New Hampshire Driver's License

A New Hampshire driver's license is an official document that grants state residents the legal authority to drive on public roads. As the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Section 263:2 requires, anyone operating motor vehicles in the state must possess a valid driver's license.

The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the state agency responsible for issuing driver's licenses. This governing body is critical in maintaining road safety by confirming that only qualified individuals are granted driving privileges.

The DMV sets the documentary requirements and conducts tests to assess whether applicants meet the eligibility criteria and the required knowledge and practical driving skills. It also maintains driving records and manages the renewal and suspension of licenses.

Understanding the regulations outlined by the DMV is crucial for those interested in obtaining a New Hampshire driver's license. By being aware of the prerequisites and processes, individuals can make obtaining a license more straightforward.

What Are the Types of Driver's Licenses in New Hampshire?

The New Hampshire DMV issues numerous types of driver's licenses, both non-commercial and commercial (CDL). These diverse license types ensure that drivers in the state are adequately equipped and authorized to drive their desired vehicles.

Below is the breakdown of the types of driver's licenses in New Hampshire:

Class A CDL

The state's Class A CDL allows the holder to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of over 26,001 pounds, provided that the towed vehicle is heavier than 10,000 pounds. This license type is required for those who drive large trucks, tractor-trailers, or any vehicle that meets the weight criteria.

Class B CDL

A Class B CDL permits the operation of any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,001 pounds or any such vehicle towing another automobile with a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds. This license is necessary for straight truck drivers, large buses, segmented buses, and dump trucks with small trailers.

Class C CDL

This CLD permits driving a single vehicle or combination of vehicles not meeting Class A or B criteria. It is also needed for vehicles transporting 16 or more passengers (with the driver included) or hazardous materials.

Class D

In New Hampshire, a Class D license is the standard driver's license that permits the holder to operate regular passenger vehicles. It is required for drivers of personal transportation vehicles such as SUVs and light trucks.

Motorcycle License

A motorcycle license enables individuals to legally operate motorcycles, mopeds, and three-wheeled motorcycles on public roads.

Youth Operator License

The Youth Operator License is issued to individuals 16 years or older but under 21. This specialized license is distinguished by its vertical orientation and expires on the holder's 21st birthday. It is designed to provide younger drivers with limited driving privileges while they gain experience behind the wheel.

How To Obtain a Driver's License in New Hampshire?

Obtaining a standard operator driver's license in New Hampshire involves several sequential steps similar to those in other states.

Prospective drivers start by gathering the required documentation for their application. However, minors must fulfill additional prerequisites like completing driver education courses and gaining supervised driving experience.

Following preparation, applicants undergo a series of exams covering various aspects of driving knowledge and skills. These typically include vision screening, written tests on traffic laws and safe driving practices, and a practical road test to demonstrate their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

After successfully passing the required exams, applicants will be granted their New Hampshire driver's license.

Note that relevant administrative and licensing fees must be paid to finish the process.

Documentary Requirements

When individuals apply for a driver's license in New Hampshire, they must fulfill specific documentary requirements.

Applicants must first complete a Driver's License Application Form. Then, they must furnish several documents, which vary depending on whether they are obtaining a REAL ID-compliant or non-compliant license.

For those seeking a REAL ID-compliant license, the following documents are necessary:

  • One proof of identity
  • One proof of Social Security number
  • Two proofs of New Hampshire residency
  • Proof of any legal name change, if applicable

On the other hand, for those applying for a non-compliant license, the requirements include:

  • One or two proofs of identity documents
  • One proof of New Hampshire residency
  • Proof of any legal name change, if applicable

Applicants can refer to the REAL ID-compliant acceptable documents list or the non-compliant acceptable documents list of the DMV to learn the accepted documents when requesting a driver's license in New Hampshire.

Requirements for Minor Applicants

While New Hampshire does not issue learner's permits, minors can begin learning to drive at the age of 15 1/2. However, they must wait until they turn 16 to apply for a driver's license.

When applying for a license, 16-year-old applicants must meet the following:

  • Completed a state-approved driver education course and submit a completion certificate issued by their instructor
  • Logged a minimum of 40 hours of supervised driving practice, documented and verified through a Driver's Out-Of-Class Log Sheet
  • Furnish a completed Driver's License Application Form, along with the necessary identity and residency documents
  • Provide a signed Parent or Guardian Authorization Certificate
  • Pass the relevant driver tests
  • Pay the necessary fees

Once these requirements are met, applicants will be issued a Youth Operator License.

Holders of Youth Operator Licenses are subject to specific driving restrictions, including prohibitions on driving between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., except under particular circumstances, and limitations on the number of passengers under 25 years of age who are not family members during the first six months of licensure.

Additionally, drivers must ensure all passengers have access to seat belts or other safety restraints as mandated by law.

Driver Education

Driver Education is crucial for individuals seeking a driver's license in New Hampshire. While it benefits drivers of all ages, it is mandatory for those under 18. This program is offered at licensed Commercial Driver Education Schools and select public high schools in New Hampshire.

To enroll, individuals must meet specific age requirements. Specifically, they should be at least 15 years and nine months old before the first scheduled classroom session. Alternatively, their 16th birthday should fall on or before the last scheduled classroom session of the course.

The Driver Education program comprises three key components. Participants must complete at least 30 hours of classroom instruction delivered by certified driver education instructors. Additionally, they must undergo at least 10 hours of practice driving and have a minimum of six hours of driving observation with a certified instructor.

Given the popularity of NH driver education classes, it is recommended to contact an approved commercial driver education school or a local high school program well in advance to secure enrollment.

Driver's License Test

To qualify for a standard operator driver's license in New Hampshire, applicants must pass three tests administered by the DMV: a vision test, a knowledge test, and a road test.

Note that all tests are done by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, visit the Appointments and Services page on the official NH DMV website.

Vision Test

The vision test aims to assess applicants' visual clarity. During this test, applicants will be required to look into an eye machine and read a series of letters or numbers.

To pass the vision test, applicants must have a visual acuity of at least 20/40 in both eyes. However, if they have vision in only one eye, they must have a 20/30 visual acuity.

Note that if applicants need glasses or contact lenses to pass the vision test, they must wear them while driving. The applicant's license will be restricted to corrective lenses in such cases.

If applicants fail the vision test, they must undergo an eye examination. They must furnish an eye examination form conducted by a doctor stating their visual capability. Only after this additional testing can the driver's license application process proceed.

Knowledge Test

Individuals seeking a driver's license in New Hampshire must take a knowledge test conducted on a touchscreen monitor.

Each test has a predetermined time limit based on the number of questions. The test will automatically end if the time limit is exceeded or a certain number of questions are answered incorrectly.

The knowledge test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions tailored to the specific type of license being sought. To pass, individuals must score at least 80% or answer 32 correct questions.

Note that the knowledge tests are available in various languages, including English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Portuguese, Farsi, and American Sign Language. Furthermore, an optional audio feature is provided for those who prefer using headphones during the test.

If individuals fail the test, they may request a retest, but not before a minimum of ten days from the last attempt.

Road Test

The road test is the final assessment all driver's license applicants in New Hampshire must take. However, applicants must be aware of several requirements before taking this test.

The road test vehicle must be fully registered and operating safely. If the vehicle requires an inspection sticker, it must be up to date. Additionally, the applicant must have a properly licensed driver who will drive the test vehicle to and from the testing site and should remain at the site until the road test is completed.

During the road test, only the applicant and the authorized DMV examiner are allowed in the vehicle.

The test typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes, and the applicant will be evaluated on several aspects. These include their skill in handling the car in traffic, their driving habits, their knowledge of traffic signs and rules of the road, and their ability to handle the physical, mental, and emotional stress of driving in traffic.

If applicants fail the road test, they must wait at least ten days before being eligible for retesting. If they miss their scheduled road test or cancel with less than 24 hours' notice, they will need to wait 30 days before being able to retest.

New Hampshire Driver's License Fees

The associated licensing fees must be settled when acquiring a driver's license in New Hampshire. The fee is $50 for non-compliant standard operator licenses. If individuals require a REAL ID-compliant license, the cost is $60

The NH DMV accepts major credit cards, cash, money orders, personal checks, or traveler's checks as payment methods.

For specific fees tailored for other types of licenses, refer to this Licensing Fees page.

To get more comprehensive information when obtaining an NH driver's license, check out this New Hampshire Driving Manual. If interested in acquiring a motorcycle driver's license, the Motorcycle Operator Manual can be consulted, while those wishing to obtain a CDL can study the Commercial Driver License Manual.

How To Renew or Replace a Driver's License in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire driver's licenses are typically valid for five years and expire on the holder's birthday. If the license is nearing expiration or has expired, it is the holder's responsibility to renew it to maintain driving privileges.

Meanwhile, individuals must seek a replacement if specific scenarios arise, such as the license being lost, stolen, or damaged.

The detailed process for either procedure is as follows:

New Hampshire Driver's License Renewal

Approximately two months before the license expires, the NH DMV sends a renewal notice to the applicant's address. This notice provides all the necessary information for the renewal process.

In New Hampshire, license renewal can be done in two ways: online or in person.

To renew online, individuals must receive a renewal notice containing a Renewal Identification Number. They can then follow the steps outlined by the NH Online Renewal System.

To complete the online renewal, they will need their current driver's license and a credit card for the renewal fee payment, which is either $50 or $60, depending on whether the license is non-compliant or REAL ID-compliant.

When renewing online, the new license or identification card will have the current photograph. Additionally, individuals must have access to a printer to print a temporary license.

For in-person renewal, individuals must visit any NH DMV office. They must bring their current driver's license, complete the Driver's License Application Form, pass a vision test, take a new photo, and pay the required fees. Once the renewal is completed, the new license will be mailed within 60 days.

Note that if the license has expired for less than one year, individuals can renew it in person without any additional documents. Meanwhile, proof of identity and residency will be required if it has expired for over a year but less than three years.

If the license has expired over three years, applicants must provide proof of identity and residency and pass the required driver tests.

New Hampshire Driver's License Replacement

Obtaining a replacement or duplicate driver's license in New Hampshire can be done with several options.

The NH Online Duplicate System is a convenient platform that allows users to request a replacement license online. In this method, individuals must provide personal information and make a $10 credit card payment. If the request is successful, the replacement license will be promptly mailed.

Alternatively, individuals can visit any NH DMV office to request a replacement. During this visit, they must bring a completed Duplicate Driver's License Application Form and pay the required fees.

Those temporarily outside of New Hampshire who have lost or had their license stolen can apply for a temporary duplicate license by mail. They will need to complete a Duplicate Driver's License Application Form and a Temporarily Away Form. These forms, along with the payment, should be sent to the following address:

NH Dept. of Safety

DMV - Driver Licensing

23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305.

The DMV will then mail a temporary duplicate license, valid for six months, to the individual's out-of-state address. Upon returning to New Hampshire, the individual must submit a new duplicate driver's license form, a note explaining their return to the state, and a photocopy of their temporary license to get their permanent license.

What Happens if a Driver's License Is Suspended in New Hampshire?

When a driver's license is suspended in New Hampshire, the individual's driving privileges are temporarily revoked. Among the common reasons for suspension in the state include:

  • Failure to respond to a traffic citation
  • Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs
  • Refusal of alcohol testing
  • Excessive accrual of demerit points
  • Being classified as a habitual offender

Driving with a suspended license in New Hampshire can result in severe penalties. Depending on the severity of the violation, offenders may face up to a $1,000 fine, an extension of the suspension period, license revocation, jail time, a misdemeanor charge, or even a Class B felony charge.

Individuals must undergo a reinstatement process to reinstate a suspended driver's license in New Hampshire. The specific requirements and duration of the suspension will vary based on the nature of the offense committed.

Generally, individuals must wait for their suspension period to expire and fulfill mandatory obligations, such as completing an alcohol treatment program or attending a state-approved driving course. Additionally, a reinstatement fee of $100 must be paid.

Can Someone Drive in New Hampshire With a Foreign License?

Individuals can drive in New Hampshire with a foreign driver's license, but there are specific conditions and time limits.

If temporarily residing in New Hampshire, such as for educational purposes or lawful employment, individuals can use their foreign driver's license for up to 60 days. After this period, they are obligated to obtain a New Hampshire driver's license to comply with state laws.

Can a Foreigner Get a Driver's License in New Hampshire?

Foreign individuals seeking a driver's license in New Hampshire can do so by following several steps.

First, foreigners must gather the necessary documents, including their original driver's license from their home country, immigration status documents, and proof of residency in New Hampshire. They must also complete an approved driver education course if they have never held a driver's license.

Next, they must schedule an appointment at the Concord DMV to take the required tests (exempted if transferring an out-of-state license from the U.S. Territory, Canada, or France that has not expired for more than a year).

Finally, foreign individuals must pay the relevant fees to complete their license application.