I'm a new resident in New Hampshire: what do I do with my license?

Compare with the state you moved from

Choose the state you came from to see the main differences from New Hampshire. Every value comes from that state's official manual (with the page number) or from its license guide. Where a manual does not state a rule, we say so instead of guessing.

Key rules in New Hampshire

Each rule comes from the New Hampshire driver manual or from the license guide, with its source.

Licensing and paperwork

• Deadline to switch your license

  Up to 60 days after moving to New Hampshire.

  What the manual says

  • New residents to New Hampshire have up to 60 days to obtain a driver's license after moving into the State.

  Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 1

• Tests when you transfer a license

  Valid out-of-state license: vision test only. Expired over 1 year: vision, knowledge and road tests.

  What the manual says

  • Only a vision test is required for drivers new to New Hampshire holding a valid out-of-state driver's license.
  • If the out-of-state license has been expired for more than one year, the applicant must pass the vision, knowledge and road tests.

  Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 5

• Liability insurance

  No mandatory insurance law, so driving uninsured is allowed; SR-22 may be required after an uninsured accident.

  What the manual says

  • The manual says New Hampshire has no mandatory insurance law, so a driver may drive a vehicle in the state without insurance.
  • The law may require insurance for several years after an uninsured accident, in the form of an SR-22 certificate filed by an insurance company.

  Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 32

• Change of address

  Notify the DMV within 30 days of an address change.

  What the manual says

  • Changing your address

    State law requires New Hampshire drivers to notify the DMV within 30 days of an address change.

  Source: [1]

• How long the license lasts

  5 years, expiring on your birthday.

  What the manual says

  • NH driver's licenses expire on the applicant's birthday every 5 years.

  Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 5

Road rules

• Teen driving hours

  Youth Operator license holders under 18 may not drive between 1:00 am and 4:00 am.

  What the manual says

  • A Youth Operator under 18 may not operate a motor vehicle between 1:00 am and 4:00 am.

  Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 4

• Passengers for teen drivers

  Under 18, first 6 months: max one non-family passenger under 25, unless a licensed adult 25+ is aboard.

  What the manual says

  • A driver under 18 may not carry more than one non-family passenger under 25 in the first six months unless accompanied by a licensed, responsible adult at least 25.

  Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 4

• Alcohol limit under 21

  Drivers under 21 are legally intoxicated at an alcohol concentration of .02% or higher.

  What the manual says

  • For a driver under 21 years old, the manual gives .02% or higher as legally intoxicated.
  • The manual makes it illegal for an operator under 21 to have physical control of a vehicle with an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or more.

  Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 6, 8

• Refusing a chemical test

  Consent to blood, breath or urine tests is implied after an alcohol/drug arrest; refusal may cost driving privileges.

  What the manual says

  • Anyone who operates a motor vehicle in New Hampshire is considered to have given consent to having blood, breath, urine, or any combination tested if arrested for an alcohol or drug offense.
  • Refusal to allow testing may result in loss of driving privileges.

  Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 6

• Seat belts

  Safety restraints are required for everyone under 18; highly recommended for all ages.

  What the manual says

  • The manual says safety restraints are required for anyone under the age of 18 in New Hampshire.
  • The manual says it is highly recommended that drivers and passengers of all ages use safety restraints.

  Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 11

• Child safety seats

  Children under 7 years and under 57 inches need a child restraint meeting U.S. DOT standards.

  What the manual says

  • The manual requires a child less than 7 years old and less than 57 inches in height to be in a child passenger restraint.
  • The manual says the child passenger restraint must comply with the safety standards of the United States Department of Transportation.

  Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 12

• Phone use while driving

  No hand-held electronic messaging while driving or halted in traffic; drivers under 18: no phone use except to report emergencies.

  What the manual says

  • The law bars using a hand-held device for reading, composing, viewing, or posting any electronic message while driving.
  • The law covers a driver while driving a moving motor vehicle or temporarily halted in traffic for a traffic control device or other momentary delay.
  • Drivers under 18 may not use a cellular or mobile telephone or other mobile electronic device while driving or temporarily stopped in traffic, whether hands-free or not, except to report an emergency to the enhanced 911 system or any public safety agency.

  Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 7, 4

• School buses

  Stop 25+ feet from a flashing-red school bus until it moves or lights stop; barrier-separated roadways exempt.

  What the manual says

  • Drivers must stop at least 25 feet in any direction from a school bus stopped with its red lights flashing or its stop arm extended.
  • Drivers shall remain stopped until the school bus resumes motion or until the flashing red lights cease to operate.
  • The stopping rule applies at all times unless the roadway is separated by a physical barrier.

  Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 27

• Move Over law

  At a highway-blocking incident, slow down; if practical without endangering oncoming traffic, give emergency-light vehicles and personnel wide berth.

  What the manual says

  • The law requires drivers to maintain a reduced speed and, if practical, give a wide berth, without endangering oncoming traffic, to public safety personnel and vehicles with emergency warning lights.
  • The law requires drivers to give a wide berth to public safety personnel, persons in the roadway, and vehicles displaying blue, red, or amber emergency warning lights.

  Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 40

• Headlights

  1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise; in rain, snow or fog under 1000 feet visibility.

  What the manual says

  • The law requires lighted front lamps from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, and whenever rain, snow or fog keeps persons and vehicles from being clearly seen at 1000 feet.

  Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 15

• Right turn on red

  A right turn on red is allowed only if no sign prohibits it.

  What the manual says

  • The exception for a right turn on a red signal applies only if no sign prohibits a right turn on red.

  Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 20

• Speed limits

  30 mph business/urban residence, 35 rural residence, 45 or 55 other locations; higher on some divided highways.

  What the manual says

  • The maximum speed limit is 30 miles per hour in any business or urban residence district.
  • The maximum speed limit is 35 miles per hour in any rural residence district.
  • In other locations the maximum speed limit is 45 or 55 miles per hour, except for the higher limits on certain divided highways.

  Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 15

• Left lane and keeping right

  On multi-lane roads, the left-most lane is for passing slower vehicles.

  What the manual says

  • On multi-lane roads, the left-most lane is intended to be used for passing slower vehicles.

  Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 17

• Points and suspension

  Excessive demerit points may cause loss of driving privileges; point size depends on the offense, consequences on age.

  What the manual says

  • Accruing excessive demerit points may result in loss of driving privileges.
  • The manual says demerit points may range in size depending on the offense.
  • The consequences of accruing demerit points may also vary depending on the driver's age.

  Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 6

Official steps for 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.

  Source: [2] [3] [4]

• 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.

  Source: [2] [4]

• Surrender your old license

  New Hampshire law (RSA 263:4) requires new residents to surrender all valid driver licenses issued by any other jurisdiction.

  Source: [2] [5]

• 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.

  Source: [3] [6]

• 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: [2]

• 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.

  Source: [7] [3]

• 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.

  Source: [3] [4]

• 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: [3]

• 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.

  Source: [8] [9]

Sources

1. Update Personal Information (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
2. New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360, Rev. 11/25) (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
3. Transfer License/Non Driver ID From Another State (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
4. FAQs - Driver Licenses/Non Driver IDs/CDL (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
5. Identity and Residency Requirements (Federally compliant), DSMV 634A (Rev. 6/23) (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
6. Important Appointment Information/Required Documents (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
7. Driver Licensing Requirements for Minors (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
8. Apply For Your First Drivers License/Non Driver ID (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles
9. Non-US Citizen (dmv.nh.gov) — New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles