What documents you need to bring

New Hampshire requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of New Hampshire residency to the DMV. The state accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state as proof of identity. If you do not have one of those, you can bring a certified birth certificate plus a photo ID issued by a government agency — a military ID, tribal ID, or state ID card all work.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. Your name on the residency document does not have to match your current legal name exactly, but it should be close enough that the DMV can connect it to you.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for birth certificates or Social Security cards.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and a recent utility bill or lease showing your New Hampshire address.
  • A U.S. passport or enhanced license from another state counts as both identity and residency proof, so you may need fewer documents.
  • If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must attend the appointment with their own ID.
  • The DMV accepts original documents or certified copies, but not photocopies of birth certificates or Social Security cards.
  • You will take a written test, a vision test, and a road test before you receive your license.

Where to go and how to schedule an appointment

New Hampshire has 20 DMV offices across the state. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the New Hampshire Department of Safety website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, though some have limited Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment to visit — the DMV operates on a first-come, first-served basis — but wait times vary by location and time of day.

If you want to avoid a long wait, call the DMV office directly before you go. Staff can tell you how busy they are and what time is typically slower. Some offices have longer waits on certain days of the week, so asking ahead saves you a trip.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 24 multiple-choice questions about New Hampshire traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 18 questions correctly to pass. The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and what different road signs mean. You can study using the New Hampshire Driver's Manual, which is free on the Department of Safety website and also available in print at any DMV office.

You can take the test on a computer at the DMV or on paper if you request it. The test is offered in English and several other languages. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, though you must wait at least one hour before trying again.

Vision and road tests

After you pass the written test, you take a vision screening at the DMV. You must be able to read a chart from 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them — you can wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, the DMV will refer you to an eye doctor and you will need to return with a certificate showing you meet the standard.

The road test comes next. You drive a DMV examiner around a set route in your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the DMV office. The examiner watches how you handle turns, stops, parking, and how you respond to traffic. The test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. You must pass the road test to receive your license. If you fail, you can schedule another test, though there may be a wait depending on the office.

Fees and how long it takes

A New Hampshire driver's license costs $119 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older. If you are under 21, the license costs $119 and expires when you turn 21. You pay at the DMV when you explore. The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

You will receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass all tests. Your plastic card arrives in the mail within two to three weeks. If you need your license sooner, some DMV offices can issue a temporary license that is valid for 30 days while you wait for the card.

If you are moving to New Hampshire from another state

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a New Hampshire license without taking the written or road tests. You still need to pass the vision test and bring the same documents — proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency. Your out-of-state license must not be suspended or revoked.

Bring your current out-of-state license with you. The DMV will keep it and send it back to the state that issued it. The fee is the same as for a new license. The process is faster than getting a license from scratch because you skip the written and road tests.

Renewing or replacing a license

If your New Hampshire license is expiring, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at the DMV. Mail and online renewal are available if your license is not suspended, you have not had any violations in the past two years, and your address has not changed. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes on the Department of Safety website.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to any DMV office with your ID and proof of residency. The replacement fee is $29. You will receive a temporary license that day and your new card in the mail within two to three weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The DMV offers the written test in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. Tell the DMV staff which language you need when you arrive. You may bring an interpreter if you need one, but the interpreter cannot answer questions for you.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can schedule another road test. There is no additional fee, but you may have to wait a few days or weeks depending on how busy the DMV office is. You can take the test as many times as you need to pass.

Do I need to bring my own car for the road test?

You can bring your own vehicle or use one provided by the DMV office. If you bring your own car, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Check with your DMV office ahead of time to see if they have vehicles available, since not all offices do.

What if my name has changed since I got my Social Security card?

Bring your Social Security card with your old name and a document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will accept this combination as proof of your Social Security number.

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 standards for air travel and federal building access. You get it automatically when you explore for a new license if you bring all required documents. There is no extra fee.