NH driver's license by mail. You will need a:
Mail the above documents to:
NH Department of Safety
DMV - Driver Licensing
23 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
If you do not have a current photo on file, the NH DMV will send you a driver's license without a photograph. When you return to New Hampshire, you must visit a NH DMV office and have your picture taken.
While stationed out-of state, all military members and their spouses may renew by mail an unlimited number of times.
If you're the spouse of an active New Hampshire military, you can renew your NH driver's license by mail. You will need:
Mail the above to:
NH Department of Safety
DMV - Driver Licensing
23 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
You may be eligible for a extension of your NH driver's license for 6 months while you're outside of New Hampshire if:
To apply for a driver license extension with the New Hampshire DMV, you will need:
Mail your forms and payment to:
NH Department of Safety
DMV - Driver Licensing
23 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
When you return to New Hampshire, you'll need to complete the renewal process in person at your local NH DMV office.
It will cost you the following fees to renew your driver's license in New Hampshire:
For online transactions, you can make payment with any of the following credit cards:
For most NH DMV transactions in person, you can pay by:
For transactions by mail, payment must be made by check (and payable to “State of NH - DMV.")
Contact your local NH driver license office for more information about accepted payment methods.
Renewal is the moment most people discover something else is out of date. Here's what's worth checking.
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