Get a New Hampshire Drivers License 🚗 | The New Hampshire Drivers License Requirements

If you’re considering moving to New Hampshire, one thing you’ll need to do is get a New Hampshire driver’s license by making an appointment to visit a DMV office. Chances are you already have a license, so you’ll want to transfer your current license to New Hampshire. You have up to 60 days to get a New Hampshire driver license after your move, so you should make an appointment to do that as soon as you can. 

Whether you are transferring your license or applying for a new one in New Hampshire, there are a number of steps you’ll need to go through. In this guide, we’ll take you through the process step by step and let you know all the information and documentation you’ll need to transfer your license in New Hampshire. Here’s how to get a New Hampshire drivers license.

New Hampshire Drivers License Requirements & Steps (New License) 

To get a New Hampshire drivers license, you must be at least 16 years of age. New Hampshire doesn't have learner’s permits for drivers, but new drivers under the age of 18 must complete a driver education class and be issued a youth operator license. Restrictions to get a New Hampshire drivers license include:

• No driving between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m
• No carrying more than one passenger less than 25 years old who is not your family member unless accompanied by a licensed adult (25+) during the first 6 months
• Number of your passengers can't exceed the number of seat belts or safety restraints in your car

If you are 18 or older, you are not required to complete a driver education program if you are a US citizen. Non-US citizens who have never been licensed in the US or their home country must complete a driver education program with 30 hours of classroom instruction, 10 hours of practice driving, and 6 hours of driving observation. Otherwise, they can only get a non driver identification card.

Here are the drivers license New Hampshire steps:

• Apply in person at any New Hampshire DMV office. No appointment is needed. It's recommended to arrive before 3.30 p.m. Non-US citizens must first visit the Concord DMV, then you may choose another DMV location.
• You must bring the following required documentation to the DMV:
• • Completed application for driver license
  • Proof of identity - (birth certificate, valid passport, permanent resident card, I-94 card for asylum or refugee status) 
  • Proof of Social Security Number - (Social Security card, pay stub with SSN, W-2 statement with SSN, 1099 statement with SSN) 
  • Proof of NH residency (2 documents) – (such as NH driver’s license, title application, NH vehicle registration, lease or rental agreement, property tax bill, utility bill, payroll check. Check here for all acceptable items)
  • The original, green Driver Education Completion Certificate (only for non-US citizens who have never been licensed)
• Pass the vision test - you can wear your glasses or any contacts if needed. To pass, you have to read the 20/40 vision line with both eyes together and separate.
• Pass the knowledge test – the test has 40 questions about New Hampshire drivers license laws and regulations. If you fail the test, you have to wait at least 10 days to retake it. Check out the Knowledge Test FAQ. 
• Schedule your road test appointment – you can only take the road test after passing the vision and knowledge tests. You can typically schedule the road test on the same day as the vision and knowledge tests. 
• Pass the road test - If you fail the road test, you must wait at least 10 days to retake it for drivers license renewal New Hampshire.
• Pay the license fee – the fee is $50.00 paid by cash, credit, money order, personal or traveler’s check.
• Get your picture taken – check out these tips for an excellent driver's license photo.
• Get your temporary license - valid for 60 days. Your permanent license will be sent by mail within 45 days. If you are younger than 21, you will get a youth operator license. A temporary license isn’t forever, so if you have not received your license within the 45-day timeframe, you should contact the DMV at (603) 227- 4020 or email LicensingOver45day@dos.nh.gov.

Additional New Hampshire drivers license requirements for a youth operator license:

1. Take an approved driver education program – includes 30 hours of classroom instruction, 10 hours of practice driving, 6 hours of driving observation
2. Complete additional supervised driving – must log 40 additional hours, 10 of which must be at night. 

Licenses are typically issued for 5 years and expire on your birthday. If you are under 21, when you get a New Hampshire Drivers License, your license will expire on your 21st birthday. It is your responsibility to do a New Hampshire drivers license renewal in a timely manner.

Transfer Driver’s License to New Hampshire - Requirements & Steps

If you are moving to New Hampshire and already have a driver’s license from another state but need a Real ID New Hampshire drivers license, here are the requirements and steps to transfer your out of state license to a New Hampshire driver’s license: 

• If you've recently relocated to New Hampshire from another state, you are required to switch your existing license to a New Hampshire driver’s license within 60 days of becoming a resident, regardless of whether your current license is a Real ID.
• Individuals aged 18 or older can schedule an appointment at any New Hampshire DMV office to complete the process of transferring their out-of-state license to a New Hampshire one.
• Complete the Application for a Driver License or Non Driver ID Card.  
• Provide Proof of Identity.
• Provide two items to document Proof of Residency.
• Pay the appropriate fee - $50 for drivers 18 and older. $10 for youth operator license.
• Pass the vision New Hampshire drivers license test - you must be able to read the 20/40 vision line with both eyes. If you require glasses or contact lenses to pass the vision test, you are required to wear them at all times while driving. 

Drivers under 18 years old must present a certificate of successful completion of a driver’s education course in another state that must be approved by the Department of Education to get a New Hampshire Drivers License. The course must include 30 hours of classroom instruction, 10 hours of driver training, and 6 hours of observation. 

Drivers under the age of 18 must also have completed 40 hours of additional driving time under the supervision of a licensed adult over the age of 25, and at least 10 hours must be completed at night. 

Agency Locations - Make an Appointment at the Agency 

The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all new driver’s licenses and out-of-state driver’s license transfers in New Hampshire. Both in person and online services are available. Walk-in services are available for most transactions, but it’s best to make an appointment because customers with appointments will be given priority. 

Driver knowledge and road tests are given by appointment only. You can book an appointment online for a test, a new New Hampshire driver’s license, or to transfer your out of state license to a New Hampshire driver’s license through the New Hampshire DMV form. The DMV has 14 convenient locations in the state. All locations offer driver’s licensing services, although the Colebrook and North Haverhill locations are by appointment only. 

The New Hampshire DMV is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. You can also call the New Hampshire DMV between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for driver’s license services at (603) 227-4020. 

Drivers License in New Hampshire FAQ

How Long Does It Take to Get Your License (in the Mail)?

It takes up to 45 days to get a New Hampshire Drivers License.

What Qualifies As Proof Of Residency in NH?

To get a New Hampshire Drivers License, proof of residency includes items such as a property title or deed, New Hampshire vehicle registration, lease or rental agreement, property tax bill, or utility bill.

What Documents Are Needed for a Real ID in NH?

You will need these documents to get a New Hampshire Drivers License or a Real ID in NH:

• Proof of identity: A valid, original, or certified copy of a US birth certificate
• Proof of Social Security number
• Proof of New Hampshire residence
• Proof of lawful presence

What Is the Difference Between Enhanced Driver's License and Real ID?

An Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) is a dual-purpose ID that works as a driver’s license and proof of citizenship, allowing land/sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport. A REAL ID is federally compliant for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities but doesn’t serve as proof of citizenship. EDLs are available in fewer states and include an RFID chip, while REAL IDs are widely available and marked with a star.

How Much Is a New Hampshire Driver’s License?

A New Hampshire driver’s license costs $50. To get a New Hampshire Drivers License, you can pay this fee by check or card.

How Long Is a New Hampshire Driver’s License Good for?

A New Hampshire driver’s license is usually valid for 5 years.

How Do You Replace a Lost Driver’s License in New Hampshire?

If your license is lost or stolen, complete the application for a duplicate license to obtain a new one and prove your identity for your Real ID. The fee for a duplicate driver’s license in New Hampshire is $10.

How Can I Change the Name On My Driver License?

You can change your name on your driver’s license by submitting a Record Change Request within 30 days of your name change. The request must be presented in person at any Department of Motor Vehicles office. You will need to bring federal identification with you, like a birth certificate, social security card, or an old Real ID. For some of the forms, you may bring a certified copy. This will help you get a New Hampshire Drivers License.

What Might Keep You From Getting a New Hampshire Driver’s License?

Reasons that can prevent you from obtaining a New Hampshire driver’s license include being an undocumented immigrant, having a suspended or revoked license in another state, having a DUI conviction, or having a reckless driving conviction. You can get a non driver identification card instead if these apply to you.

At What Age Can I Obtain a Driver’s License in New Hampshire?

You can get a driver’s license at 16 years of age. If you are under 18, you must first successfully complete an approved driver education course at various government websites.

How Long Can You Drive On An Out-of-State Driver License After Moving to New Hampshire?

You have 60 days to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to get a New Hampshire Drivers License.

How Can I Update The Address On My New Hampshire Driver’s License?

You are required to notify the DMV within 30 days of a change of address by submitting a Record Change Request. The fee is $3.00. Address changes must be submitted in person at any DMV office, or by mail to the Concord office at 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305. 

Getting a New Hampshire drivers license number or transferring your out-of-state driver’s license to a New Hampshire driver’s license is a fairly simple process that you can typically do in one day. Knowing the right requirements and documents you need ahead of time makes the process even easier. By following this guide, you’ll be all set with everything you need to know to get your New Hampshire drivers license application filled out. 

Moving to New Hampshire? Contact Preferred Movers!

Now that you know how to get a New Hampshire drivers license, you’re ready to move to the state! At Preferred Movers, we’re the top New Hampshire movers. Whether you need help local moving, long distance moving, or even international moving, you can trust us to take care of you. We also offer packing and storage! Give us a call at 603-379-2272 or fill out our form to get started on a free quote!