New Hampshire driver license guide

Learner's permit

New Hampshire does not issue a learner's permit; anyone learning may practice driving under set conditions.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Minimum age to start practice driving

15½ (and you must carry proof of age in the vehicle).Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Practice-driving conditions

Must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other licensed responsible adult aged 25+, seated in the front seat, in a non-commercial vehicle.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Minimum age for a driver license

16, after completing an approved driver education course.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Parental consent

Applicants under 18 need written permission from a parent or guardian (Parent or Guardian Authorization Certificate, DSMV 38).Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driver education (under 18)

Required under 18: at least 30 hours classroom, 10 hours driving and 6 hours observation with a certified instructor.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Supervised driving hours

40 extra hours with a parent, guardian or responsible adult, including at least 10 at night; logging may start at 15½.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driver license fee

$50 for a standard (not federally compliant) operator license; $60 for a REAL ID license. Youth Operator licenses are $10 per year up to age 21. Fees effective January 1, 2026.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Youth Operator license fee

$10 per year up to age 21.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge test questions

40 multiple-choice questions with a 40-minute limit; the test ends automatically after more than 8 wrong answers.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Passing score

80% on all knowledge exams.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Wait after failing the knowledge test

10 calendar days for operator and motorcycle applicants (5 for CDL).Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Test languages

English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Portuguese, Farsi and American Sign Language; audio via headphones on request.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Vision test

You must read the 20/40 line with both eyes; if you fail, an eye doctor must certify your vision.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Appointments

All licensing tests are by appointment only; the DMV is fully appointment based.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Documents for a first license

Application DSMV 450, proof of identity and residency (REAL ID list DSMV 634A or standard list DSMV 634B), and the fee; under 18 also bring the driver-ed certificate, parent authorization DSMV 38 and driving log DSMV 509.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Wait after failing the road test

At least 10 calendar days (5 for CDL). Missing a road test or cancelling with under 24 hours' notice means a 30-day wait.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Youth Operator restrictions (under 18)

No driving 1-4 a.m.; for the first 6 months no more than one passenger under 25 who is not family unless a responsible adult 25+ is along; no more passengers than seat belts.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Youth Operator License

Drivers 16 to 20 get a vertical Youth Operator License that expires on the 21st birthday.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License term

Licenses expire on your birthday every 5 years.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewal notice and early renewal

DMV mails a notice about two months before expiry; you may renew up to six months early if you will be out of state.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Online renewal

Allowed if your renewal notice says you are eligible and gives a Renewal Identification Number (RIN); first-time REAL ID requires an in-person visit.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewal fee

$50 operator / $60 REAL ID (fees effective January 1, 2026).Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Expired license

Expired over 3 years: you must pass vision, knowledge and road tests again.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID

Voluntary in New Hampshire; marked with a star. Needed (or a passport) for domestic flights and secure federal facilities from May 7, 2025.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID fee

$60 for a REAL ID license; upgrading before your renewal costs $10.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

New resident deadline

Get a New Hampshire license within 60 days of establishing residency.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Tests for new residents

Only a vision test if your out-of-state license is valid; expired over a year means vision, knowledge and road tests.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Out-of-state permits

New Hampshire does not honor or transfer learner permits from other states.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Duplicate license fee

$20.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Temporary paper license

You get a 60-day temporary paper license; the card is mailed within 60 days.Source: dmv.nh.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

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