Get your first driver's license in New Hampshire
New Hampshire issues no learner's permit: you practice from 15½ with a licensed adult, finish driver education and 40 logged hours if under 18, then pass the DMV's vision, knowledge and road tests by appointment.
- Online or in person
- No, in person (book the knowledge test online) · By appointmentYou book the Driver License Knowledge Test appointment online (or by calling 603-227-4000). The road test is booked by phone (603-227-4000) after you pass the knowledge test. The DMV is fully appointment based and all tests are by appointment. You take the vision and knowledge tests first; the road test can be the same day if a slot is free, otherwise on another day. Road test availability varies between locations.
- Cost
- $50, or $60 for REAL IDOperator license $50.00 (not federally compliant) or $60.00 for a REAL ID operator license.
- You leave with
- Driver license
Your plan
Gather your documents
0 of 5 ready · saved in this browser only
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Show accepted documents (bring 1)
- Birth certificate issued by a city, town, state, court or federal agency, with a raised seal or stamp
- Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
- Valid unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
- Valid unexpired Permanent Resident Card
- Valid unexpired I-94 declaring asylee or refugee status
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Show accepted documents (bring 1)
- Social Security card (Tattered or worn cards are not accepted.)
- Pay stub with full Social Security number
- W-2 with full Social Security number
- 1099 with full Social Security number
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Show accepted documents (bring 2)
- Lease or rental agreement signed by both parties, or a deed
- Current-year property tax bill
- Direct verification by a parent or guardian (Notarized if the parent or guardian is not present.)
- Notarized letter from a property owner or current resident
- Mortgage statement
- Current utility or delivery-of-service bill for the physical address
- Government check or document from your NH town or city
- Payroll check, payroll document or employment contract
Practice from age 15½ with a licensed adult
New Hampshire does not issue learner's permits. From 15½ you may practice in a non-commercial vehicle with a parent, legal guardian or other responsible licensed adult 25 or older in the front seat. Carry proof of age.
Book and pass the vision and knowledge tests
You must be at least 16 to apply. Book a Driver License Knowledge Test appointment online. The vision test needs 20/40 with both eyes. The knowledge test is on a touch screen, multiple choice, and needs 80% to pass.
Book and pass the road test
Call 603-227-4000 for a road test after you pass the knowledge test. Bring a registered, safe vehicle with a current inspection sticker if one is required, and a licensed driver to drive you to and from the test site who stays until the test is done. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Common reasons people get turned away
- Failing the knowledge or road test: you must wait 10 calendar days before you can retest.
- Missing your road test or cancelling with less than 24 hours' notice: you must wait at least 30 calendar days to be tested.
- Road test vehicle not registered, unsafe or with an expired inspection sticker, or no licensed driver to bring you to the test site.
- Under 18 without the original green driver education certificate, the signed parent authorization or the 40-hour log sheet.
- Failing the 20/40 vision test: you need an eye doctor's certification before you can continue.
- Under 18: no proof of insurance at the time of application.
Offices for permits, tests and first licenses
The NH DMV lists Driver Licensing among the services of every office except Concord IRP; Colebrook and North Haverhill offer driver licensing appointments only, with limited availability. Knowledge and road tests are by appointment only, and road test availability varies between locations, so confirm when you book. Agency source.
14 offices where you can apply for a permit or first licenseSee them on a map, search by county or show the ones open nowLargest cities with them: Manchester (1)
Read more
Sources · checked November 4, 2026
- Apply For Your First Drivers License/Non Driver ID (NH DMV)
- Driver Licensing Requirements for Minors (NH DMV)
- Learning to Drive (NH DMV)
- Driver Education (NH DMV)
- Driver Licensing Testing Requirements (NH DMV)
- Licensing Fees (NH DMV)
- Appointments and Services (NH DMV)
- Hours and Locations (NH DMV)
- Identity and Residency Requirements, federally compliant (NH DMV, DSMV 634A, PDF)
- RSA 263:14 Original and Youth Operators' Licenses (NH General Court)
- RSA 263:17 Special Requirements for Minors (NH General Court)
We wrote this plan ourselves from the official pages above on the date shown. Agencies change rules without notice: the official page always wins. DMV Decoded is independent and not a government agency; we don't book appointments or take payments.