Estate Planning 101

Notifying the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles After a Loved One’s Passing

September 13, 2023

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Snug makes it easy to create a Will or Trust in under 20 minutes. Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives are included for free with any Will or Trust, as is a year of free updates.
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The passing of a loved one is a challenging time, filled with many tasks that need to be completed. One such responsibility is notifying the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles. This guide will walk you through the process and why it's important.

Who Should Be Notified

The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) should be notified if the deceased was a resident of New Hampshire and held a driver's license or state ID. This prevents any potential misuse of their identification and begins the process of closing their record.

When to Notify

You should notify the New Hampshire DMV as soon as possible following the death of a loved one. Prompt notification helps prevent identity theft and ensures the accurate management of the deceased's DMV records.

How to Notify

To notify the New Hampshire DMV, you will need to mail in a copy of the death certificate along with a letter requesting the cancellation of the deceased's driver's license or state ID. The letter should include the deceased's full name, date of birth, and driver's license or ID number, if known.

Mail the documents to: NH Dept. of Safety DMV - Driver Licensing, 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305.

What to Expect After Notification

Once the New Hampshire DMV receives your letter and the death certificate, they will process the cancellation of the deceased's driver's license or state ID. This will prevent any potential misuse of the deceased's identification.

Tips for Notification

When sending the death certificate and letter to the DMV, consider using certified mail or another method that provides delivery confirmation. This will give you peace of mind knowing that the documents have been received.

Conclusion

While dealing with the passing of a loved one, notifying the New Hampshire DMV is a crucial step. It helps protect against identity theft and ensures the proper handling of the deceased's driving record. By understanding the process, you can complete this task effectively and efficiently.

FAQ

Q: Can I notify the New Hampshire DMV in person?
A: Currently, the New Hampshire DMV requires notification of a death to be done by mail. However, you can always call or check their website for the most up-to-date information.

Q: What if I don't have the deceased's driver's license or ID number?
A: If you don't have the driver's license or ID number, the New Hampshire DMV can usually locate the deceased's record with their full name and date of birth.

Q: Do I need to return the deceased's driver's license or ID card?
A: You do not need to return the deceased's driver's license or ID card. However, it should be destroyed to prevent misuse.