What you need to bring to the DMV

New Hampshire's Division of Motor Vehicles requires you to show proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of New Hampshire residency before they issue a license. You cannot complete this in person without all three categories of documents — the DMV will not accept an process that is missing any one of them.

For identity, bring a passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth. A school ID, work badge, or library card does not count as proof of identity for this purpose.

For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your number. A letter from the Social Security Administration also works. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to obtain one before you can get a New Hampshire license.

For residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage document, a bank statement, or a property tax bill. The document must show your current New Hampshire address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement will not work for this purpose.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of New Hampshire residency to the DMV in person — no document category can be skipped.
  • Proof of identity must be a passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or out-of-state ID; school IDs and work badges do not count.
  • Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and show your current New Hampshire address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and New Hampshire traffic laws; you can study using the free DMV handbook online before you go.
  • Vision and road tests happen on the same day as your written test if you pass, so plan for the full appointment to take two to three hours.

The written test and what it covers

After you submit your documents, you will take a written test on a computer at the DMV. The test has 25 questions and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. Questions cover road signs, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and New Hampshire-specific traffic regulations.

The DMV publishes a free handbook called the New Hampshire Driver's Manual on its website. You can read it or read it online before your appointment. Most people who study the manual for 30 to 45 minutes pass the test on their first try. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra charge, though you will have to wait for the next available testing slot.

Vision and road tests on the same day

If you pass the written test, you will take a vision test when ready after. The vision test checks whether you can read a chart from 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you can wear them during the test.

After the vision test, you will take a road test with a DMV examiner. The examiner will sit in your car while you drive on local roads for about 10 to 15 minutes. They will watch how you handle turns, stops, parking, and following traffic laws. You must use a car that is registered and insured in New Hampshire or another state. The car must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors.

If you fail the road test, you can schedule another one, but there is usually a wait of one to two weeks for the next available slot. You will have to pay the road test fee again.

Fees and how long approval takes

A New Hampshire driver's license costs $119 for a four-year license or $178 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee at the DMV when you pass all three tests. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

You will receive your temporary license on paper the day you pass all tests. Your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive legally using the temporary license until the card arrives. If you move before the card arrives, contact the DMV with your new address so they send it to the right place.

Where to go and how to schedule

New Hampshire has DMV offices in most towns and cities. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DMV website. Some offices take walk-ins, but most require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Appointment slots fill up quickly, especially in spring and summer, so book as far ahead as you can.

If you cannot find an appointment near you, try offices in neighboring towns — they often have more availability. The appointment process takes about five minutes online, and you will receive a confirmation email with your date, time, and location.

What to do if you fail a test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day. There is no extra fee for the retest, but you will wait for the next available testing slot, which is usually 30 minutes to an hour later.

If you fail the road test, you must schedule a new appointment. The fee for the road test is $35 each time you take it. You can retake it as many times as you need, but each attempt requires a separate appointment and a separate fee. Many people pass on their second or third try after practicing more.

Renewing or replacing your license later

Once you have your license, you can renew it by mail before it expires. New Hampshire sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your expiration date. You can also renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked.

If you lose your license or it is damaged, you can get a replacement at any DMV office for a $20 fee. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you did for your original license. The replacement card arrives by mail within two to three weeks, and you will receive a temporary paper license the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No. All three tests — written, vision, and road — must be taken in person at a New Hampshire DMV office. You cannot take any part of the test remotely or by mail.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must obtain a Social Security number before you can get a New Hampshire driver's license. You can explore for one at your local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov. The process takes one to two weeks.

Can someone else take the road test for me?

No. You must be the person driving during the road test. The examiner needs to watch you drive to assess your skills and knowledge of traffic laws.

What happens if I move out of state before my license arrives?

Contact the DMV when ready with your new address. They can forward your license to your new state, or you can pick it up at a New Hampshire DMV office if you return. If you move before the card arrives, you can still use your temporary paper license to drive legally.

Do I need to pass all three tests on the same day?

You take all three tests on the same day if you pass the written test. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day. If you fail the road test, you must schedule a separate appointment for your next attempt.