Whether you’re a new resident or a current resident of New Hampshire, if you wish to operate a standard vehicle, commercial vehicle, or motorcycle, you’ll need a driver’s license. This article will discuss how to obtain a license to legally operate the above-stated vehicles. Let’s get started!

Types of New Hampshire Driver’s Licenses

New Hampshire has different licenses for different classifications of vehicles you may wish to drive.

Class D – a non-commercial driver’s license that allows you to operate standard vehicles for personal use only, such as a car, truck, or SUV. This is also New Hampshire’s standard (regular) driver’s license. With this license, you can operate vehicles that have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of no more than 26,000 lbs.

Class M – a non-commercial driver’s license that allows you to operate two-wheel or three-wheel motorcycles or mopeds. Before applying for a Class M license, you must first have an existing, valid Class D driver’s license.

Class A (CDL) – a commercial driver’s license that allows you to operate any vehicle(s) that have a GVWR that exceeds 26,001 lbs., provided that the vehicle(s) that are being towed weighs more than 10,000 lbs.

Class B (CDL) – a commercial driver’s license that allows you to operate any vehicle that has a GVWR of at least 26,001 lbs., and tow any vehicle that does NOT exceed 10,000 lbs.

Class C (CDL) – a commercial driver’s license that allows you to operate any single or a combination of vehicles that DO NOT meet the descriptions of Class A and Class B, and that can transport at least 16 passengers.

New Hampshire Driver’s License Requirements

Each resident of New Hampshire and non-citizen is required to attain a valid NH driver’s license to legally operate a motor vehicle on public roads. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, such as:

  • New residents who have been in New Hampshire for less than 60 days
  • Non-residents who have valid out-of-state driver’s licenses ( you are only allowed to drive the vehicle class your license designates)
  • Out-of-state students who are enrolled in New Hampshire schools, colleges, or universities who hold valid licenses from their home states
  • Military members and dependents who have valid out-of-state driver’s licenses
  • Foreign tourists who have valid out-of-state driver’s licenses AND international licenses that are issued by their home countries

If you are younger than 18 years old, you will receive your Class D license after working your way through New Hampshire’s Driver’s Education (Driver’s Ed) and driver permit requirements. Even if you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license, you CAN NOT drive in the state of New Hampshire if your New Hampshire driving privileges are suspended or revoked.

To apply for a new NH driver’s license, you need to visit your local New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles (NH DMV) branch and:

  • Present the following:
    • A completed Application for a Driver’s License or Non-Driver ID card (Form DSM 450)
  • Provide proof of your:
    • Identity (1 document for a non-compliant driver’s license and 2 documents for a REAL ID)  
  • Social Security number (1 document)
  • New Hampshire residency (1 document if you’re applying for a non-compliant license and 2 documents for a REAL ID)
  • Legal name change (if applicable) – such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree
  • Pass the vision exam and written permit test
  • Pay all applicable fees ($50 for a standard New Hampshire driver’s license or $60 for a REAL ID license)

Once you pass the written knowledge test, you can schedule an appointment for the written exam driving test. In most scenarios, you are not allowed to complete both tests on the same day.

Taking Your Driving Test

To complete the New Hampshire road test, you must bring a properly titled, registered, and inspected vehicle that falls under the same class of license for which you are applying. You must also have a licensed driver bring you to and from the exam site.

Once you pass this exam, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 60 days. You will receive your permanent New Hampshire Class D driver’s license by mail within 60 days.

If you do not pass the road exam, you can retake the test within 10 calendar days, and you must notify the NH DMV within 24 hours if you need to reschedule the re-examination. If you fail to notify the NH DMV within 24 hours, you will be required to wait at least 30 days to schedule your retest.

Acceptable Identification Documents in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, different documents are acceptable to use when you’re applying for your NH driver’s license, including:

  • Armed forces ID cards
  • Birth certificate
  • Foreign passport with a valid I-94 (the expiration date of the I-94 expiration must be at least 2 months from the date you visit the DMV office)
  • Passport
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Permanent resident card

Examples of true full-name verification documents can include:

  • Marriage certificate
  • A dissolution of marriage document that contains your legal name as a result of the court order
  • Certificate of registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
  • Adoption documents that contain your legal name as a result of the adoption
  • Name change documents containing your legal name both before and after the name change

Examples of acceptable residency documentation can include:

  • Resident utility bills (this also includes cell phone bills)
  • A record of a financial institution (bank statements)
  • New Hampshire vehicle or vessel title or registration
  • Insurance documents

Obtaining a New Hampshire Driver’s License Under the Age of 18

If you’re under the age of 18, you are required to follow a series of steps to obtain your full, standard New Hampshire driver’s license.

New Residents of New Hampshire

As a new resident of New Hampshire, you are required to have a valid out-of-state driver’s license to transfer to New Hampshire. This state does NOT transfer or accept driving/learner’s permits. New residents of NH have 60 days after they establish residency in this state to transfer their out-of-state driver’s license to New Hampshire by completing the following:

  • Proving you are at least 16 years old
  • Completing a state-approved Driver’s Education (Driver’s Ed) course in New Hampshire or in your previous state that meets the state’s requirements for Driver’s Ed
  • Showing proof that you have completed at least 40 hours of supervised driving practice

Once you’ve satisfied the above-listed steps, you are eligible to apply to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to a New Hampshire Youth Operator License.

The New Hampshire GDL Program

New Hampshire, like many states, has a graduated driver’s licensing (GDL) program that grants teenagers more driving privileges and responsibilities as they reach different ages. The different levels of the GDL program are less than those in other states because New Hampshire does NOT require teens to obtain a learner’s permit before receiving an intermediate driver’s license.

The components of New Hampshire’s GDL program are the following:

  • Completion of Driver’s Education (Driver’s Ed)
  • Receiving a Youth Operator’s License
  • Obtaining a full Nevada driver’s license

Driver’s Education in New Hampshire

Driver’s Ed is required for all drivers under 18 years old in New Hampshire. This program must be state-approved by third-party providers and consists of:

  • 30 hours of classroom instruction
  • 10 hours of driving practice with a certified driving instructor
  • 6 hours of driving observation

In addition to the required driving practice that is completed during Driver’s Ed, you are also required to log an additional 40 hours of supervised driving with your parent, legal guardian, or another licensed adult driver.

Of these 40 hours, 10 of these hours must be driven at night. All driving hours must be documented on the Driver’s Out-of-Class Log Sheet (Form DSMV 509). Once you complete your Driver’s Ed course and logged your driving hours, you will be eligible for a Youth Operator License.

New Hampshire Teenage License Age Requirements

In New Hampshire, there are teenage license age requirements, and they are as follows:

  • 15 ½ years old: allowed to operate a motor vehicle with a qualified driver
  • 16 years old: Eligible for a Youth Operator’s License

New Hampshire Youth Operator’s License

In New Hampshire, teenagers who are 15 ½ years old can obtain a Youth Operator’s License. Although New Hampshire does NOT issue learner’s permits, teenagers who are at least 15 ½ years old are eligible to practice driving with a licensed supervising driver who is at least 25 years old.

To practice, you are required to:

  • Always carry proof of your age in the vehicle while practicing driving
  • Practice a non-commercial passenger vehicle
  • Always have your parent, guardian, or another qualified supervising driver in the front seat, with their driver’s license and proof of age with them

Applying for Your License

In New Hampshire, at 16 years old, you are eligible to complete your road test and receive your Youth Operator’s License. You need to make sure you complete a state-approved Driver’s Ed course and complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving, with 10 of these hours driven at night.

Taking the New Hampshire Road Test

You must first pass your knowledge and vision tests before you can schedule an appointment to complete your road test. Depending on what time you completed your exams, you may be able to schedule your road test on the same day. Otherwise, you must return to an NH DMV branch at your appointment time to complete the behind-the-wheel road test.

Taking the New Hampshire Written Test

The New Hampshire written test has a total of 40 questions, 32 of which you must answer correctly to obtain a minimum passing score of 80%. The minimum age to apply to complete this test is 15 ½.

Once you pass the road test, you must pay the license fee of $50 or $60 if you want a REAL ID. You will also need to have your photo taken. You will receive a temporary paper Youth Operator License that is valid for 60 days. The NH DMV will mail your permanent license to the address you provided on the application. Your New Hampshire Youth Operator’s License will expire once you turn 21 years old.

New Hampshire Youth Operator’s License Driving Restrictions

With a New Hampshire Youth Operator’s License, there are driving restrictions you must follow, such as:

  • You may NOT operate a motor vehicle:
    • Between the hours of 1 AM and 4 AM
    • With more passengers in your vehicle than there are available seat belts
    • For the first 6 months, with more than one passenger who is under 25 years old and who is NOT an immediate member of your family (if you are driving with more than one passenger under 25 years old, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old)

Getting Your Driver’s License as a New Resident of New Hampshire

Welcome to the Granite State! As a new resident, you are required to surrender your valid out-of-state driver’s license and apply for a new NH driver’s license within 60 days of establishing residency in New Hampshire. To transfer your out-of-state driver’s license, you need to visit your local NH DMV branch and:

  • Surrender your valid out-of-state driver’s license
  • Provide a secondary proof of identity
  • Provide proof of New Hampshire residency
  • Pass the vision exam
  • Complete the knowledge test (if your out-of-state driver’s license is expired)
  • Submit an Application for a Driver’s License or Non-Driver ID Card (Form DSMV 450)
  • Pay the $50 new driver’s license fee

Once you submit the required documentation, your permanent New Hampshire driver’s license will arrive in the mail.

Married, Divorced, or Name Change?

Suppose you recently got married or divorced, or you changed your name for another reason. In that case, you will be required to submit name change documentation if you’re applying for a new NH driver’s license or identification card. The documents you provide must establish your true full name and can include the following:

  • A certificate, declaration, or registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
  • A marriage certificate
  • Adoption documents that contain the legal names as a result of the adoption
  • A name change document that contains the legal name of both before and after the name change
  • A dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership that contains the legal name as a result of the court action

Does the REAL ID Act Impact Residents of New Hampshire?

Starting May 7, 2025, a federally compliant driver’s license, non-driver identification card, or passport will be required to board an airplane for domestic flights or to enter a secure federal facility. Current standard New Hampshire driver’s licenses will be accepted until May 7, 2025. REAL ID driver’s licenses or non-driver identification cards will be marked with a star in the top right corner to indicate it is acceptable to use for federal identification.

Is Obtaining a REAL ID Mandatory in New Hampshire?

You do NOT have to obtain a REAL ID as a resident of New Hampshire. Instead of a star in the right top-hand corner of your driver’s license or identification card, these documents will have “NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION”, and you will need to present documents that are federally compliant for identification purposes, such as your passport, to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal facility.

If you won’t be boarding a domestic flight or visiting a secure federal facility or military base, you are not required to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card. You also aren’t required to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card to perform any of the following:

  • Drive
  • Vote
  • Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services
  • Enter a federal facility that does NOT require ID (such as a post office)
  • Apply for or receive federal benefits (Social Security Administration (SSA), Veteran’s Affairs, etc.)

How Do You Prepare to Apply for a REAL ID?

You need to visit your local NH DMV branch (consider making an appointment) and provide proof of the following:

  • Identity
    • Birth certificate
    • Passport
    • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Social Security Number:
    • W-2 or 1099 tax form that includes your full social security number
    • Paystub with full SSN
    • Social security card
  • New Hampshire residency (2 documents are required)
    • Mortgage statement
    • Lease or rental agreement
    • Current utility bill
    • Notarized statement from a property owner or resident
  • Name change (required IF your names don’t match any documents)
    • Marriage certificate
    • Divorce decree
    • Court-issued authorization
  • Payment for all applicable fees

New Hampshire REAL ID Fees

  • REAL ID-compliant driver’s license: $60
  • Non-driver ID: $10
  • Commercial driver’s license (CDL): $60

Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License in New Hampshire

If you are interested in becoming a commercial vehicle driver in New Hampshire, congratulations! First, you will need to apply for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) through the New Hampshire DMV. The state’s processes adhere to the CDL rules and regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

CDL Eligibility Requirements in New Hampshire

To apply for an NH CDL, you must:

  • Be at least:
    • 18 years old to drive intrastate (within New Hampshire ONLY)
    • 21 years old to drive interstate (crossing state lines or with HAZMAT endorsement)
  • Have a New Hampshire Class D operator driver’s license

If you are transferring your CDL from a different state, you may also be required to present proof of identity AND residency.

New Hampshire Commercial Learner’s Permit

After you’ve determined you’re eligible to apply for your NH CDL, you can visit your local NH DMV branch and receive your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). When you visit your local NH DMV, you will be required to submit:

  • A completed Commercial Driver’s License Application (Form DSMV 312)
  • Your current driver’s license (if you’re transferring from out of state, you may be required to provide proof of identity and NH residency)
  • Self-certification and medical paperwork
  • Pass the written CDL knowledge exam(s) that are specific to the classification and endorsement(s) of your desired New Hampshire CDL.
  • Pass a vision exam
  • Pay the appropriate CDL fees, PLUS the $20 CLP fee

Once you complete the required vision and written tests, you will receive your commercial learner’s permit and an official form statement that you’ve passed the necessary written exams. Make sure you keep this form! You’re halfway through the process of receiving your full CDL!

CLP Restrictions

Before you start practicing driving a commercial vehicle, you need to know about the restrictions that accompany your commercial learner’s permit. You are required to attain your CLP for at least 14 days BEFORE requesting to take your behind-the-wheel road exam.

While attaining your CLP, you are only allowed to practice driving on PUBLIC ROADS if the vehicle you’re practicing in is of the same class as specified on your New Hampshire commercial learner’s permit or you’re accompanied by a supervisor who holds a CDL with the same classification and endorsements as your CLP.

Your CLP is valid for 180 days and can be renewed once within 1 year of receiving your initial commercial learner’s permit. During this time, you may want to consider enrolling in a behind-the-wheel CDL training program to prepare to complete the NH DMV’s road test.

Obtain Your New Hampshire Commercial Driver’s License

As long as you’ve had your CLP for at least 14 days, you are eligible to schedule your CDL road test appointment by calling the DMV at (603) 227-4000. You can only complete the behind-the-wheel exam at select DMV locations.

Before heading to the DMV to complete your road test, make sure you have the following:

  • A slip that confirms your appointment time
  • The official form that states that you have passed the necessary written CDL exams
  • Your NH driver’s license and commercial learner’s permit

The DMV’s road skills test consists of the following:

  • Pre-trip vehicle inspection (identify and inspect the internal and external parts of your commercial vehicle)
  • Off-road test (perform low-speed maneuvers, such as reversing, parking, and navigating a cones course)
  • On-road test (a test of your ability to drive safely in any situation you might encounter while on public roads, such as intersections, railroad crossings, and highway driving)

If you don’t pass the DMV road skills test on your first attempt, no worries! You must visit a DMV location in person to schedule another behind-the-wheel CDL exam. You will also need to pay a retesting fee of $20. After passing the exam, you will be the new owner of a New Hampshire CDL! Congratulations!

New Hampshire CDL Fees

The fees that are associated with applying for an NH CDL must be paid at the time of your CLP, and they are as follows:

  • Commercial learner’s permit: $20
  • Commercial driver’s license:
    • Class A – $60
    • Class B – $60
    • Class C – $60
  • Endorsements – $10 each

CDL Self-Certification and Medical Card

All New Hampshire CDL applicants must provide the DMV with self-certification and a medical certificate. Both of these documents will be included on a statement of license status that you’ll need to complete and submit to the DMV when you apply for your CLP.

CDL Self-Certification

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, commercial drivers are required to self-certify before operating a commercial vehicle. You must indicate whether you’re traveling interstate (across multiple states) or intrastate (only within New Hampshire). You must then determine whether you’re an excepted or non-excepted driver. Excepted drivers are often individuals who are employed by a state or federal agency.

CDL Medical Card

If you have determined that you’re a non-excepted driver, you need to include a copy of your medical card while completing your statement of license status. You need to take an official Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) to a medical examiner in your area who is approved by the FMCSA.

Suppose you do not meet the minimum medical requirements. In that case, you are still eligible to apply to operate a commercial vehicle as long as you’re driving intrastate only and not transporting hazardous materials. You will need to complete the Application for Waiver of Physical Deficiency (Form DSMV 558) and send the completed form to:

New Hampshire Department of Safety
Division of Motor Vehicles
23 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305

You will receive a mailed response to your application, either approving or rejecting your request for a medical waiver. If you’re approved, take the written response with you to the DMV when you apply for your CLP.

New Hampshire CDL Testing Waivers

If you operated a commercial vehicle while you were in the military, you may be eligible to waive the DMV’s road skills test. To be qualified for the military skills test waiver, you must:

  • Currently, be in the military OR honorably discharged no more than 12 months before your New Hampshire CDL application
  • Have driven a commercial vehicle while in the military within the 12 months before applying for your CDL
  • Be a resident of New Hampshire
  • Not have any major or alcohol-induced driving incidents within the 2 years before completing the CDL application

In addition to the required application and fees, you need to take a completed Application for Military Skills Test Waiver (Form DSMV 609) that is signed by your commanding officer with your military ID or NH driver’s license to an NH DMV office.

Applying for a New Hampshire Motorcycle License

Are you ready to take on the open road? Before you hop on your motorcycle and go on an adventure, you need to have a valid NH motorcycle license.

Are You a New Resident of New Hampshire?

New residents of NH must obtain an NH license within 60 days of establishing residency in the state. To transfer your motorcycle license, you need to visit your local NH DMV office and:

  • Submit your out-of-state license and provide proof of your identity and NH residency
  • Complete an Application for a Driver’s License or Non-Driver ID Card (Form DSMV 450)
  • Pass the vision test
  • Pay the applicable New Hampshire motorcycle licensing fees

If you’re younger than 18 years old, you may also be required to take a written and/or skills test. The DMV may require additional steps to transfer a motorcycle endorsement. You can contact your local NH DMV office for more information.

Motorcycle License Eligibility in New Hampshire

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a New Hampshire motorcycle license. Applicants who are younger than 18 years old must meet a few additional requirements BEFORE they visit the NH DMV, including:

  • Have a valid New Hampshire driver’s license
  • Pass a driver’s education course
  • Have a completed Parent or Guardian Authorization Certificate (Form DSMV 38) – Take this with you to the DMV

New Hampshire Motorcycle Permits

Similar to driving a car, you must have a motorcycle permit before obtaining your full motorcycle license. A written exam is also required. You can take your written test at your local NH DMV office or through a basic rider course.

When you’re ready, head to your local NH DMV office and:

  • Take your current, valid NH driver’s license
  • Submit a completed Application for a Driver’s License or Non-Driver ID card (Form DSMV 450)
  • Pass the vision test
  • Pass a motorcycle knowledge test (if you’re choosing not to enroll in the basic rider course)
  • Pay the $30 permit fee
  • Complete and submit a signed Parent or Guardian Authorization Certificate (Form DSMV 38) – Required for riders under 18 years old

Motorcycle Permit Limitations in New Hampshire

There are limitations to motorcycle permits in New Hampshire. NH motorcycle permit holders can NOT drive between sunset and sunrise or carry any passengers. Your NH permit will be valid for 45 days.

Motorcycle Licenses in New Hampshire

You must first complete a skills test. In New Hampshire, you can take the exam through the DMV or a basic rider course. If you’re completing your exam through the DMV, you can schedule an appointment by calling (603) 227-4020. The basic rider course is required for motorcycle riders who are younger than 18 years old.

Applying for a New Hampshire Motorcycle License

Once you pass the motorcycle skills test, you can visit your local NH DMV branch to receive your license! Make sure you take the following items with you:

  • Your current New Hampshire license
  • A completed Application for a Driver’s License or Non-Driver ID Card (Form DSMV 450)
  • Proof of passing your skills test, including your DMV skills test result or a completion card from your motorcycle course (this completion card is good within 1 year of completion)
  • The $30 fee (this fee may be waived if you’ve completed motorcycle education courses)

After completing these steps, you will be the awesome owner of a New Hampshire motorcycle license! Hooray!

New Hampshire Motorcycle Education Courses

If you’re younger than 18 years old, you are required to complete a basic rider course. This class is optional for all other NH motorcycle license applicants.

To attend this course, students who are younger than 18 years of age will need a valid driver’s license and a signed Motorcycle Safety Course Waiver & Indemnification (Form DSMV 624). Adult applicants do NOT need additional paperwork to attend. These motorcycle courses often include a mix of in-classroom and on-road education training. Motorcycle helmets will be provided.

At the end of the class, you will be eligible to complete your written and skills test. Once you pass these tests, you’ll receive a completion card that you can submit at your local NH DMV branch and receive your motorcycle license.

Registering for Class

To register for the motorcycle course, you need to:

  • Fill out a Motorcycle Training Course Registration Form (Form DSMV 414)
  • Pay the appropriate fee(s)

You can submit the above information to the NH DMV via fax (603) 271-0368 or by mail at:

Division of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Motorcycle Rider Training Program
23 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305

If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the NH DMV Motorcycle Training Office at (603) 227-4025.

If you fail the class, you can try again. Ask your instructor about re-registering for the basic rider course. You may be eligible to complete an intermediate rider course if you completed the entire basic rider course and you failed your rider evaluation.

Finishing the intermediate course will also earn your completion card, which you can use to receive your motorcycle license at the NH DMV. You can take the intermediate course as many times as you need.

New Hampshire Motorcycle License Fees

The NH DMV charges the following for motorcycle licenses and related services:

  • Motorcycle learner’s permit: $30
  • Motorcycle license (endorsement only): $30 (this fee will be waived if you have paid for a motorcycle learner’s permit within 1 year of applying for your license)
  • Motorcycle license: $55

The New Hampshire DMV accepts the following payments:

  • Money order
  • Credit card
  • Cash
  • Personal check
  • Traveler’s check

All checks should be made payable to “State of NH-DMV”. An “endorsement only” will add a motorcycle endorsement to your current New Hampshire driver’s license. A standalone motorcycle license is a separate option with a different fee.

New Hampshire DMV Locations

There are different DMV locations in the state of New Hampshire. We’ve included some of these locations below to help you locate your local NH DMV. Have a look!

New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles – Nashua Branch
110 Broad St.
Nashua, NH 03064
(603) 227-4000
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 4:30 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles – Tamworth Branch
1864 White Mountain Highway
Tamworth, NH 03886
(603) 227-4000
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 4:30 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles – Concord Branch
23 Hazen Dr.
Concord, NH 03305
(603) 227-4000
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 4:30 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles – Dover Branch
50 Boston Harbor Rd.
Dover, NH 03820
(603) 227-4000
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 4:30 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Congratulations! You have everything you need to obtain the type of license you want in New Hampshire.

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