What you need to get a New Hampshire driver license
New Hampshire issues driver licenses through the Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles. You will need to visit a DMV office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from process to receiving your license in the mail.
New Hampshire does not issue licenses by mail or online. You must appear at a DMV office to have your photo taken and to sign your process. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign with you.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a New Hampshire DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of New Hampshire residency.
- New Hampshire requires you to pass a written knowledge test and a road test before the license is issued.
- The license fee is $105 for an eight-year license or $52.50 for a four-year license, paid at the time of your visit.
- Your license arrives by mail within two to three weeks after you pass both tests and submit your process.
- If you already hold a valid license from another state, you may not need to take the road test again, depending on your age and how long you have held that license.
Documents to bring to the DMV office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport. A driver license from another state counts as proof of identity if it is not expired. You will also need a document showing your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work.
For proof of New Hampshire residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and a New Hampshire address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They must sign the process in front of the DMV staff member. Bring their ID as well.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 40 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 in several other languages; ask the DMV staff member when you arrive.
You can study for the test using the New Hampshire Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the DMV website. Many people also use the practice tests posted there. You are allowed to take the written test up to three times in one day if you do not pass on your first attempt.
The road test and scheduling
After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test with a DMV examiner. The road test usually happens within one to four weeks, depending on how busy the local office is. You drive your own vehicle or a vehicle belonging to someone else, as long as it is registered and insured in New Hampshire or another state.
The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping. They will also observe how you handle traffic, follow signs, and respond to other drivers. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You must pass this test to receive your license.
If you do not pass the road test, you can schedule another one. There is no limit to how many times you can take it, though each attempt may have a small fee depending on your DMV office.
Exceptions if you already have a valid out-of-state license
If you hold a valid driver license from another state and you are 18 or older, New Hampshire may waive the road test. You will still need to pass the written test and provide all the same documents. The road test waiver depends on how long you have held your out-of-state license and whether that state has a reciprocal agreement with New Hampshire.
Ask the DMV staff member when you arrive whether you are may be able to access for the road test waiver. If you are, you will still need to schedule a separate appointment to have your photo taken and finalize your process, since that cannot happen on the same day as the written test.
What happens after you pass both tests
Once you pass the written test and the road test, the DMV staff member will take your photo and have you sign your process. You pay the license fee at this time. The fee is $105 for an eight-year license or $52.50 for a four-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license that day.
Your permanent plastic license card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. Use the temporary license to drive legally until the permanent one arrives. If your permanent license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DMV office where you applied.
DMV office locations and hours
New Hampshire has DMV offices in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, and several other cities. Each office has different hours, and some are open only certain days of the week. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now require one. Check the DMV website or call ahead to confirm hours and whether your local office takes walk-ins.
The Concord office is the largest and typically has shorter wait times early in the morning on weekdays. If you live in a rural area, the nearest office may be 30 to 45 minutes away, so plan your travel time accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test before I have a vehicle to use for the road test?
Yes. You can pass the written test weeks or months before you schedule the road test. There is no time limit between the two tests. However, you must have access to a registered and insured vehicle before you schedule the road test appointment.
What if I fail the road test?
You can schedule another road test appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts. Each additional road test may have a small fee; ask your DMV office what that fee is. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Do I need to take the written test again if I move to New Hampshire from another state?
Yes, you must take the New Hampshire written test. However, if you hold a valid out-of-state license and meet the age and duration requirements, you may not need to take the road test. Bring your current out-of-state license when you visit the DMV.
How long is a New Hampshire driver license valid?
A New Hampshire driver license is valid for either four or eight years, depending on which term you choose when you explore. You pay a lower fee for the four-year license. You can renew your license by mail or online before it expires.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
Contact the New Hampshire DMV before your visit. They can tell you which other documents count as proof of identity. You may be able to use a naturalization certificate, adoption papers, or a court order. Call the DMV office in your area to ask what alternatives they accept.