Drivers living in New Hampshire can complete drivers license renewal by following the state-established application process. These steps are designed to ensure residents still meet eligibility and safety standards to be legal drivers in the state. Applicants are required to submit DMV license renewal requests and verification documents verifying personal information. Additionally, specific fees must be paid to cover the processing costs of obtaining new permit cards.

Unlike license replacement, renewal is necessary for all drivers once every few years. Alternatively, replacement is necessary when licenses are lost, stolen or mutilated. Replacement is also required when a driver’s personal information needs to be updated. Discover more about the process of license renewal in New Hampshire by reading the following detailed information.

Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Drivers License

Note: Drivers can locate the expiration date of their current NH drivers license under the issue date.

To complete drivers license renewal in New Hampshire, specific guidelines for eligibility must be met by applicants. First, drivers must be 16 years or older to apply for updated licenses. Next, drivers must currently hold a valid license in the state.

The information that must be provided by applicants verifies eligibility standards established in New Hampshire. These requirements prove the identity, residency and citizenship status of each applicant and verify driver qualifications. To renew a drivers license online or in person, NH drivers may need to provide one of more of the following items:

  1. Documents proving Social Security Number (SSN):
    • Valid Social Security Card
    • W-2 containing SSN
    • 1099 document
    • Pay stub with SSN
  2. Documents proving identity:
    • NH identification card, license or permit
    • Marriage license
    • Divorce certificate
    • United States Passport
    • Employee photo ID
    • S. military ID papers
    • Official school transcripts

Lastly, at drivers license offices, applicants must present their old ID cards in order to be issued an updated permit.

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License in New Hampshire

New Hampshire residents must meet DMV permit renewal requirements in order to begin the application process in the state. These standards establish that drivers must have clean license records on file with the state.

Applicants are unable to renew their licenses if their driving privileges in NH are under suspension or revocation. Additionally, drivers with current unpaid traffic tickets and/or moving violations cannot apply for renewed licenses. When these fees are paid in full, however, the application process may begin.

How Early Can You Renew Your Drivers License in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire residents may renew their licenses up to 6 months prior to the official card expiration date. The state DMV office provides a complimentary renewal notice 2 months before cards expire. This notice is mailed to the current residential address on file.

The early renewal process is beneficial for the following drivers:

  • Those who are going to be out of state in the future
  • Those anticipating inability to apply for updated licenses closer to the expiration date

New Hampshire DMV License Renewal Options

The methods for obtaining renewed licenses in New Hampshire are online or in person. Residents can utilize the procedure that most fits their daily schedule and lifestyle. Both options are convenient and can be completed quickly, especially if prior research and preparation is done. Drivers can even prepare the necessary information and documents before starting the application process.

How to Renew Your Drivers License Online

Online renewal is often the quickest option for drivers to obtain updated permits in New Hampshire. This method is only available to residents who receive a mail-in notice containing a 10-digit Renewal Identification Number (RIN).

To complete the online DMV license renewal process, applicants should first understand what is needed to renew drivers licenses via the online portal. The following personal information must be provided on an online request form:

  • Driver’s license number
  • Full name
  • Birth date
  • Last 4 digits of applicants’ Social Security Number

Additionally, the 10-digit RIN number must be provided at the time of application.

Next, drivers are required to submit verification documents, if necessary. In some cases, applicants may need to visit a licensing location to take photos for their new licenses.

When the necessary documents are turned in and verified, drivers should pay driving license renewal fees using the online portal. Mastercard and visa are acceptable forms of payment.

New licenses are granted to drivers who are verified by the state licensing agency. License cards with updated expiration dates are mailed to the applicants’ listed address.

How to Renew Your Drivers License in Person

Understanding “where can I renew my drivers license in New Hampshire?” is necessary for all drivers in the state. Residents should locate the nearest licensing agency to their place of residence. At this office, the application process for renewed licenses may begin.

When visiting a local licensing office, residents must submit renewal request forms, completed in full. All information contained on the forms should be up-to-date and accurate.

Next, drivers must submit all required verification documents to the state. These forms are used to verify applicants meet established eligibility standards. If necessary, vision, driving and/or road sign tests are administered at the office. You can prepare for the written test portion by taking a practice exam for your driver’s license. Finally, drivers present drivers license renewal fees using a verified method of payment. Cash, check and credit or debit card are acceptable ways to pay for renewal fees. Updated license cards are mailed to drivers when applications, verification documents and fee payments are approved.

Military & Out of State Renewal in New Hampshire

For active duty military members with 2 or more years of service completed, no-cost license renewal is available in the state. Additionally, besides waiving license renewal fees, mail-in renewal options are available to out-of-state residents and military members. To complete this process as a military member, drivers should provide the following items by mail to the state licensing agency:

  • Armed Forces Affidavit of Residency
  • Military ID photocopy
  • Application for NH drivers license
  • Original residency address in New Hampshire

New Hampshire REAL ID Drivers License Renewal

Eligible drivers can obtain REAL IDs for renewal instead of standard license cards in New Hampshire. However, obtaining this form of identification is not yet a requirement for drivers in the state. REAL IDs provide permit holders with special privileges, such as:

  • Ability to enter federal buildings, nuclear power plants and otherwise restricted areas.
  • Ability to fly domestically.

Drivers license renewal requirements for REAL IDs requires drivers to submit additional information and pay extra fees to the state. These costs are applied because cards are enhanced versions of standard licenses.

New Hampshire Drivers License Renewal Fees

How much does it cost to renew drivers licenses and obtain new permit cards in New Hampshire? The price for renewing a regular vehicle operator license in the state is $50.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 3 2020.