How to Get a New Hampshire Driver’s License Reinstatement

It will cost $100 to have your license reinstated in New Hampshire and you’ll have to pay a visit to the DMV in Concord.
Written by Sean Boehme
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
If your license has been suspended in New Hampshire, you’ll need to pay $100 and make a trip to the Bureau of Financial Responsibility in Concord to have it reinstated. There may also be other requirements you need to satisfy depending on the reason for your license suspension. 
It’s not easy to live without a driver’s license, especially if you need to drive every day just to get to work. There is a chance you’ll be able to apply for a hardship license so that you can continue getting where you need to go, but of course, you won’t have the freedom you had before. 
In New Hampshire, it costs $100 to restore your privilege to drive. You’ll have to fulfill any other requirements that came with your suspension, as well. The rules surrounding license reinstatement can be tricky, so read through this guide compiled by the
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Why you might need a license reinstatement in New Hampshire

The most common reason that people need a license reinstatement is after a license suspension. In New Hampshire, there are several different reasons your license may have been suspended.
If you accrue too many
demerit points
, even if those points are for minor violations, your license could be suspended. Specifically, if you accrue:
  • 12 points within a year your license may be suspended for up to three months
  • 18 points within two years your license might be suspended for up to three months
  • 24 points in three years your license could be suspended for up to a year 
If you’re a young driver, It will take even fewer points for your license to be suspended. If you’re under 18, as little as six points can lead to a three-month suspension
In addition to the demerit point system in New Hampshire, you may lose the right to operate a vehicle if you are caught driving with alcohol or drugs in your system. You could also have your license suspended if you are found to show a disregard for the safety of others. Being a habitual offender with multiple violations is another surefire way to lose your license. 

How to get a license reinstatement in New Hampshire

Although many people think that all you need to do to start driving again is wait until your
license suspension
ends, that’s not the case in New Hampshire. Once you’ve fulfilled all the requirements attached to your suspension, you’ll need to clear it with the Bureau of Financial Responsibility
The only place to have your license reinstated in New Hampshire is at the
Concord DMV
. The address is: NH Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles, 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305.
Once there, you’ll need to pay a $100 fee. You can pay by cash, check, or credit card. If you lost the privilege to register a car, you can also have that restored in Concord for a $25 fee
After your suspension is cleared you’ll be able to apply to get your license back. Keep in mind that you’ll need to retake a
driver's license exam
if your license has been suspended for three or more years

How to get a hardship license in New Hampshire

Living without a license can be exceptionally difficult in New Hampshire, especially if you rely on your car to get to work, school, or to access medical care. There is a provision in place to allow New Hampshire drivers to have a limited privilege driver’s license in these cases. 
The hardship license in New Hampshire is only accessible to people charged for the first time with
driving under the influence
. You can petition for a limited license if you need to drive to:
  • Get to work or seek work
  • Continue your education
  • Access medical care for you or a family member
  • Attend a rehabilitation program
Even if you’re granted a hardship license, it does not come with the same freedom as a standard license. The car you drive must be equipped with an ignition lock device, and you can only use the vehicle to go to and from a specific location at specific times. 
To apply for a limited driver's license, you’ll first need to fill out
this petition
, then follow the instructions provided therein. 

What is an SR-22 certificate?

An SR-22 is a document that provides legal proof that you currently fulfill your state’s minimum requirements for insurance. States implement a minimum requirement so that other drivers are compensated if you cause an accident.
Unlike most of the U.S., New Hampshire does not have minimum insurance requirements for most people—although the state does heavily suggest liability coverage. However, committing certain violations may mean you are required to demonstrate financial responsibility. 
You’ll be required to demonstrate financial responsibility (and carry an SR-22) if you’ve committed violations such as: 
  • Driving under the influence
  • Reckless driving
  • Leaving the scene of an accident
Since many of these violations could also lead to the suspension of your license, there is a good chance you may need to carry an SR-22 after you have your license reinstated. If you aren’t sure if you need the document, you can check your
New Hampshire driving record
.
If you’re currently required to carry an SR-22 and want to argue that you shouldn’t be, you can try and make a case by contacting the Bureau of Financial Responsibility. 

How to save money on car insurance in New Hampshire

Car insurance is expensive, but you can end up paying an absurd amount if you have a poor driving record. You might think you’re doomed to high rates if you have a few violations under your belt, but that doesn’t have to be the case.
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Once you find a plan you like, our team of experienced insurance agents will take care of all the paperwork and help you get set up. On average, Jerry users save over $800 a year on car insurance.
“I recently started looking for insurance. With my past ticket, I got rejected from several companies while others charged me extreme prices. My friend referred me to
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