If you’ve been charged or convicted of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in New Hampshire, you already know the consequences can be serious. Beyond fines, potential jail time, and license suspension, the state requires completion of mandatory alcohol/drug education—and sometimes treatment—before your license can be restored.
These classes aren’t just a formality—they’re required by law (RSA 265-A). What you must complete depends on your BAC, prior history, and the results of screening/evaluation.
Step One: Suspension & Reinstatement Basics
After a DWI conviction, the New Hampshire Department of Safety suspends your license. Before you can even apply to have it reinstated, you must finish state-approved education and, if indicated, treatment. In short: classes (and any required treatment) are not optional.
Step Two: Enroll in an IDCMP
New Hampshire uses the Impaired Driver Care Management Program (IDCMP) to evaluate and manage every DWI case. All convicted drivers must enroll with an approved IDCMP; the provider coordinates your screening, education, and—if needed—treatment.
Step Three: Screening (and Possibly a Full Evaluation)
Once enrolled, you’ll complete an initial screening. If concerns arise, you’ll be referred for a full substance-use evaluation, which can lead to a treatment plan. You’re responsible for program costs.
Step Four: The 20-Hour Education Program (Required for Everyone)
Every person convicted under RSA 265-A:2 or :3 must complete a 20-hour Impaired Driver Education Program (IDEP). Some providers offer a weekend version (WIDEP). Attendance at all hours/sessions is required for credit.
Important to know: Education is not contingent on being “low risk.” Education is mandatory for all convicted drivers, and treatment requirements are added if your screening/evaluation indicates the need.
Step Five: Treatment (When Required)
If you screen/evaluate as moderate or high risk, you must complete Phase II treatment—for example, counseling or group therapy—per your individualized service plan. Failing to complete treatment means you cannot regain your license, even after the suspension period.
Step Six: Compliance and Completion Certificate
When you complete education (and any required treatment), your IDCMP issues a Certificate of Completion and confirms compliance to the state. You’ll include this in your reinstatement paperwork.
Petition for a Reduced Suspension (When Eligible)
In certain cases, you may petition the court to reduce your license suspension once you’ve met required IDCMP milestones. Eligibility, timing, and what the judge will require vary by case (and some offenses are not eligible). Generally, courts want to see prompt enrollment, on-time screening/evaluation, and compliance with all IDCMP recommendations, along with any other conditions the court sets.
Because timing rules are strict and fact-specific, act quickly and speak with your attorney about whether you qualify and what documentation to bring to maximize your chances.
Step Seven: License Reinstatement
Once you have:
Finished your suspension period (or obtained a court-approved reduction, if eligible),
Paid all required fines/fees,
Completed the mandatory 20-hour education (and any required treatment), and
Collected your IDCMP completion certificate,
you can apply to have your license reinstated. You’ll likely also need to:
Pay a reinstatement fee,
Provide SR-22 proof of insurance, and
Install an ignition interlock if ordered.
Do not drive until you receive explicit confirmation from the NH DMV that your license has been restored. Driving while revoked/suspended for DWI carries serious penalties—including possible jail time and an additional, often lengthy, loss of license.
Deadlines: Act Fast (This Can Shorten—or Extend—Your Time Without a License)h
New Hampshire imposes strict timing rules for IDCMP enrollment, screening, evaluation, and follow-through. Missing a deadline can extend your time without a license or make you ineligible for certain reductions. Enroll immediately after conviction/suspension and follow through on all IDCMP recommendations.
Approved Providers in New Hampshire
IDCMPs operate across New Hampshire (e.g., Manchester, Concord, Nashua, Dover, Laconia, Littleton, Keene, Portsmouth). Your court/attorney can direct you to the nearest approved provider, and the state maintains a list online.
Bottom Line
Getting your license back after a DWI isn’t as simple as waiting out the suspension. Everyone must complete the 20-hour IDEP/WIDEP and you must also complete treatment if required—on time—before the state will restore your license. In some cases, you may be able to petition for a reduced suspension, but deadlines are tight and the judge has discretion.
If you’ve been charged with DWI—or you’re navigating reinstatement—this can feel overwhelming. We can explain exactly which program(s) you need, how to complete them efficiently, whether a reduction petition makes sense, and what to do next so you can get back on the road legally and safely.
At Cohen & Winters, PLLC, we’ve helped hundreds of New Hampshire residents through the DWI process—from defending the initial charge to guiding clients through license reinstatement. We can explain exactly which alcohol education or treatment program you’ll need, how to complete it efficiently, and what steps come next so you can get back on the road legally and safely.