New Hampshire DUI Hardship License & SR-22 Insurance
New Hampshire requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
Get My Hardship-License SR-22 QuoteNew Hampshire at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
PIP and Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
$100
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is the only state that does not require auto insurance for most drivers — but a DUI conviction eliminates that exemption. After a DUI, you must file SR-22 proof of financial responsibility with the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles for 3 years and maintain continuous coverage meeting at least 25/50/25 liability limits. A lapse triggers immediate license re-suspension and restarts the 3-year SR-22 clock. New Hampshire operates under a fault-based liability system, meaning the at-fault driver's insurance pays injury and damage claims.
SR-22 Liability Insurance
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Conditional Restoration Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
What Drivers Pay in New Hampshire
$100–$231/mo
Typical monthly rate in New Hampshire, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- DUI conviction date determines SR-22 clock start — not filing date — meaning delayed filing extends your total compliance period beyond 3 years from conviction.
- Carriers underwriting high-risk SR-22 in New Hampshire include Progressive, The General, and National General — standard carriers like GEICO and State Farm often non-renew post-DUI policies.
Drive Legally on Your Restricted License
Get My Hardship-License SR-22 QuoteIf your license is suspended
Limited Driving Privilege (limited privilege license, RSA 263:57-b)
A restricted license is available while suspended.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is SR-22 required after a DUI in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire requires SR-22 filing for 3 years from your DUI conviction date, not from the date you file. If you delay filing for 6 months after conviction, you still owe 3 years from conviction — extending your total SR-22 period to 3.5 years. A single day of coverage lapse during the 3-year period triggers immediate license re-suspension and restarts the clock.
Can I get a hardship license immediately after a DUI in New Hampshire?
No. New Hampshire requires you to serve a minimum suspension period before applying for Conditional Restoration: 30 days for a first offense, 90 days for a second. You must maintain active SR-22 insurance throughout the application process and restriction period. The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles reviews hardship applications only after you have served the minimum suspension and completed any court-ordered DUI program.
What is a Conditional Restoration in New Hampshire?
Conditional Restoration is New Hampshire's hardship license program allowing restricted driving after serving a minimum DUI suspension period. You may drive only for approved purposes — work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered alcohol treatment — and only during hours documented in your employer or school verification. The DMV requires active SR-22 insurance, proof of employment or enrollment, and completion of any court-ordered DUI program before approving restoration. Driving outside approved purposes revokes the restoration immediately and extends your total suspension.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance After DUI
SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files with the New Hampshire DMV proving you carry liability insurance. Required for 3 years after a DUI, it costs $25 to $50 to file but raises premiums 80% to 140%. Continuous coverage is mandatory — a single day lapse triggers immediate re-suspension.
Non-Owner SR-22 for Post-DUI Compliance
Non-owner SR-22 provides liability coverage when you do not own a vehicle but need to meet New Hampshire's post-DUI filing requirement. It covers you when driving borrowed or rented cars and costs far less than standard SR-22 because it excludes vehicle damage coverage.
Conditional Restoration Hardship License
New Hampshire's Conditional Restoration allows restricted driving after serving 30 days for a first DUI or 90 days for a second. You must maintain active SR-22 insurance and drive only for approved purposes: work, school, medical care, and court-ordered treatment. Violations revoke the restoration immediately.
Ignition Interlock Device Insurance
Second-offense DUI convictions in New Hampshire require ignition interlock installation for 12 to 24 months. Your SR-22 insurer must be notified of the device and may adjust rates based on compliance data. Installation costs $75 to $150, with monthly monitoring fees of $60 to $90.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage pays your medical bills and lost wages if a driver with no insurance hits you. New Hampshire does not mandate UM, but approximately 10% of drivers carry no coverage. Without UM, your only recourse is suing an uninsured driver, which rarely recovers meaningful damages.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
High-risk auto insurance is coverage written by carriers specializing in DUI, suspension, and SR-22 drivers. These carriers — Progressive, The General, National General, Bristol West — charge higher premiums but accept drivers standard carriers decline or non-renew. Policies often require 6-month prepayment.