How to get a driver's license in New Hampshire
This page explains, step by step, how to get a New Hampshire driver’s license for a regular car and which documents to bring. In New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues driver licenses and non-driver ID cards at its licensing offices and publishes the New Hampshire Driver’s Manual. New Hampshire issues no learner permit; the Under 18 section explains the steps instead. This guide is based on the DMV web pages and the New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360, revised 11/25). Where the Driver’s Manual and the web pages do not say the same thing, this guide leaves the point out or tells you to check the DMV’s page. Requirements change, so check the DMV website before you go. This site is independent and is not a government agency.
Independent educational site · not affiliated with any government agency or DMV
Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-26. Requirements can change: always confirm with New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before you go.
How it works
Who does what
In New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues driver licenses and non-driver ID cards at its licensing offices. The DMV publishes the New Hampshire Driver’s Manual. The DMV is part of the Department of Safety and puts its rules and information on its website.
What a first license needs
The requirements for a New Hampshire driver license vary with your age, your citizenship status and the status of any current or past licenses. The DMV gives three tests for a driver license: a vision test, a knowledge test and a road test. A first-time applicant needs a completed application, proof of identity and residency from the DMV’s list, and the fee.
No learner permit
New Hampshire does not issue learner permits. A person who is learning to drive may practice driving under conditions, starting at age 15½. The Under 18 section explains the steps in order.
The Youth Operator license
Anyone over 16 and under 21 who meets the requirements for a New Hampshire driver license is issued a Youth Operator License. It carries extra driving restrictions for drivers under 18. The Rules for young drivers section lists them.
Source: [3]
Under 18: the steps to a license
The steps
You can start learning to drive at 15½, but you must be at least 16 to apply for a driver license. New Hampshire has no learner permit, so there is no permit step. The steps are: practice driving with an adult, complete an approved driver education program, log 40 additional hours of supervised driving, then apply and take the tests.
Step 1: practice driving with an adult
Without a permit, a person who is at least 15½ may practice driving. Practice driving has these conditions:
- You must be at least 15½ years old and carry proof of your age in the vehicle.
- You must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or other responsible licensed adult who is 25 or older.
- The adult must sit in the front seat and must hold a current, valid driver license.
- The vehicle must be a non-commercial vehicle.
Step 1: liability and suspended drivers
The accompanying adult is liable for any motor vehicle violation committed by the unlicensed driver. A person whose driving privileges are suspended or revoked in New Hampshire or any other state may not practice driving.
Source: [10]
Step 2: driver education
Driver education is required if you are under 18 and want to apply for a New Hampshire driver license. It is offered at over 60 commercial driver education schools and some public high schools licensed by the DMV. Classes fill quickly, so the DMV recommends contacting a driver education school or a local high school program several months ahead.
Step 2: when you can start the course
You can enroll if you are at least 15 years and 9 months old on or before the first classroom session of your course. You can also enroll if your 16th birthday falls on or before the last classroom session.
Source: [9]
Step 2: what the course includes
An approved course has at least:
- 30 hours of classroom instruction with a certified driver education instructor.
- 10 hours of practice driving with a certified instructor.
- 6 hours of driving observation with a certified instructor.
Source: [9]
Step 3: 40 additional hours
Each student must also log 40 additional hours of supervised driving with a parent, guardian or other responsible adult before applying for a license. You can start logging time at 15½. At least 10 of the 40 hours must be at night. You and your parent or guardian certify the time, and it can be logged on the DMV log sheet or with the Parent’s Supervised Driving Program resources.
Source: [9]
Step 4: apply
You can apply once you have passed a New Hampshire approved driver education program and completed the 40 hours. Request an appointment for the knowledge test. The application asks for your legal name, date of birth and Social Security number.
Step 4: what to bring
Besides the proof of identity and residency described in the Documents to bring section, an applicant under 18 brings:
- The original green Driver Education Completion Certificate from your driver education instructor.
- A completed Driver’s Out-Of-Class Log Sheet signed by a parent or guardian, or the resources offered through the Parent’s Supervised Driving Program.
- Written permission from a parent or guardian.
Step 5: tests and your license
You pay the license fee and have your picture taken before testing begins. You take the vision, knowledge and road tests. If you pass all of them, the DMV issues a 60-day temporary paper license and mails the permanent license to your New Hampshire mailing address. The Tests section explains each test.
Rules for young drivers
Your Youth Operator license
A Youth Operator License is for anyone over 16 and under 21. It is printed vertically, and the front says "Under 21 until (date)". It expires on your 21st birthday. At that time you can get a horizontally printed license by applying for a renewal.
If you are under 18
The DMV’s minors page says that, in addition to any other restrictions, the holder of a Youth Operator License who is under 18 years old:
- may not drive between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.;
- may not drive with more than one passenger under 25 who is not a member of the driver’s family, unless a licensed, responsible adult who is at least 25 is in the vehicle, during the first six months of holding the license; and
- may not drive with more passengers than there are seat belts or safety restraints in the vehicle.
Source: [3]
Phones
The Driver’s Manual says drivers under 18 may not use a cellular or mobile telephone or other mobile electronic device, whether hands-free or not, while driving or temporarily stopped in traffic. The exception is reporting an emergency to the enhanced 911 system or a public safety agency.
Source: [1]
Suspension for a license holder under 20
The Director of Motor Vehicles may suspend or revoke a license held by a person under 20 after a hearing, if the driver has committed certain offenses. The DMV’s minors page lists 20 to 40 days for the first conviction and 45 to 90 days for the second. The Driver’s Manual says 90 to 180 days for a third or later offense, with an approved in-person driver attitude program as a condition of reinstatement. A Youth Operator license can also be suspended because of demerit points.
Alcohol under 21
The Driver’s Manual says a driver is legally intoxicated at a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or higher, and at .02% or higher if the driver is under 21.
Source: [1]
Age 18 and older
Your first license
When you apply for your first driver license, you request an appointment for the driver license knowledge test. You need a completed application, proof of identity and residency from the DMV’s list, and the fee. Applicants under 18 must attend an approved driver education course.
Source: [4]
Driver education for some adults
The DMV says driver education is required for anyone under 18, and for non-US citizens temporarily residing in New Hampshire who do not have previous driving experience. For any first-time driver it recommends taking an approved program.
Source: [10]
Which license you get
An applicant who is over 16 and under 21 and meets the requirements is issued a Youth Operator License, which expires on the holder’s 21st birthday. The Rules for young drivers section describes it.
Source: [3]
Which tests you take
To get a non-commercial operator license, the Driver’s Manual says you must pass all three tests: vision, knowledge and road. The road test can be scheduled only after you pass the vision and knowledge tests.
Your license after you pass
If you pass all tests, the DMV issues a 60-day temporary paper license and mails the permanent license to your New Hampshire mailing address.
Moving to New Hampshire
How soon
If you have moved to New Hampshire, you must get a New Hampshire driver license within 60 days of establishing residency. The DMV’s FAQ says 60 days is how long a new resident can drive on an out-of-state license.
Who does not need a New Hampshire license
The Driver’s Manual lists these people as exempt from getting a New Hampshire license: non-residents who hold a valid license from their home state, military personnel stationed in New Hampshire who hold a valid license from their home state, and foreign tourists who hold a valid license from their home country. A person who is not a New Hampshire resident cannot get a New Hampshire driver license.
Surrender your old license
New Hampshire law (RSA 263:4) requires new residents to surrender all valid driver licenses issued by any other jurisdiction.
How to transfer a license
If you are at least 18, you can transfer an out-of-state license by making an appointment at a DMV office. For a transfer you need:
- a completed application for a driver license or non-driver ID;
- proof of identity and residency;
- your current out-of-state license or non-driver ID;
- the fee; and
- a vision test.
Tests when you transfer
The Driver’s Manual says only a vision test is required for a driver new to New Hampshire who holds a valid out-of-state driver license. If the out-of-state license has been expired for more than one year, you must pass the vision, knowledge and road tests. If you want a different class than the one you hold, you must pass the appropriate written test and road test for that class.
Source: [1]
If you are under 18
A driver under 18 who holds a license from another state must meet all the licensing requirements for minors. Drivers under 18 who want to transfer a driver education course from another state should contact the DMV’s Driver Education Office to make sure all requirements are met.
Permits and suspended licenses
New Hampshire does not honor or transfer driving permits from other states. A person whose license is suspended or revoked in another state cannot get a New Hampshire license.
License classes that are invalid in New Hampshire
The DMV keeps a list of out-of-state license classes that are invalid in New Hampshire. The list includes the Connecticut "DO" (drive only) license and the Delaware "Driving Privilege Only" license. A person found driving on one of these classes is guilty of a violation for a first offense and of a Class B misdemeanor for a second or later offense.
Source: [5]
If you are not a US citizen
Tourist visa (B1/B2) and fiancee visa (K1/K2) holders are not eligible for a New Hampshire driver license or non-driver ID. Other non-US applicants take the full test (vision, knowledge and road) unless they are transferring an out-of-state, U.S. territory, Canadian or French license that has not been expired for more than one year. If you live in New Hampshire temporarily on a work or student visa and give a license from your home country, you must pass a full examination (vision, knowledge and road tests) and provide a copy of your driving record from your home country. An International Driving Permit is not acceptable for this requirement. The DMV’s page for non-US citizens lists the extra documents to bring.
Documents to bring
Two lists of required documents
The DMV publishes two required-documents forms. DSMV 634A lists the identity and residency documents for a federally compliant (REAL ID) license. DSMV 634B lists them for a license that is not REAL ID. Use the form that matches the license you want; the documents you must show differ by form, so check the form. Links to both are on this page.
Proof of identity: examples
Examples on the REAL ID form include:
- A valid unexpired U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card.
- A birth certificate issued by a city, town, state, court or federal agency with a raised seal or stamp of the issuing authority.
- On the form for a license that is not REAL ID, a valid Military ID or Military Dependent ID is also listed.
Proof of Social Security number
The REAL ID form asks for proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card that is tattered and worn will not be accepted.
Source: [19]
Proof of New Hampshire residency
Both forms ask for proof of New Hampshire residency. Some documents must be dated within the last 60 days, and the form marks them with a red arrow. One example is any current utility bill or delivery of service bill showing your legal, physical address.
Your name
All documents must show your current name (first, middle and last names), or you need to show proof of each name change.
Source: [19]
If you are under 18
An applicant under 18 also brings the original green Driver Education Completion Certificate, a completed Driver’s Out-Of-Class Log Sheet signed by a parent or guardian (or the resources offered through the Parent’s Supervised Driving Program), and written permission from a parent or guardian.
If you are not a US citizen
Permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and visa and work authorization holders should review the required documents on the DMV’s page for non-US citizens.
Source: [4]
What to bring to the tests
The Driver’s Manual says to bring all driver licenses issued by any state, and proof of identity and residency. For the road test, bring a vehicle that is legally registered, inspected and in safe running condition, and of the proper class.
Source: [1]
Changing your name
For a name change, bring a Record Change Request (DSMV 30) and a name change document: a marriage certificate, a divorce decree or a legal court document. A new picture is taken. The Keeping your license section has the rest of the steps.
Source: [7]
REAL ID
What REAL ID is for
The DMV’s REAL ID page says that, effective May 7, 2025, a federally compliant driver license or non-driver ID card, or a passport, is required to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal facility.
Source: [6]
REAL ID is voluntary
REAL ID is voluntary in New Hampshire. The Driver’s Manual says New Hampshire residents are not required to hold a REAL ID compliant ID, because a passport and other IDs are accepted for flying and federal purposes.
How to recognize it
A REAL ID license or non-driver ID is marked with a star in the top right corner. A card that is not REAL ID says "NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION", so you need another federally compliant ID, such as a passport, to fly domestically.
Source: [6]
How to get one
You visit a DMV office and bring documents that prove your identity, your Social Security number and your New Hampshire residency. This is usually done at renewal, and the DMV now also offers appointments to upgrade outside renewal time. The DMV suggests you consider making an appointment to upgrade at least three months before you need to fly or enter a federal facility. An Online Document Checker on the DMV’s REAL ID page helps you decide which documents to bring. A replacement fee applies if you upgrade before your renewal; the amount is on the fees page in the list of links.
Source: [6]
Not online
You cannot get a first REAL ID by online renewal. You renew in person by appointment and bring the required documents.
Source: [18]
Your temporary paper license
If you applied for a REAL ID, the temporary paper license is not REAL ID compliant. Only the permanent card that is mailed to you is.
Source: [16]
At the DMV office
Appointments
The DMV is fully appointment based. Driver license knowledge and road tests are by appointment only. You can reschedule or cancel an appointment any time on the DMV’s Find Appointment page. The DMV has licensing offices in many New Hampshire towns; the hours and locations page lists them.
Booking the knowledge test
For your first license, you request an appointment for the driver license knowledge test. The DMV’s Appointments and Services page lists how to book it.
Booking the road test
The road test is by appointment. You can schedule it only after you pass the vision and knowledge tests. Road test availability varies between licensing locations.
Fees
Fees apply. A first license, a transfer and an in-person renewal each require the appropriate fee, and an applicant under 18 pays the license fee before testing begins. The amounts change, so use the licensing-fees page in the list of links on this page.
Documents
The Driver’s Manual says the full list of identity and residency documents is on the DMV website. The Documents to bring section explains the two forms.
The tests
Which tests you take
The DMV gives three tests for a driver license: a vision test, a knowledge test and a road test. To get a non-commercial operator license you must pass all three. The vision and knowledge tests must be completed before a road test can be scheduled.
The vision test
The vision test uses an eye machine where you read letters or numbers. To pass, you must be able to read the 20/40 vision line with both eyes. The Driver’s Manual says that an applicant who has sight in only one eye must have a visual acuity of 20/30. If you need glasses or contact lenses to pass, you must wear them at all times while driving. If you fail the vision test, you have to visit an eye doctor to certify that you are visually capable.
The knowledge test: format
The knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions about the rules of the road and general driving conditions. You have 40 minutes. The test is on a touch screen, and no special computer knowledge is needed. Each question has four possible answers, and you choose one by touching the letter on the screen. If more than 8 questions are answered incorrectly, the test ends automatically.
The knowledge test: passing grade
The DMV’s testing page says all knowledge exams require a passing grade of 80%. The tests are multiple choice and specific to the license type.
Source: [2]
The knowledge test: audio and random exams
All knowledge exams have an optional audio feature that you use with headphones; tell the licensing representative when you test. Exams are completely random, so you will not see the same exam if you have to retake the test.
Source: [2]
If you fail the knowledge test
Operator applicants must wait 10 calendar days before they can retest. The Driver’s Manual says the retest appointment is not sooner than ten days from the failed test.
The road test: before you go
The road test is by appointment, after you pass the vision and knowledge tests. The vehicle must be:
- fully registered and in safe operating condition;
- up to date on its inspection sticker, if it must have one; and
- of the proper class for the license you are being tested for.
Source: [2]
The road test: who is there
You must have a properly licensed driver drive the test vehicle for you to and from the testing site. That person should stay at the test site until the road test is over. No one except you and the authorized DMV employee can ride in the vehicle during the road test. The Driver’s Manual says the examiner cannot coach the driver during the test.
The road test: what is scored
To pass the road test you must show that you can drive a motor vehicle with good control. You are scored on:
- skill in handling the vehicle in traffic;
- driving habits;
- working knowledge and understanding of traffic signs and rules of the road;
- how well you physically, mentally and emotionally handle the stress of driving in traffic; and
- attitude toward driving and personal and public safety.
Source: [2]
If you fail or miss the road test
After you fail a road test, operator applicants must wait at least 10 calendar days before they can be tested again. If you do not appear for your scheduled road test, or you cancel with less than 24 hours notice, operator applicants must wait at least 30 calendar days to be tested.
Source: [2]
After you pass
Your temporary paper license
If you pass all the tests, the DMV issues a 60-day temporary paper license, and the permanent license is mailed to you. Your temporary driver license is valid for driving as a stand-alone document.
Your mailing address
You must have a current, valid New Hampshire mailing address to receive your permanent driver license. DMV mail will not be forwarded, so if your mail is forwarded to a different address, you will not receive your permanent card.
Source: [16]
REAL ID
If you applied for a REAL ID, the temporary paper license is not REAL ID compliant. Only the permanent card is.
Source: [16]
Organ and tissue donation
Every time you apply, update or renew your license, you are given the opportunity to designate your consent to be an organ and tissue donor. The Driver’s Manual says you can change or revoke the designation at any time with a Record Change Request form, in person at any DMV office.
Keeping your license
How long a license lasts
The Driver’s Manual says New Hampshire driver licenses expire on the applicant’s birthday every 5 years. A Youth Operator License expires on the holder’s 21st birthday.
Renewal notice
About two months before your license is due to expire, the DMV sends a renewal notice. The Driver’s Manual says renewal is your responsibility. If you do not receive a notice, go to any DMV location to renew before your expiration date.
Renewing online
Driver license renewals may be completed online if you are eligible, and the Driver’s Manual encourages online renewal. Online renewal needs the Renewal Identification Number (RIN) from your notice, which is valid for 60 days before your birthday and 60 days after it. Your current photograph is printed on the new card; you cannot take a new one. You need a credit card, and a printer for the temporary license. The new card is mailed to you.
Renewing in person
For an in-person renewal by appointment, you need your current driver license with you (or proof of identity), the application, a vision test and the fee. You get a 60-day temporary paper license, and the permanent license is mailed to your New Hampshire mailing address.
Source: [11]
Renewing early
The DMV’s FAQ says that if you will be temporarily out of the state at renewal time, you may renew your driver license up to six months before it expires. If you are unable to renew within that time, you can request a six-month extension.
Source: [17]
If your license has expired
If your license expires, you cannot legally drive until you renew it. The DMV says:
- Expired for less than one year: renew as usual at any DMV office.
- Expired for longer than one year but less than three years: bring proper identification and residency documentation.
- Expired for three years or more: bring the documents and pass a vision test, a knowledge test and a road test.
Source: [11]
Military
The Driver’s Manual says a member of the armed forces who was a New Hampshire resident and held a valid New Hampshire license when entering the armed forces for two or more years is entitled to renewal of the driver’s license at no cost.
Source: [1]
Replacing a lost license
By law you must have your license with you when you drive. If your license is lost, stolen or destroyed, you must apply for a duplicate. If your image is on file, you can order a duplicate online or by appointment. A driver who is temporarily away from New Hampshire can get a temporary duplicate by mail, valid for six months, only if the image is on file.
Source: [12]
Changing your address
State law requires New Hampshire drivers to notify the DMV within 30 days of an address change.
Source: [13]
Changing your name
A New Hampshire driver who changes name is required by law (RSA 263:9) to notify the DMV in writing within 30 days. You request an appointment to appear in person at any DMV office, with the Record Change Request, your current license and the legal documents. Name changes are not accepted through the mail. The Documents to bring section lists the name change documents.
Changing the gender on your license
To change the gender on your license, you request an appointment.
Source: [13]
Non-driver ID card
Who can get one
A non-driver ID card is for a New Hampshire resident who is at least 12 years old and does not currently have a valid driver license. The Driver’s Manual says the documents are the same as for a driver license, and a REAL ID option is available.
How long it lasts
You get a 60-day temporary paper ID card, and the permanent card is mailed to you. The permanent non-driver ID card is valid for 5 years.
Source: [4]
Official links
- DMV: Apply for your first driver license/non-driver ID (dmv.nh.gov)
- DMV: Driver licensing requirements for minors (Youth Operator) (dmv.nh.gov)
- DMV: Driver education (dmv.nh.gov)
- DMV: Learning to drive (practice driving) (dmv.nh.gov)
- DMV: Driver licensing testing requirements (vision, knowledge, road test) (dmv.nh.gov)
- DMV: Transfer a license from another state (dmv.nh.gov)
- DMV: Non-US citizens (dmv.nh.gov)
- DMV: REAL ID (dmv.nh.gov)
- DMV: Important appointment information / required documents (dmv.nh.gov)
- DMV: Renew a driver license / non-driver ID (dmv.nh.gov)
- DMV: Duplicate driver license or non-driver ID (dmv.nh.gov)
- DMV: Update personal information (address, name) (dmv.nh.gov)
- DMV: Temporary paper license (dmv.nh.gov)
- DMV: Licensing fees (fee amounts are on this page only) (dmv.nh.gov)
- DMV: FAQs - driver licenses / non-driver IDs / CDL (dmv.nh.gov)
- DMV: Appointments and services (dmv.nh.gov)
- DMV: Hours and locations (dmv.nh.gov)
- DMV: Online renewals (dmv.nh.gov)
- DMV: Forms (lists the New Hampshire Driver’s Manual) (dmv.nh.gov)
- New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (PDF, DSMV 360) (dmv.nh.gov)
- Required documents, REAL ID compliant (DSMV 634A, PDF) (dmv.nh.gov)
- Required documents, not REAL ID (DSMV 634B, PDF) (dmv.nh.gov)
- Application for driver license / non-driver ID (DSMV 450, PDF) (dmv.nh.gov)
- Certification of Additional Supervised Driving, log sheet (DSMV 509, PDF) (dmv.nh.gov)
Practice-hours log · A free log for supervised driving practice: add each session, see your total and night hours, and print it. Saved only on your device.
Ready for the knowledge test?
Practice free with questions from the New Hampshire driver's manual.
Sources
- New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360, Rev. 11/25) (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
- Driver Licensing Testing Requirements (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
- Driver Licensing Requirements for Minors (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
- Apply For Your First Drivers License/Non Driver ID (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
- Transfer License/Non Driver ID From Another State (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
- REAL ID (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
- Important Appointment Information/Required Documents (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
- Non-US Citizen (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
- Driver Education (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
- Learning to Drive (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
- Renew a Driver License/CDL/Non Driver ID (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
- Duplicate Driver License or Non Driver ID (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
- Update Personal Information (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
- Appointments and Services (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
- Hours and Locations (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
- Temporary Paper License (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
- FAQs - Driver Licenses/Non Driver IDs/CDL (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
- Online Renewals (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
- Identity and Residency Requirements (Federally compliant), DSMV 634A (Rev. 6/23) (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
- Identity and Residency Requirements (Not Federally compliant), DSMV 634B (Rev. 06/23) (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles