What you need to renew in New Hampshire
New Hampshire driver licenses expire every five years. You can renew yours by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office — and which method works depends on whether your license is still valid and what type of license you hold.
If your license has not yet expired, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license is already expired, you must renew in person. The state also requires you to pass a vision test every time you renew, even if you renew by mail (you can take this at an eye doctor's office and submit the results).
New Hampshire does not require you to retake the written or road test unless your license was suspended or revoked, or unless the DMV has reason to believe your driving record or medical status has changed.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mail renewal are open only if your license has not yet expired; expired licenses require an in-person visit to a DMV office.
- You must pass a vision test with every renewal, but you can have an eye doctor perform it and mail in the results instead of visiting the DMV.
- New Hampshire licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- Renewal by mail costs less than in-person renewal and takes two to three weeks; online renewal is when ready but requires a valid credit or debit card.
- If your license was suspended, revoked, or if you have medical conditions that may affect driving, you may be required to take a written or road test.
Renewing online through the New Hampshire DMV portal
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid. You go to the New Hampshire DMV website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal form. The process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
After you submit your process online, you still must complete the vision test requirement. You have 30 days to either visit a DMV office for the vision screening or have an eye doctor perform it and submit the results to the DMV. Once the vision requirement is met, your new license is mailed to you within one to two weeks.
Online renewal costs $30 for a five-year license. This is the lowest fee available and covers the license itself; there are no additional processing charges.
Renewing by mail with a vision test form
Mail renewal works only if your license has not expired. You request a renewal process from the New Hampshire DMV by phone at 603-271-2318 or by visiting a local DMV office. You can also read the form from the DMV website.
Fill out the process and include a completed vision test form. You can obtain this form from your eye doctor, optometrist, or at a DMV office. Your eye care provider will perform the test, sign the form, and you mail it with your process. Include a check or money order for $35 (the mail renewal fee) and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. Mail renewal costs $35, which is $5 more than online renewal but does not require you to visit an office or use a credit card.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
You must renew in person if your license has expired. You will also choose in-person renewal if you prefer to complete the vision test at the DMV rather than at an eye doctor's office, or if you need to update your address, name, or other information on your license.
Bring your current license (or expired license if it has lapsed), proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your New Hampshire address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
The DMV will administer a vision test on site. In-person renewal costs $40 for a five-year license. You will receive your new license the same day or within a few days, depending on the office's workload. Check the DMV website for office hours and locations near you; some offices require appointments, while others operate on a walk-in basis.
When you must renew in person and take a written test
If your license was suspended or revoked, or if the DMV has flagged your record for medical reasons, you may be required to pass a written test and a road test before renewal is granted. The DMV will notify you by mail if this applies to you.
You must schedule a road test appointment through the DMV. The written test covers New Hampshire traffic laws and safe driving practices. Both tests are the same as those given to new drivers. If you have not driven in many years or if you are unsure of current rules, review the New Hampshire Driver's Manual before your appointment.
Renewing a commercial driver license (CDL)
Commercial driver licenses cannot be renewed by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DMV office. You will need to pass a vision test and may be required to pass a written test depending on your record and medical status.
Bring your current CDL, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. If you have any medical conditions that may affect your ability to drive commercially, bring documentation from your doctor. The renewal fee for a CDL is $40 for a five-year license, the same as a standard in-person renewal.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
If your license expires, you cannot legally drive. You must renew in person at a DMV office; mail and online renewal are no longer available. You will need to bring the same documents as for a standard in-person renewal, plus your expired license.
Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine. The longer your license has been expired, the more scrutiny the DMV may explore during renewal — they may require a written test or road test even if you would not normally need one. Renewing before expiration avoids this complication. New Hampshire allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires, so you can start the process well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my New Hampshire license if I have moved out of state?
You can renew online or by mail if your license has not expired, regardless of where you live. If your license has expired, you must renew in person at a New Hampshire DMV office. If you have permanently moved and no longer hold a New Hampshire address, you should consider obtaining a license from your new state instead.
What if I fail the vision test?
If you fail the vision test, the DMV will not issue your renewed license until you correct the problem. You may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving, or your license may be restricted to daytime driving only. Your eye doctor can provide a corrected vision test form once you have obtained glasses or contacts.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Online renewal takes one to two weeks after your vision test is completed. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. In-person renewal is usually same-day or within a few days. If you need your license urgently, in-person renewal is your fastest option.
Do I need to take a new photo for license renewal?
For mail and online renewal, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. For in-person renewal, the DMV will take a new photo. If you prefer a new photo for mail or online renewal, you must renew in person instead.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to your in-person renewal appointment. If you are renewing by mail, include a copy with your process. Online renewal may not allow name changes; contact the DMV to confirm before starting your process.