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Bureau of Driver Licensing
Frequently Asked Questions

 
  • How can I obtain a NH driver license?
    ALL FIRST TIME NH license applicants holding visas, permanent resident cards, refugees, asylees and employment authorizations cards (EAD), must apply at:

    DOS DMV
    23 Hazen Drive
    Concord, NH 03305
    Phone 603-271-2371
    RENEWALS for a NH license for those holding a Visa or and Employment Authorization Card (EAD) need to apply for renewal at the Concord Office.

    Permanent residents, refugees, and those granted asylum may apply for renewals at any DMV substation.

    NOTE: ALL PERMANENT RESIDENTS, REFUGEES, AND ASYLEES ISSUED A NH LICENSE/ID PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 1, 2001 MUST APPLY FOR RENEWALS AT THE CONCORD OFFICE.

    Complete an APPLICATION FOR DRIVER LICENSE OR NON-DRIVER ID CARD (DSMV 450)adobe acrobat reader symbol

    If applying for a Commercial Driver License, complete an APPLICATION FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE (DSMV 312). adobe acrobat reader symbol

    If new to NH, you must prove identification and residency (RSA 259:23). You must surrender your current driver license form the state from which you have moved.

    US Citizens Transferring Out Of State

    Commercal Driver Manual adobe acrobat reader symbol
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  • Will I receive my driver license on the same day I apply?
    ALL FIRST TIME NH license applicants will receive a 60-day temporary license. The permanent license will be mailed to the applicant.

    ALL VISA HOLDERS will receive a 60-day temporary license. The permanent license will be mailed to the applicant.

    RENEWALS for NH license applicants who are permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and employment authorization cardholders (EAD) will receive their license on the same day.
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  • Is it necessary to go to the Concord Office each time I renew my license?
    ALL VISA HOLDERS AND EAD CARD HOLDERS must go to the Concord Office to renew their licenses.

    Permanent residents, refugees, and asylees may apply for renewals at any DMV substation.
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  • What is the residency requirement?
    RSA 21:6
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  • At what age can I obtain a driver license?
    16 years of age, provided you have successfully completed a driver education course.
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  • What documents are necessary to obtain a NH driver license/Non-Driver Identification Card?
    Each applicant shall provide:

    • An original or certified copy of his/her birth certificate, valid US Passport or Military ID and one of the following:

    Social Security Card
    Passport
    Marriage Certificate, Civil Union Certificate, or its equivalent
    Military discharge papers
    Military identification card
    Divorce Decree
    Valid School ID w/photo

    Please Note: If your name is different than what is listed on your birth certificate, you must also provide the legal document of that name change (i.e., marriage certificate, civil union certificate or its equivalent).
    • Current driver license or driver license which has expired no more than 12 months prior to the date of application.
    • Proof of residency - One of the following:
  • NH Valid Registration
    Town/City Clerk Approval of Residency Letter
    Utility Bill with postmarked date (i.e., Water, Electric, Oil/propane)

     

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  • What tests will I need to complete?

    • Eye test.
    • Written test.
    • Road Test.
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  • How can I obtain a NH motorcycle license?

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  • I have moved to NH. How long can I driver on my out of state driver license?
    60 days.
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  • How can I obtain a NH commercial driver license (CDL)?
    You must be at least 18 yeas of age and complete an APPLICATION FOR A COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE (DSMV 312adobe acrobat reader symbol

    • If applicable, transfer your out of state CDL for a NH CDL.
    • New applicants must successfully complete:

      • Eye test.
      • Written Test(s).
      • Pre-trip inspection of applicable vehicle, which you are required to provide.
      • Road Test.

    CDL Manual  adobe acrobat reader symbol
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  • I have lost or misplaced my driver license. How can I obtain a replacement?
    Complete an APPLICATION FOR DRIVER LICENSE (DSMV 450adobe acrobat reader symbol and submit along with a fee of $10.00 and positive proof of identification (see below). Appear at the DMV, Concord, or any substation.

    Positive Proof of Identification

    An original or certified copy of his/her birth certificate, valid US Passport or Military ID and one of the following:

Social Security Card
Passport
Marriage Certificate, Civil Union Certificate or its equivalent
Military discharge papers
Military identification card
Divorce Decree
Valid School ID w/photo

Please Note: If your name is different than what is listed on your birth certificate, you must also provide the legal document of that name change (i.e., marriage certificate, civil union certificate or its equivalent).

Non-US Citizens must appear at the Concord office.

 
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  • What can I do if I am out of the state at renewal time?
    Submit an APPLICATION FOR DRIVER LICENSE (DSMV 450adobe acrobat reader symbol along with the applicable fee and your out of state mailing address.
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  • I am in the Armed Forces and out of the state. How can I renew my driver license?
    You must have held a NH driver license prior to entering the armed forces. Complete the following:

    • APPLICATION FOR DRIVER LICENSE (DSMV 450adobe acrobat reader symbol
    • ARMED FORCES AFFIDAVIT OF RESIDENCY (DSMV 76adobe acrobat reader symbol


    Submit these forms, along with a copy of your military ID, to:

    DOS DMV
    Driver Licensing
    23 Hazen Drive
    Concord, NH 03305
    (603) 271-2371
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  • I am the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces, and I am out of the state. How can I renew my driver license?
    Complete the following:



    Submit these forms and the applicable fee to:

    DOS DMV
    Driver Licensing
    23 Hazen Drive
    Concord, NH 03305
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  • How can I obtain a non-driver ID card?
    An original birth certificate and one other form of identification; such as, your social security card or passport; along with proof-of-residency is required.

    Complete an APPLICATION FOR DRIVER LICENSE (DSMV 450adobe acrobat reader symbol.

    Appear at:

    DOS DMV
    23 Hazen Drive
    Concord, NH 03305
    OR
    Any substation.
    Non-US Citizens must appear at the Concord office

    If applying for a non-driver ID because of a suspended or revoked driver license and if your image is on file with the DMV, complete the application and pay the $10.00 fee. Your identity will be verified using our database.
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  • I am not a NH resident. Can I obtain a NH driver license?
    No.
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  • How can I notify the DMV I have changed my name?
    Appear at:

    DOS DMV
    23 Hazen Drive
    Concord, NH 03305
    OR
    any substation.
    Present one of the following to make the change:

    • Name change petition from the court of Probate;
    • Marriage certificate, civil union certificate or its equivalent;
    • Divorce decree;
    • Passport;
    • Adoption decree;
    • Court degree.

    Complete an APPLICATION FOR DRIVER LICENSE (DSMV 450). adobe acrobat reader symbol

    Your picture will be taken, and your new signature captured on the replacement license. There is no charge.
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  • How can I notify the DMV of a change of address?
    NH law requires the DMV be notified within 10 days of a change of address.

    Complete a RECORD CHANGE REQUEST (DSMV 30)adobe acrobat reader symbol Forward it to:

    DOS DMV
    Driver Licensing
    23 Hazen Drive
    Concord, NH 03305
    (603) 271-2371
    The DMV will notify you when the change has been made to your record. Once notification is received, please print your new address on any registration held in your name and on the back of your license.
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  New Hampshire Department of Safety | 33 Hazen Drive | Concord, NH 03305
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