What you need to bring and where to go
To get your first New Hampshire driver's license, you visit your local DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. New Hampshire does not issue licenses by mail or online for first-time applicants — you must appear at a DMV office, pass a written test, and have your photo taken.
The DMV office locations are listed on the New Hampshire Department of Safety website. The main office is in Concord, but there are branch offices in Manchester, Nashua, and other cities. You can call ahead or check online to see current wait times, though walk-ins are accepted.
Bring your original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You will also need to pay the license fee, which varies depending on how long you want the license to last (typically three, five, or ten years). Fees change periodically, so check the DMV website or call before you go.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a New Hampshire DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
- Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, or a foreign passport with visa.
- Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your name and address.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and you must pass before the license is issued.
- The entire process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes at the DMV office, depending on how busy it is that day.
Documents that count as proof of identity
New Hampshire accepts several documents as proof of identity. A U.S. passport or passport card works on its own. A birth certificate must be paired with a government-issued photo ID — a school ID does not count, but a military ID, employee ID with a photo, or an out-of-state driver's license does.
If you were born outside the United States, bring your foreign passport along with your visa or travel document showing you are lawfully in the country. A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (if you were born to a U.S. citizen abroad) also works.
Documents must be original or certified copies. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not be accepted, even if it is notarized. If your birth certificate is held by a state vital records office, you can order a certified copy online or by mail before your DMV visit.
Proof of residency and what the DMV will accept
Proof of residency must show your name and your current New Hampshire address, and it must be dated within the last 30 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most straightforward option. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill also works.
Bank statements, credit card statements, and insurance bills (auto, home, or renter's) are accepted if they show your name and address. A letter from your employer on company letterhead with your address counts as well. If you live with family or friends and do not have a bill in your name, ask the homeowner for a notarized letter stating you live there, along with a copy of their utility bill or lease.
The document must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy will not work. If you just moved to New Hampshire and do not yet have a bill in your name, bring a lease or purchase agreement dated before your move, plus a letter from your new landlord or a utility company showing your address and move-in date.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 25 questions about New Hampshire traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean.
The DMV provides a free study guide called the New Hampshire Driver's Manual, available on the DMV website as a PDF or in print at any DMV office. Many people read through it once or twice before taking the test. The test is given on a computer at the DMV office, and you get your results when ready.
If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is usually a small fee to retake the test. You do not need to bring new documents or repeat any other steps — you just take the test again.
Vision screening and the photo
Before your photo is taken, the DMV will do a quick vision screening to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the screening and tell the DMV staff — your license will note that you must wear them while driving.
If you do not pass the vision screening, the DMV will refer you to an eye doctor. You can come back to the DMV once you have been examined and bring a form from the eye doctor saying you meet the vision standard. This does not disqualify you from getting a license — it just means you need to get your eyes checked first.
Your photo will be taken at the DMV office. Wear something you feel comfortable in, and avoid wearing a hat or sunglasses. The photo will be on your license for however long you choose — three, five, or ten years — so take a moment to look presentable if that matters to you.
License types and how long they last
New Hampshire offers driver's licenses in different validity periods. A 3-year license is the shortest and least expensive option. A 5-year license is the middle option. A 10-year license is the longest and most expensive, though it works out to the lowest cost per year.
You can also get an REAL ID-compliant license, which is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after a certain date. A REAL ID license costs a bit more but meets federal identification standards. If you do not need it right away, you can get a standard license now and upgrade later.
When your license expires, you will need to renew it. Renewal can often be done by mail or online if you have not had any violations or medical changes, though the rules vary. Your first license will show the expiration date clearly on the front.
What happens after you pass and when you get your license
Once you pass the written test and the vision screening is complete, the DMV will take your photo and process your process. You will receive a temporary paper license that day, valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you.
The plastic license usually arrives within two to three weeks. Use the temporary paper license to drive during that time — it is legal and counts as your license. When the plastic card arrives, the paper license is no longer valid, but you can keep it as a record.
If your plastic license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DMV office where you applied. They can check the status or issue a replacement. There may be a small fee for a replacement card if it is lost or damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a New Hampshire license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No, a Social Security number is required. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS, though this does not may provide DMV approval. Contact your local DMV office to ask about your specific situation.
What if I lost my birth certificate or cannot get a certified copy in time?
You can use a different identity document instead — a U.S. passport, military ID, or foreign passport with visa all work without a birth certificate. If you want to use your birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from your state's vital records office online or by mail, which usually takes one to two weeks.
Do I need a learner's permit before I get my license?
No, New Hampshire does not require a learner's permit for adults. You can go straight to the DMV and take the written test to get your full license. Minors under 18 have different rules and typically must hold a learner's permit for a set period before getting a full license.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is usually a small fee each time you retake it. You do not need to bring your documents again — just show up, pay the fee, and take the test. Most people pass on the second or third try after studying the driver's manual.
Can I renew my license online or by mail before it expires?
Renewal options depend on your age, how long it has been since your last license, and whether you have had any violations. Many people can renew by mail or online, but first-time applicants must come in person. Once you have your first license, check the DMV website or call to see if you can renew without visiting an office.