What you need to bring and where to go

To get a New Hampshire driver's license, you visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. New Hampshire's Division of Motor Vehicles runs all licensing, and there is no online or mail-in option for a first-time license. You must pass a written test, a vision screening, and a road test before the license is issued.

The process takes multiple visits: one to explore and take the written test, and a second (usually scheduled weeks later) to take the road test. Once you pass both, you receive your license the same day as your road test, or it arrives by mail within two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DMV office in person with a Real ID-compliant document (passport, enhanced driver's license from another state, or birth certificate plus photo ID), proof you live in New Hampshire, and proof of your Social Security number.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving; you can study using the free New Hampshire Driver's Manual available on the DMV website.
  • Your road test is scheduled weeks after you pass the written test, and you must bring a vehicle registered in New Hampshire and proof of insurance.
  • New Hampshire does not issue licenses to people under 16, and 16- and 17-year-olds must follow additional rules including a supervised driving period.

Documents you need to bring on your first visit

Bring one document that proves your identity and meets Real ID standards. This can be a U.S. passport, passport card, enhanced driver's license from another state, or an original or certified birth certificate paired with a photo ID (such as a school ID or military ID). A regular driver's license from another state does not count as proof of identity by itself, but it can serve as your photo ID if you also bring a birth certificate.

Bring proof that you live in New Hampshire. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from your employer or school counts if it shows your address.

Bring proof of your Social Security number. You can show your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you to sign the process.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 40 multiple-choice questions about New Hampshire traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask at the DMV office about language options when you arrive.

Study using the free New Hampshire Driver's Manual, available as a PDF on the DMV website at nh.gov/safety/dmv. The manual covers everything on the test. You can also take practice tests online through the DMV website. Most people spend a few hours studying before taking the test.

You take the test at the DMV office on the same day you explore. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no fee to take the test, but there is a fee to explore for the license (currently $120 for an eight-year license for adults, though this amount may change).

Scheduling and taking your road test

After you pass the written test, the DMV schedules your road test. The wait is usually four to eight weeks, depending on how busy the office is and the time of year. You receive a notice by mail with your test date and time.

For your road test, bring a vehicle that is registered in New Hampshire and has current insurance. The vehicle must be in safe working condition, with working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn. Bring proof of insurance and your temporary permit (issued after you pass the written test).

The road test lasts about 20 minutes. An examiner rides with you and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, parking, backing up, and following traffic laws. You must demonstrate that you can control the vehicle safely and obey traffic signs and signals.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it. There is a fee each time you take the test (currently $35, though this may change). You can schedule another test when ready or wait and try again later.

Getting your license after you pass

Once you pass the road test, you receive your license the same day. If the office is very busy, they may mail it to you within two weeks. Your license is valid for eight years if you are an adult, or until age 21 if you are under 18 when you receive it.

Your license will have your photo, signature, and address. If you move, you must update your address with the DMV within 60 days. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

Rules for drivers under 18

New Hampshire does not issue driver's licenses to anyone under 16. At 16, you can get a learner's permit, which allows you to drive only with a licensed adult age 25 or older in the front seat. You must hold the permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for a full license.

Once you have a full license at 16 or 17, you face restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. (except for work, school, or medical reasons), and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These restrictions end when you turn 18.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process and be present when you explore. They do not need to be present for the written or road test.

DMV office locations and hours

New Hampshire has DMV offices in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, Berlin, Laconia, Keene, and Claremont. The Concord office is the largest and handles the most applications. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some are open Saturday mornings.

You do not need an appointment to explore for a license, but wait times vary. The busiest times are early morning, lunch hours, and late afternoon. If you go on a weekday morning, you typically wait 30 minutes to an hour. You can check current wait times on the DMV website before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a New Hampshire license if I have an out-of-state license?

Yes. You must surrender your out-of-state license when you explore. You still take the written and road tests, though some states have reciprocal agreements that waive the written test. Ask the DMV office whether your state qualifies.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it as soon as you want, though you must pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on the second or third attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a license from another state?

It depends on your state. Some states have agreements with New Hampshire that waive the written test. Call your local DMV office or check the website to find out whether your state is included.

What happens if I move out of New Hampshire after I get my license?

Your New Hampshire license remains valid until it expires. You are not required to get a new state's license, though most states require you to switch within 30 to 60 days of moving. Check the rules for your new state.

Can I renew my license online?

Yes, you can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name. First-time licenses must be obtained in person at a DMV office.