Moving to New Hampshire, REAL ID and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can say how long a new resident has to get a New Hampshire license.
• You can describe what an adult needs to transfer an out-of-state license.
• You can decide whether you need a REAL ID and what it costs.
• You can explain the renewal cycle and what happens if your license expires.

What you need to know and understand

• New residents must get a New Hampshire license within 60 days of moving in.
• Adults with a valid out-of-state license usually need only a vision test.
• If your old license expired more than a year ago, you must pass vision, knowledge and road tests.
• You must surrender all other licenses: New Hampshire follows a one-license rule.
• REAL ID is voluntary. An operator license is $50, or $60 for REAL ID.
• Licenses renew every 5 years on your birthday, and some drivers can renew online.
• A license expired for 3 years or more requires all three tests again.

Transferring a license

Under-18s moving in must have the DMV's Driver Education Office check that out-of-state driver education meets New Hampshire rules. Out-of-state learner's permits are not honored. Since September 30, 2025, certain 'drive only' license classes from other states, such as Connecticut's and Delaware's, are not valid in New Hampshire. Visitors with a valid home license, military members stationed here and foreign tourists may drive on their own licenses. If you hold a license from another country and are moving here, check the DMV's non-US citizen guidance.

1. Book an appointment at a DMV office within 60 days of becoming a resident.
2. Complete the Application for Driver License (DSMV 450).
3. Bring proof of identity and New Hampshire residency, matching the REAL ID or standard document list.
4. Hand in every driver license you hold from any state.
5. Pass the vision test and pay the fee.

REAL ID in New Hampshire

Since May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID compliant license or ID card, or another federal ID such as a passport, to board domestic flights or enter secure federal facilities. A REAL ID card has a star in the top right corner. Standard cards say 'NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION'. You can upgrade at renewal, or earlier for a $10 replacement fee, with documents proving identity, Social Security number and residency. The DMV suggests booking about three months ahead.

Renewing

• The DMV mails a reminder about two months before expiry. You will not get one if you moved without updating your address, or if your license is suspended.
• Eligible drivers can renew online. Others book an appointment, bring their current license and take a vision test.
• You receive a 60-day paper license, and the card arrives by mail.
• Expired under 1 year: renew as usual. Expired 1 to 3 years: bring identity and residency documents. Expired 3 years or more: pass vision, knowledge and road tests.
• You cannot legally drive on an expired license, and renewal is your responsibility even if no reminder arrives.

Common mistakes

• Waiting past 60 days after moving in.
• Letting an out-of-state license lapse for over a year before transferring, which means taking all three tests.
• Assuming you need REAL ID. You only need it if you want to use it for flights or federal buildings.
• Not updating your address, so the renewal notice never reaches you.

Test yourself: Moving to New Hampshire, REAL ID and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Learning to Drive in New Hampshire
• New Hampshire Driver’s Ed Requirements
• New Hampshire Permit Practice Test