New Hampshire · Knowledge testWhat are the NH driver’s license requirements?
The DMV lists the same tests for every first-time applicant, with more steps under 18:
| Step | Under 18 | 18 or older |
|---|---|---|
| Driver’s ed | Required | In one case |
| Supervised log | Required | Not required |
| Parent’s permission | Required | Not required |
| Vision test | Required | Required |
| Knowledge test | Required | Required |
| Road test | Required | Required |
At 18 or older, driver’s ed is required only for non-US citizens living here for a time who have no driving experience. You apply with the Application for Driver License (DSMV 450) and proof of identity and residency.
The Youth Operator License
From 16 to 21, your license is printed vertically, not horizontally, and says “Under 21 until” with the date. It expires on your 21st birthday, and you then renew it to get the standard license.
While you’re under 18, you may not drive:
- Between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.
- With more than one passenger under 25 who isn’t family, in your first six months, unless a licensed, responsible adult who is 25 or older is with you
- With more passengers than seat belts or safety restraints
Under New Hampshire’s Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) 263:14, a first violation of these limits can bring a fine of up to $100 and a suspension of up to 30 days, and a later one a fine of up to $200 and a suspension of up to 90 days.
Suspensions for drivers under 20
After a hearing, the DMV’s director can suspend or revoke the license of a driver under 20 who is convicted of certain motor vehicle offenses:
- First offense: 20 to 40 days
- Second offense: 45 to 90 days
- Third or later offense: 90 to 180 days, and an approved in-person driver attitude program before reinstatement
Two or more speeding tickets in your first two years as a youth operator mean you need an SR-22 insurance policy for three years from the second hearing. A youth operator convicted of driving under the influence, reckless driving or speeding more than 30 mph over the limit can’t get the license back for at least 90 days after any court suspension, and must first complete an approved in-person driver attitude program. Demerit points can also suspend a youth license.
After you pass
Pass all the tests and the DMV gives you a 60-day temporary paper license. The permanent one is mailed to your New Hampshire mailing address: within 60 days, the DMV’s page for minors says, or within 45 days, the manual says.
NH driver’s license fees
The DMV’s fee page lists:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| REAL ID operator license | $60 |
| Operator license, not REAL ID | $50 |
| Youth Operator License | $10 a year |
| Duplicate license | $20 |
| Address change reprint | $10 |
The Youth Operator fee is charged for each year until you turn 21, and state law caps it at $50.
Moving to New Hampshire
Once you move here, you have up to 60 days to get a New Hampshire license, and you give up any license from another state when you apply. With a valid out-of-state license, you take only the vision test; if it expired more than a year ago, you take the vision, knowledge and road tests.
Under 18 with a license from another state, you meet all the requirements for minors, including driver’s ed, though a course from another state can transfer.
Renewing your license
A standard New Hampshire license expires on your birthday every five years. State law (RSA 263:10) has the DMV notify you 30 days before it expires, by mail or, if you choose, by electronic or other means. You can renew in person, or online if you’re eligible, though state law allows online renewal only every other time.
Sources: New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles · New Hampshire General Court and 4 more. Checked November 2026.
- New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles: Apply for your first driver’s license ↗
- New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles: Driver licensing requirements for minors ↗
- New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles: Licensing fees ↗
- New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles: Driver licensing testing requirements ↗
- New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (PDF) ↗
- New Hampshire General Court: RSA chapter 263, Drivers’ Licenses ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.
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