Renew Your Operator License in New Hampshire
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:- Apply in person at a DMV office: You may choose any DMV office. No appointment is needed.
- Complete an application form: You can download it here.
- 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.
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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)
- 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.
- Pay the renewal fee: $50.00 paid by cash, credit, money order, personal, or traveler’s check.
- Have your picture taken: See top 7 tips for an excellent driver’s license photo.
- Get your temporary license: It will be valid for 60 days. Your permanent license will be sent by mail within 60 days.
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:- Download and complete Armed Forces Affidavit of Residency.
- Download and complete the application form.
- Photocopy your military identification (military personnel only).
- Provide results of your vision test (spouses only).
- Add a check made out to “State of NH-DMV” for $50.00 (spouses only).
- Send the packet to: NH Dept. of Safety DMV - Driver Licensing 23 Hazen Drive Concord, NH 03305
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.
- Go to NH Online Driver License Renewal.
- Enter your name, NH driver’s license number, and its date of issue.
- Enter the RIN from the renewal notice.
- Pay $50.00 by Visa or Mastercard.
- Print your temporary license.
- Receive your permanent driver’s license by mail within 60 days.