How to Get a New Hampshire Driver License

What you need to know before you go to the DMV

New Hampshire issues driver licenses through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which operates regional offices across the state. You will need to visit in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. The state requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of New Hampshire residency before you can receive a license. Processing typically takes a few minutes if all documents are in order, though some offices have longer wait times during peak hours.

New Hampshire does not require a written knowledge test or road test for most adult applicants who already hold a valid license from another state. If you are getting your first license or your previous license has been expired for more than a year, you will need to pass both tests. The state also offers a junior driver license for people under 18, which comes with restrictions on when and where you can drive.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DMV office in person with original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and New Hampshire address.
If you hold a valid license from another state, you can transfer it without taking a written or road test.
First-time drivers and people whose licenses expired more than a year ago must pass a written test and a road test before receiving a license.
A New Hampshire driver license costs $100 for an eight-year license or $50 for a four-year license, and you can renew online if your license is still valid.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

Bring one original document that proves your identity. The DMV accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a certified birth certificate. A photo ID is not required if you bring a birth certificate, but a photo ID makes the process faster. Expired documents are acceptable as long as they show your current legal name.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A birth certificate with your Social Security number printed on it also works. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.

Finally, bring two documents that prove you live in New Hampshire. The DMV accepts a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a property tax bill, or a government-issued document with your current address. Both documents must show your name and current address. A PO box does not count as a residential address.

Transferring a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver license from another state and you are moving to New Hampshire, you can transfer it without retaking tests. Bring your out-of-state license along with the identity, Social Security, and residency documents listed above. The DMV will issue you a New Hampshire license, and you can usually keep the same license number if the other state used a number format that New Hampshire accepts.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to pass the written test and road test before the DMV will issue a New Hampshire license. The expiration date matters: if your license expired more than one year ago, the state treats you as a first-time driver. If it expired less than one year ago, you may be able to renew your old license in that state instead, which can be faster than taking both tests in New Hampshire.

Getting your first New Hampshire driver license

If you have never held a driver license or your license expired more than a year ago, you must pass a written knowledge test and a road test. The written test covers New Hampshire traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the New Hampshire Driver's Manual, which the DMV provides free online and at every DMV office. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass.

After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test with a DMV examiner. The examiner will ask you to demonstrate basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. The test usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A friend or family member can drive you to the test, but you must be the one behind the wheel during the examination.

Some DMV offices allow you to take the written test the same day you explore for your license, while others schedule it for a later date. Road tests are usually scheduled weeks in advance, so plan accordingly. You can take the written test as many times as you need, but you must wait one day between attempts.

Junior driver licenses for people under 18

New Hampshire issues a junior driver license to people between 16 and 18 years old. A junior license comes with restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., you cannot carry passengers under 25 years old unless a parent or guardian is in the car, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 and can explore for a standard adult license.

To get a junior license, you must be at least 16 years old and pass both the written test and the road test. You also need parental or guardian consent, which you provide by having a parent or guardian sign your process at the DMV office. Bring the same identity, Social Security, and residency documents as you would for an adult license.

Costs and how long your license lasts

A New Hampshire driver license costs $100 for an eight-year license or $50 for a four-year license. You choose the length when you explore. The fee is the same whether you are getting your first license or transferring from another state. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the replacement fee is $25.

Your license expires on your birthday in the year it is due. An eight-year license issued when you are 25 years old will expire on your 33rd birthday. A four-year license issued at the same time will expire on your 29th birthday. You can renew your license online if it is still valid and you have not changed your name or address. If your license has expired or you need to update your information, you must visit a DMV office in person.

Where to find a DMV office near you

New Hampshire operates DMV offices in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, Laconia, Keene, and Berlin. You can visit any office regardless of where you live in the state. The Concord office is the largest and handles the most applications, so it often has longer wait times. Smaller regional offices may have shorter waits, especially on weekday mornings.

You can check current wait times on the New Hampshire DMV website before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to schedule an appointment online. The DMV website shows which offices are accepting appointments and which are open for walk-ins. If an office is closed or has a long wait, you can visit a different location instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a road test if I am moving from another state?

No, if your license from the other state is still valid. You can transfer it without a road test or written test. If your license expired more than one year ago, you will need to pass both tests before the DMV issues a New Hampshire license.

Can I renew my license online?

Yes, if your license is still valid and you have not changed your name or address. You can renew online through the New Hampshire DMV website. If your license has expired or your information has changed, you must visit a DMV office in person.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take the written test again after waiting one day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. You can study the New Hampshire Driver's Manual again before your next attempt, and DMV staff can answer questions about specific topics.

How long does it take to get a license after I pass the road test?

The DMV usually issues your license the same day you pass the road test. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is mailed to you, which typically arrives within two weeks.

Can I get a Real ID compliant license in New Hampshire?

Yes. A Real ID compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. You can request a Real ID license when you explore or renew. You will need to bring the same documents as a standard license, plus proof of your Social Security number.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.