DMV To Issue More Durable Temporary Licenses

Concord, NH – The NH Division of Motor Vehicles will begin using a heavier paper stock for temporary driver licenses and non-driver IDs on March 29, 2010, to make the documents more durable. The new temporary documents will also be slightly different in physical layout but the overall look will remain the same.

The changes do not affect permanent driver licenses or non-driver ID cards.

The temporary documents, which have been issued since May 2008, are valid for 60 days. The heavier stock paper is designed to ensure that they better withstand wear and tear and last for the full 60 days.

In addition to the heavier paper, the primary visible difference between the old and new temporary license will be will be in the physical layout. The old temporary license would generally be folded in half from top to bottom and the two rear surfaces would adhere together. The new temporary license will fold from left to right and will not adhere together and appear as a bi-fold.

The temporary format will continue to be issued to all first-time applicants as well as those who apply for renewals, additional endorsements or non-driver IDs.

The Division of Motor Vehicles is informing New Hampshire law enforcement, banks and retail businesses about the changes to the temporary documents.

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