Are you getting ready to renew your driver’s license in New Hampshire?
Great!
It’s always best to start preparing early.
And the best way to do that is to know exactly HOW to renew your driver’s license in the state. This way, you don’t waste even more time than you have to.
Well, this is where we come in.
Here, we’re going to walk you through ALL the available methods, steps, and requirements for the New Hampshire driver’s license renewal process.
You’ll know exactly what you need to do.
So let’s dive right in!
How to Renew A Driver’s License in New Hampshire
You can renew your NH driver’s license through 3 methods:
- Online
- In-Person
- By mail (for military members only)
You might be eligible for either one at different times, so we provided steps for both.
How to Renew A New Hampshire Driver’s License Online
Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could complete the entire renewal process from the comfort of your home?
YOU CAN!
However, only qualified drivers can do online renewals.
Find out if you’re one of them by checking off how many of the items below are true for you:
- You received your renewal notice and it shows a Renewal Identification Number (RIN)
- You have a credit card to pay for the renewal fee
- You have a printer connected to your computer
If you have a check on all three boxes, follow the steps below. If not, you’ll have to renew your NH driver’s license in person.
Here are the steps for an online driver’s license renewal in New Hampshire:
- Go to the DMV’s page for online renewals.
- Enter your Renewal Identification Number (RIN).
NOTE: Your RIN is only valid 60 days before and 60 days after your license’s expiration date.
- Enter your driver’s license information.
NOTE: It’s best to have your credential with you because you must encode your details as they appear on your license.
- Pay the necessary renewal fee through a credit card:
- REAL ID-compliant – $60
- Non-REAL ID-compliant – $50
- Print out your temporary license, which is valid for 60 days. Your official credential will arrive by mail within that time.
And that’s it! How easy and convenient was that?
How to Renew A New Hampshire Driver’s License In-Person
Now, if you didn’t receive a renewal notice, or if you did but there is no RIN, you’ll have to renew in person.
Don’t worry — an in-person renewal might not be as convenient as an online one, but it’s far from unmanageable.
Here’s what you have to do:
- Schedule a visit to a DMV office through the online scheduling system.
NOTE: You can walk in at any branch, but these offices prioritize drivers with appointments. So it’s best to schedule for a faster procedure.
- Bring the following with you when you go:
- A filled-out Application for Driver License form
- Your New Hampshire driver’s license
- Any additional documents if you’re not a US citizen
- Any additional documents if you’re upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant.
- Pass the vision screening.
- Pay the appropriate renewal fee through cash, credit card, checks, or money order:
- non-REAL ID-compliant – $50
- REAL ID-compliant – $60
- Non-citizen – $10 per year, not over 5 years
- Receive your temporary driver’s license. Your new one will arrive in the mail within 60 days.
Still pretty easy, right?
How to Renew A New Hampshire Driver’s License by Mail
Renewal by mail is only available to active military members and their spouses stationed outside of New Hampshire when their licenses expire.
If this applies to you, you can follow these steps:
- Prepare the following documents:
- A filled-out application form. NOTE: Remember that it’s different for commercial and non-commercial licenses. Ensure you submit the correct one.
- A filled-out Armed Forces Affidavit of Residency
- A copy of military identification (for military members)
- The results of a visual acuity test administered by an ophthalmologist (for military spouses)
- A check payable to the State of NH — DMV amounting to $50 or $60 (for military spouses)
- Send everything to the address below:
NH Dept. of Safety
DMV – Driver Licensing
23 Hazen Drive
Concord NH 03305
What if you’re not an active military member but won’t be in New Hampshire when your license expires?
The best you can do is request a 6-month extension. You can do this by simply calling (603) 227-4020 to confirm that you have an image on the DMV computer file.
From there, the DMV will send you a temporary license, but you must visit one of its offices to renew it once you return to New Hampshire.
FAQs
Got some questions? Then let’s answer the most frequently asked questions about New Hampshire driver’s license renewal.
When does my NH driver’s license expire?
Driver’s licenses in New Hampshire expire every 5 years on your birthday. For the specific date, you can check your driver’s license card.
However, if you have a Youth Operator License OR you are below 21, your license will expire when you turn 21 years old.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license in NH?
Most of the services the DMV offers are available for walk-in visitors. However, an online appointment can be a huge time saver.
DMV branches prioritize visitors with schedules, so you won’t have to wait around for long.
Is there a grace period for expired driver’s licenses in NH?
No, there is no grace period. Once your driver’s license expires, you are not allowed to drive anymore. You may have to pay fines up to $1,000 if a law officer pulls you over and finds you with an expired credential.
Although you can still renew your license after its expiration date, the requirements change the longer you wait. The table below details this.
| How Long Your License Has Been Expired | What to Do |
| Less than one year | You must renew in person but can follow the usual process |
| More than a year but less than three years | You must renew in person You must present documents proving your identity and residence in New Hampshire |
| More than three years | You must renew in person You must present documents proving your identity and residence in New Hampshire You must pass the vision, written, and road tests |
What age do you have to retake the driving test in NH?
Usually, the DMV asks drivers 75 years and older to retake the road test when they renew their licenses. This is to ensure that these senior drivers still know how to drive properly and safely.
The Wrap Up
There you go — all the information you need on New Hampshire driver’s license renewal.
Whether you’re eligible for online and mail renewal or you have to do it in person, you now know all the steps to take. And with this, the whole process will be a lot quicker.
And remember, don’t wait until the last minute. The DMV will accept renewals up to 6 months before your license expires.
So go ahead and renew your NH driver’s license today!