What you need to know about New Hampshire's license process
New Hampshire issues driver's licenses through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which operates regional offices across the state. You'll need to visit one of these offices in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. The state requires a written test, a vision screening, and a road test before you receive your license, unless you're renewing or transferring from another state.
The process takes longer than many states because New Hampshire does not participate in the Real ID program, which means your New Hampshire license will not work for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings after May 7, 2025. If you need federal identification, you'll have to obtain a Real ID-compliant license or passport separately. Most people explore for their first license in New Hampshire should plan for multiple visits to the DMV and several weeks from start to finish.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a New Hampshire DMV office in person to explore for a driver's license; the state does not offer online or mail-in applications.
- New Hampshire licenses are not Real ID-compliant, so you will need a passport or separate Real ID credential for federal travel after May 7, 2025.
- First-time applicants must pass a written knowledge test, vision screening, and road test before receiving their license.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of New Hampshire residency, and your Social Security number to complete your process.
- The road test must be scheduled in advance, and wait times vary by location and season.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You need one document that proves your identity, such as a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or military ID. If your birth certificate is not certified, the DMV will not accept it.
You also need proof that you live in New Hampshire. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement will not work. Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your full Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your DMV visit.
If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or legal guardian with you. Both you and your guardian must sign the process in front of the DMV examiner. If you are 18 or older, you can explore alone.
The written knowledge test and vision screening
The written test covers New Hampshire traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the New Hampshire Driver's Manual, which is available free on the DMV website and at all DMV offices. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you must schedule another appointment to retake it.
The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a specific distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, the DMV will not let you proceed with your process that day. You may need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision correction certificate back to the DMV.
Both the written test and vision screening happen at your first DMV visit. You do not need to schedule these separately — they are part of the standard appointment. If you pass both, the examiner will schedule your road test for a later date.
Scheduling and taking your road test
The road test is a separate appointment that usually happens one to four weeks after you pass your written test, depending on how busy your local DMV office is. During the test, a state examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle or a DMV vehicle and evaluate your ability to control the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and merging.
You must bring your vehicle's registration and proof of insurance to the road test. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check that your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors work properly. If anything is broken or missing, the test will be cancelled and you'll have to reschedule.
You get one attempt per appointment. If you fail, you can schedule another test, but you'll have to pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. After you pass the road test, the DMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few business days, depending on the office.
Fees and payment methods
New Hampshire charges separate fees for the written test, road test, and license issuance. The written test costs $30, the road test costs $30, and the license itself costs $105 for a five-year license or $210 for a ten-year license. If you are under 18, you can only get a five-year license. The total cost for a first-time applicant is between $165 and $270, depending on which license term you choose.
The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices. Some offices may have restrictions on payment methods, so call ahead to confirm. You pay each fee when you complete that step — you pay for the written test when you take it, the road test fee when you schedule the test, and the license fee when you pass the road test.
Real ID and federal identification requirements
New Hampshire does not issue Real ID-compliant driver's licenses. This means your New Hampshire license will not work for boarding domestic flights, entering federal courthouses, or accessing military bases after May 7, 2025. If you need federal identification, you have two options: obtain a U.S. passport or passport card from the State Department, or move to another state and transfer your license to a Real ID state.
A U.S. passport costs $130 for a book and $35 for a card, plus execution fees, and takes four to six weeks to arrive by mail. You can explore for a passport at your local post office or courthouse. If you need federal identification before your New Hampshire license expires, getting a passport is the most straightforward route.
Some people keep both a New Hampshire driver's license for state purposes and a passport for federal purposes. This is common and legal. Check with your employer or the specific agency requiring ID to confirm whether they will accept a passport in place of a Real ID license.
Renewing or transferring your license
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can transfer it to New Hampshire without retaking the written and road tests. You'll still need to visit a DMV office and bring your out-of-state license, proof of New Hampshire residency, and your Social Security number. You'll have a new vision screening, and the DMV will issue you a New Hampshire license. The transfer process is faster than getting your first license because you skip the tests.
If your New Hampshire license is expiring, you can renew it by mail if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must have no medical restrictions, and you must not have changed your name since your last license. If you meet these requirements, the DMV will mail you a renewal form. If you do not meet them, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
DMV office locations and wait times
New Hampshire has DMV offices in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, Laconia, Keene, and Berlin. Each office handles written tests, road tests, and license issuance, but road test scheduling varies by location. The Concord and Manchester offices tend to have longer wait times, especially during spring and summer when more people test for their license.
You can find the address, phone number, and hours for each office on the New Hampshire DMV website. Some offices accept walk-ins for written tests, but road tests must be scheduled in advance by phone or online. Call your local office to ask about current wait times before you visit. If your local office is very busy, you may be able to schedule your road test at a different location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online?
No. New Hampshire requires you to take the written test in person at a DMV office. You cannot take it online or by mail. You can study the material online using the New Hampshire Driver's Manual, but the actual test must be administered by a DMV examiner.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can schedule another road test appointment. You'll pay the road test fee again ($30). Most people pass within two or three attempts. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test, but you must wait until your next scheduled appointment to try again.
Do I need to bring my own car for the road test?
You can use your own vehicle if it is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Some DMV offices also allow you to use a DMV vehicle for the test if you prefer. Call your local office to ask whether a DMV vehicle is available and whether you need to reserve it in advance.
What if I move out of New Hampshire after I get my license?
Your New Hampshire license remains valid in other states until it expires. If you move permanently to another state, you should transfer your license to that state's DMV. Most states require you to transfer your license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency, though enforcement varies.
Can I get a Real ID license in New Hampshire?
No. New Hampshire does not issue Real ID-compliant licenses. If you need federal identification for travel or federal building access, you must obtain a U.S. passport or passport card from the State Department instead.