Frequently Asked Questions
We Are Here to Help - Search Our FAQs
Navigate
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to file a police report if my license was lost or stolen?
- In New Hampshire, it is not mandatory to report the loss or the theft of your drivers license to the police, but it can be very useful. You would not want your drivers license to be used for identity theft or other serious crimes.
Filing a police report may not only get your drivers license copy back but it will also provide you with proper legal protection.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New Hampshire Driver’s License or ID Card
- How can I obtain a copy of the driver manual?
- Drivers can obtain a copy of the New Hampshire Driver’s Manual online or by visiting the NH DMV office at:
Department of Safety
Division of Motor Vehicles
Concord, NH 03305
You can also check with licensed driving schools, as they would need to provide drivers education according to the official New Hampshire Driver’s Manual.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New Hampshire
- How can I renew my drivers license?
- To renew license in New Hampshire, you can choose between the following options:
- Online, if eligible.
- In person by visiting any DMV office and presenting the following documents:
- Completed drivers license renewal application
- Supporting documentation
- Proof of having passed required tests.
- Payment for applicable fees.
You are encouraged to visit nearby DMV locations to check most recent fees and thus avoid missing deadlines.
For more information: How to Renew Driver’s License in New Hampshire
- How do I apply for a drivers license?
- Getting a drivers license in New Hampshire has a few basic requirements which are similar for all type of license holders and with some restrictions or exemptions depending on the type of license, the age of the applicant, citizenship and driving record.
All new license applicants must:
- Visit a DMV office.
- Submit a drivers license application.
- Prepare proper supporting documents.
- Enroll in a drivers education course.
- Pass required tests.
- Pay the $50 applicable fee.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New Hampshire
- How do I get a hardship license?
- There is no option for getting a hardship license in New Hampshire. Instead, the NHDMV offers the possibility of applying for a hardship registration. This can be done by the owner of the vehicle who is under a drivers license suspension.
The privilege of hardship registration will enable the authorized persons, which are usually close family members to use the vehicle in the suspension period.
For more information: Suspended License Information for New Hampshire
- How do I get a replacement license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?
- To start the drivers license replacement process as a member of the armed forces stationed abroad, you must:
- Have a photo identification on file OR
- Request a non-photo license and apply for a hard copy within 30 days of getting back to New Hampshire.
Military personnel can also use the mailing option and file the documents to:
NH Department of Safety DMV – Driver Licensing 23 Hazen Drive Concord NH 03305
The supporting documents include:
- Application for drivers license (Regular or CDL)
- Armed Forces Affidavit of Residency
- Copy of the military ID card
It is important to note that military personnel do not need to pay drivers license replacement fee if being they have been on service for at least two years.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New Hampshire Driver’s License or ID Card
- How do I obtain a duplicate license?
- If your New Hampshire drivers license has been lost, stolen or damaged, you can apply fora duplicate license by submitting the required documents, paying the duplicate drivers license fee, and submitting your old drivers license in the event that it was damaged, using one of the following methods:
- In person by visiting your local NH DMV office
- By mailing the application and the documents to:
NH Department of Safety DMV – Driver Licensing 23 Hazen Drive Concord NH 03305
If you are out of state, you can apply to get a temporarydriverslicense, which will be mailed to your current place of residence and is valid for six months.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New Hampshire Driver’s License or ID Card
- How do I reinstate after a revocation as a Habitual Traffic Offender?
- In New Hampshire, your drivers license and registration privileges can be revoked if you obtain the status of Habitual Traffic Offender.
To reinstate your revoked drivers license, you will need to attend a hearing at the Bureau of Hearings in Concord. Afterwards, you will need to submit the Petition for Decertification from Habitual Offender Revocation to initiate the procedure to reinstate revoked drivers license.
For more information: Suspended License Information for New Hampshire
- How do I renew my license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?
- Renewing drivers license if you are stationed abroad for military purposes personnel can be made easier by using two possible methods:
- Sending application via mail to:
NH Department of Safety DMV – Driver Licensing 23 Hazen Drive Concord NH 03305
- Applying online
It is important to note that military personnel do not need to pay drivers license renewal fee.
Army members need to submit the following documents:
- Relevant Application for license (regular or CDL)
- Armed Forces Affidavit of Residency
- Military ID card
Military personnel who have been on duty for at least two years are fee exempted.
Army members are encouraged to check at local DMV offcies about the exact documents they will need to provide, as waivers are often adopted country-wide and the online system is continually updated.
For more information: How to Renew Driver’s License in New Hampshire
- How do I replace my license if I am a non-U.S. citizen?
- In order to apply for a drivers license replacement, non-US citizens in principle go through the same procedure as their US counterparts with the exception of fulfilling the criteria for their status in the country and length of stay.
To complete the process for drivers license replacement, visit any DMV for second and subsequent drivers license-related transactions. If it is your first transaction, you must visit the office in Concord in order to complete the drivers license replacement procedure. Non-US citizens are required to:
- Pass a vision test.
- Complete the respective application.
- Pay the $10 fee.
- Provide relevant document for status in the country:
- If your residency is established, you should refer to the requirements for a permanent resident, asylee, refugee, employment authorization card (EAD or OPT).
- If you are holding a student or work visa, refer to the requirements for non-US citizens temporarily residing in New Hampshire.
- If you are visiting on a tourist visa (B1 or B2), you will not be eligible for a New Hampshire drivers license.
- If you are an EAD card holderand under deportation proceedings, you must take into account court hearing dates.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New Hampshire Driver’s License or ID Card
- How do I replace my license if I lost it out of state?
- In order to replace your New Hampshire drivers license if you are out of state, you will need to prepare the same application and documents as for in-state applicants except for one proof of identity. The required documents include:
- Application for your drivers license type (CDL license, regular operator or motorcycle license)
- Out of state residence form for out of state applicants
- Duplicate fee of $10
You can mail the application to:
NH Department of Safety DMV – Driver Licensing 23 Hazen Drive Concord NH 03305
DMV offices will issue a temporary paper drivers license copy and mail it to you. This driving license is valid for six months only. You must complete the process to replace DMV drivers license when you get back to New Hampshire.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New Hampshire Driver’s License or ID Card
- How does the DMV check my vision?
- The eye check at DMV is a part of the testing routine for obtaining any type of driving license.
To get a vision test certificate, you will need to visit a DMV location at New Hampshire where you will be instructed to read letters and numbers on an eye machine. You must carry your glasses or lenses with you if you own them.
To get a new drivers license, you will need to show 20/40 vision acuity on both eyes. If you fail the first eye check you will be obligated to call in with an eye examiner who must run additional tests and issue a certified eye form. Drivers are required to wear your vision aids while driving.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New Hampshire
- How long will I have a suspended license for not taking a chemical test?
- The length of having a revoked drivers license due to refusing to take chemical test depends on your previous driving record.
If you fail to submit to the chemical test in New Hampshire, you will be charged with the following two drivers license suspensions:
- First refusal with no prior DUI convictions may result in a six-month suspension.
- Further refusal or prior record of DUI convictions may result in a two-year suspension.
For more information: Suspended License Information for New Hampshire
- How soon can I renew my driver’s license?
- Renewing drivers license can be done after five years from the date of first issuance. The NH DMV permits you to start the procedure 60 days before your drivers license expires.
For more information: How to Renew Driver’s License in New Hampshire
- If I file a police report, will my replacement fee be waived?
- Having your replacement fee waived is not an option with the New Hampshire DMV. Filing a police report, however, is highly recommended considering it will help save time and protect you from identity abuse.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New Hampshire Driver’s License or ID Card
- Is there an age limit to renew your license?
- There are no special requirements for senior citizens in New Hampshire to renew expired drivers license.Therefore, you can extend the drivers licenseevery five years, provided you pass the vision test and submit all required documentation.
If you decide to drive between states, you may want to contact DMV locations in the other state to check the age restrictions and abide by the local law.
For more information: How to Renew Driver’s License in New Hampshire
- What address will my replacement license be mailed to?
- When applying to get your duplicate drivers license copy, you must provide a New Hampshire address in the section for place of living on your application for drivers license or CDL license.
DMV offices will use this address to send you the drivers license replacement.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New Hampshire Driver’s License or ID Card
- What are requirements for seniors to renew a driving license?
- Senior drivers in New Hampshire need to fulfill criteria that also apply for regular drivers license renewal.
This procedure assumes the following steps that need to be completed:
- Submit Application for Drivers License
- Pay $50 renewal fee
- Carry renewal reminder notice
- Pass a vision test
- Bring your old drivers license copy
- Present proof of identity
- Present proof of residence
Renewal reminders are sent some time before the license expiry date, which is usually five years after its date of issuance.
For more information: Senior Drivers in New Hampshire
- What are some violations that may constitute in a suspended license?
- When you drive in New Hampshire and fail to respect all driving regulations, you may be subject to a drivers license suspension and be prevented from driving altogether.
To protect yourself from such unwanted outcomes, you might want to keep in mind the following traffic violations that will get you a suspended drivers license:
- Excessive moving violations
- Driving under influence
- Refusal to submit to a chemical test
- Driving without car insurance
- Driving with a suspended license or with no license
- Speeding
- Failure to appear at court
- Failure to provide child support
Any occurrence of such driving behavior can get you a suspension and you will need to reinstate revoked drivers license by taking appropriate action.
For more information: Suspended License Information for New Hampshire
- What are the consequences of driving with a suspended license?
- Using a suspended driving license can result in bringing much stricter court orders, which depend on many factors taken into account when the Bureau of Hearings, the Division of Safety and the relevant court.
Possible consequences for driving with a suspended drivers licensemay include:
- Being deemed guilty of misdemeanor.
- Imprisonment for a period not less than seven consecutive 24-hour periods to be served in six months.
- Fine in amounts from $250 to $1,000.
- One year additional drivers license suspension.
For more information: Suspended License Information for New Hampshire
- What are the fees for a duplicate drivers license?
- DMV in New Hampshire has established a single amount of $10 for all stolen, lost, or damaged driving licenses that need to be replaced.
CDL endorsements on CDL licenses may have additional costs. In certain scenarios, military personnel may be eligible for “no-cost-service.â€
To confirm any administrative fees that may come out of the online payment system, or from updates and endorsements, it is a good idea to get in touch with the NH DMV before you proceed to replace drivers license.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New Hampshire Driver’s License or ID Card
- What are the reinstatement fees I will have to pay for a suspended license?
- If you want to reinstate a revoked drivers license when it has been put under suspension, the fees that you will have to pay depend on the type of violation and the type of driver’s license you have.
The court can order the following suspended drivers license reinstatement fees:
- Restoration/reinstatement fee or license operating privilege: $100
- Commercial driver license operating privilege: $100
- Original youth operator license: $50
- Registration privilege restoration fee: $25
- Single registration privilege restoration fee: $25
- Administrative lateness fee: $50
For more information: Suspended License Information for New Hampshire
- What are the suspensions eligible for a hardship license?
- The suspensions eligible for a hardship drivers license in New Hampshire, include:
- Certified habitual offender
- Convicted of negligent homicide with motor vehicle
- Convicted of manslaughter with motor vehicle
- Convicted of a subsequent DUI offense
- Convicted of aggravated DWI
To apply for a hardship drivers license, the owner of the vehicle needs to authorize the chosen family member and submit the Application For Hardship Registration form to:
New Hampshire Department of Safety
Division Of Motor Vehicles
Stephen E. Merrill Building
23 Hazen Drive
Concord NH 03305
For more information: Suspended License Information for New Hampshire
- What do I need to do to get my driver’s license if I fail the driving test?
- In the event that you do not pass the driving test required to obtain a NH drivers license, you can re-take it only if ten days have passed from your initial exam date.
If you fail to cancel the test appointment at DMV offices at least 24 hours before the actual exam time, or you do not respond to the appointment at all, you will need to wait 30 days before you can schedule to take it again.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New Hampshire
- What documents do I need to get my drivers license?
- When you apply for a driving license at DMV locations in New Hampshire, you will need to present the following supporting documents:
- Application for Drivers License
- Test certificates
- Two documents for primary and secondary proof of identity
- Proof of residency
- $50 fee payment
Collecting and submitting all necessary documentation will get you a temporary paper license at the location of the application. The DMV afterwards send you the ready-to-use license via mail within 60 days.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New Hampshire
- What documents do I need to present to renew my drivers license?
- The documents you will need to present to the NH DMV when applying for a drivers license renewal, include:
- Current driving license or, if you do not have it at hand:
- Two documents that can serve as proof of residency
- Proof of identity
- Application for Driver’s License
- Proof for vision test, knowledge exam and driving test
- Payment for the $30 drivers license renewal fee
Detailed lists of which documents can serve for the above purposes are available in the New Hampshire Identification and Residency Requirements instructions.
For more information: How to Renew Driver’s License in New Hampshire
- Current driving license or, if you do not have it at hand:
- What documents will I need to present to replace my drivers license?
- To replace your drivers license successfully, you will need to prepare the following set of documents:
- Application for your drivers license type (CDL license, regular operator or motorcycle license)
- Proof of identity
- Out of State Residence Form for out of state applicants
- Duplicate fee of $10
Certain categories such as military personnel and non-US residents may have different criteria for documents and fees. Get to DMV locations to check any variations.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New Hampshire Driver’s License or ID Card
- What languages is the written test available in?
- The knowledge test in New Hampshire is available in English, French and Spanish.
If you are interested to see if you can take the test in a different language, ask the NH DMV if your local office offers another language version.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New Hampshire
- What penalties will I face if I do not renew my expired drivers license?
- The consequences of having an expired driving license depend on the time period that has passed from the date of validity and include:
- Renewing less than a year from the expiry date:
- Same documents required as for timely renewal
- Renewing between one year and three years from the expiry date:
- Extra two documents that can serve as proof of residency
- Extra proof of identity
- Renewing more than three years from the expiry date:
- Extra two documents that can serve as proof of residency
- Extra proof of identity
- Pass vision, knowledge and road test
For more information: How to Renew Driver’s License in New Hampshire
- Renewing less than a year from the expiry date:
- What should I do if I have not received my renewed license?
- If you have applied to renew driving license and have only got your temporary license as a paper copy, you should get in touch with DMV offices after the 60-days initial waiting period has passed.
For more information: How to Renew Driver’s License in New Hampshire
- What tests will I need to take for my drivers license?
- To get drivers license in New Hampshire, you must pass three different types of tests required across the country, which include:
- Vision test
- Computer-based knowledge test
- Road test
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New Hampshire
- What type of noncommercial license will I need?
- The type of drivers license for which you will need to apply depends on your age and the type of vehicle that you intend to drive. The DMV in New Hampshire can provide with the following types of non-commercial driving licenses:
- Youth operators drivers license
- Standard driving license
- Motorcycle license
These licenses will enable you to legally drive on the territory of New Hampshire and skillfully abide to road and traffic regulations.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New Hampshire
- When can I reinstate my license after it has been suspended?
- Once you have asuspended drivers license in New Hampshire, you must wait until the suspension period has passed in full so that you can apply to reinstate arevoked drivers license.
Some suspension cases may offer hearings to defend your individual case. The Bureau of Hearings is responsible for taking action on drivers license suspension. Suspension periods often depend on the repetitiveness of the violation.
For more information: Suspended License Information for New Hampshire
- When will I need to renew my license?
- Drivers license renewal in new Hampshire is usually done within five years. You can always check the exact date at the front of your driving license as it should be stated in there in red. DMV offices are helpful in this respect as they normally send a notice about two months ahead.
For more information: How to Renew Driver’s License in New Hampshire
- When will I receive a replacement license after applying?
- The NH DMV aims to finish the drivers license replacement procedure no longer than 60 days after the initial application date. Therefore, you can expect to receive your drivers license copy:
- After two months, if you are within state.
- Between six and eight months, if you are out of state.
The second period refers to the validity of the temporary drivers license when applying out of state. You can contact the NH DMV to inquire about possible business delays, which may occur and cause that you do not get your duplicate driving license on time.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated New Hampshire Driver’s License or ID Card
- Where can I check to see if my license is suspended?
- To check the status of your drivers license, visit a NH DMV as soon as the notice has been generated and reported there by the relevant state authority.
The Bureau of Financial Responsibility, the Bureau of Hearings, the Department of Safety at DMV and the courts act together to have all necessary action completed. Your local NH DMV office will provide you with the correct information for your individual case as it acts as a coordinator of all authorities.
For more information: Suspended License Information for New Hampshire
- Where can I get a new drivers license?
- After successfully applying for a New Hampshire drivers license, your driving license will be mailed to you at a later date. Upon applying you will be given a temporary driving license that will remain valid until you receive the official one.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in New Hampshire
- Will I be required to take a vision test for a drivers license renewal?
- Passing a vision test is mandatory when you renew license in New Hampshire.
You might be exempted if you can renew drivers license online. Make sure to check with DMV offices if you are eligible for this option.
For more information: How to Renew Driver’s License in New Hampshire
- Will I get a drivers license renewal notice in the mail?
- It is a common activity practiced by NH DMV offices to send a renewal reminder via mail about 60 days ahead.
If you are eligible to renew drivers license online, you will also get a renewal identification number with which you will be able to go through the online procedure. After the reminder you can proceed to renew expired drivers license.
For more information: How to Renew Driver’s License in New Hampshire