The basic path: what you need and where to go
To get a New Hampshire driver's license, you visit your local DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision screening, and a road test in your own vehicle or the examiner's car. The whole process takes multiple visits — written and vision tests on one day, the road test scheduled for a later appointment — and costs $125 for a five-year license or $175 for a ten-year license.
New Hampshire does not issue learner's permits to adults. If you have never held a license anywhere, you take the written test first, then schedule the road test. If you already have a valid license from another state, you can skip the written test and go straight to the road test, though you still need to pass the vision screening.
The process is faster if you already have a Real ID-compliant document. If you do not, the DMV will issue you a standard license, but you will not be able to use it for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a military base after May 7, 2025.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a New Hampshire DMV office in person with a valid passport or state ID, a utility bill or lease showing your current address, and your Social Security card or birth certificate.
- The written test covers New Hampshire traffic laws and road signs; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
- The road test is scheduled separately and uses either your own vehicle or the examiner's, and you must demonstrate basic driving skills on public roads.
- A five-year license costs $125; a ten-year license costs $175; both are valid when ready after you pass all tests.
- If you want a Real ID-compliant license for federal travel, bring a Real ID-approved document like a passport or certified birth certificate instead of a standard state ID.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your address. For identity, the DMV accepts a valid passport, a passport card, a military ID, a certified birth certificate, or an out-of-state driver's license. For address, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government letter with your name and current address on it. The address document must be dated within the last 60 days.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, or if you do not have it, bring your birth certificate and a W-2 form or tax return. If you cannot provide any of these, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you visit the DMV.
If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license — which you will need for domestic air travel after May 7, 2025 — bring a document that meets Real ID standards. A U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or certified birth certificate all may have access to. A standard state ID from another state does not.
The written test: what it covers and how to prepare
The written test has 40 multiple-choice questions about New Hampshire traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle hazardous conditions.
The DMV provides a free study guide called the New Hampshire Driver's Manual, available on the DMV website and in print at any DMV office. Most people study it for a few hours before the test. You can take the test on the same day you bring your documents, or you can study first and return another day.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the next day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you pay the $125 or $175 fee only once — retakes are free.
The vision screening and road test
After you pass the written test, you take a vision screening at the DMV. The examiner checks whether you can read a standard eye chart from 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the screening. If you fail, you can bring a letter from an eye doctor saying you have corrected vision that meets the standard, and the DMV will issue your license with a restriction requiring you to wear correction while driving.
The road test is scheduled for a separate appointment, usually one to four weeks after you pass the written test. You drive a set route in your own vehicle or the examiner's car — you can request which one when you schedule. The examiner watches you start the car, use mirrors and signals, turn, stop, park, and handle basic traffic situations. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You must demonstrate safe driving and follow all traffic laws during the test.
If you fail the road test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no fee for retakes. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.
Timeline and scheduling
The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from your first visit to your final road test. The written test and vision screening happen on the same day, usually within an hour. The road test is scheduled weeks later because the DMV books appointments in advance.
You can schedule your road test appointment online through the New Hampshire DMV website, by phone at 603-271-2237, or in person at any DMV office. When you schedule, you will choose your preferred test location and time. Some offices have shorter wait times than others; if your local office is booked out several weeks, try an office in a nearby town.
Your license is valid when ready after you pass the road test. The DMV issues it on the spot or mails it to you within a few days, depending on the office.
If you already have a license from another state
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written test. You still must pass the vision screening and the road test. Bring your out-of-state license along with your other documents, and tell the DMV staff that you are transferring your license. The process takes the same amount of time as the road test appointment, plus the wait for that appointment.
Your out-of-state license remains valid until it expires, so you can drive legally in New Hampshire while you wait for your road test appointment. Once you pass the road test, your New Hampshire license replaces it.
Real ID versus standard license
A standard New Hampshire driver's license is valid for driving within the state and for identification purposes. A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is also valid for boarding domestic flights, entering federal buildings, and accessing military bases.
Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license or another approved document (like a passport) to board a domestic flight. If you want a Real ID license, bring a document that meets Real ID standards: a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or certified birth certificate. The cost is the same as a standard license — $125 for five years or $175 for ten years.
If you bring a document that does not meet Real ID standards, the DMV will issue you a standard license. You can upgrade to a Real ID license later by returning to the DMV with a may have access to document and paying a small fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the road test in my own car?
Yes. You can bring your own vehicle to the road test, or you can use the examiner's car. When you schedule your appointment, let the DMV know which you prefer. If you use your own car, make sure it is registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will not test you in a vehicle that is not safe.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no fee for retakes. You keep your written test pass and do not have to retake that part. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.
Do I need to take a written test if I move to New Hampshire from another state?
No. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you skip the written test and go straight to the vision screening and road test. Bring your out-of-state license to the DMV along with your other documents.
How long is a New Hampshire driver's license valid?
You can choose a five-year license for $125 or a ten-year license for $175. Both are valid for driving and identification during that time. You renew by mail or online before the expiration date.
What if I do not have a Social Security card?
Bring your birth certificate and a W-2 form or tax return instead. If you do not have any of these documents, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you visit the DMV.