Driving Tests

What to Bring to the New Hampshire DMV: Documents and REAL ID

informational·how to guide·Published August 24, 2026

What documents do I need for my first New Hampshire driver's license?

Bring the identity and residency documents listed on form DSMV 634A for a REAL ID license, or on form DSMV 634B for a standard license. A REAL ID needs proof of identity, U.S. citizenship, social security number and New Hampshire residency. Fill in form DSMV 450 and pay the fee: $60 for a REAL ID or $50 for a standard license. Teens under 18 add three papers.

Where the New Hampshire document rules come from

The REAL ID conditions come from RSA 263:14-b. The document, application and test rules come from the Department of Safety rules in Saf-C 1000, mainly Saf-C 1002 and 1003. The accepted IDs come from RSA 263:5-d, proof of residence from RSA 263:5-e, the application from RSA 263:5, teen permission from RSA 263:17 and fees from RSA 263:42. This guide is current as of 2026. The full document lists are on DMV forms DSMV 634A and 634B. Confirm the rules with the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (dmv.nh.gov) before you drive.

REAL ID or standard license: what changes

REAL ID or standard license: what changes
Item	REAL ID compliant license	Standard license
Documents to show	Identity and residency documents on form DSMV 634A	Identity and residency documents on form DSMV 634B
Fee for an original or renewal license	$60	$50
Application form	Form DSMV 450	Form DSMV 450
Social security number	A first-time applicant gives it; the DMV keeps it, with no waiver	A first-time applicant gives it; you may ask on form DSMV 450 to remove it from DMV records

What the law requires for a New Hampshire REAL ID

You are a New Hampshire resident and you pay the required fee.
You hold no other driver's license or nondriver picture ID card.
You agree that the DMV keeps your facial image, signature and social security number.
You show documents that prove your identity, U.S. citizenship, social security number and New Hampshire residency.
You cannot ask the DMV to remove your social security number from its records.

Identification and proof of residence the law accepts

Identification (RSA 263:5-d): Each of these satisfies an identification requirement: a current U.S. passport; an armed services ID or other photo ID issued or authenticated by the U.S. government; a photo ID issued by New Hampshire.
Proof of residence (RSA 263:5-e): One or more of these may satisfy a proof of residence requirement if it is current and shows your name and address: a government check or a government document from an official in your municipality; a paycheck, payroll document or employment contract; a lease or deed; another document issued in the ordinary course of business that shows you most likely live at that place.
Which list applies to you: Form DSMV 634A (REAL ID) or form DSMV 634B (other license) lists the documents the DMV needs. Check the current form with the DMV before your visit.

How to apply for your first New Hampshire license

1
Choose REAL ID or a standard license
The DMV issues a REAL ID compliant license on request; you do not have to choose it. Your choice sets your document list: form DSMV 634A for a REAL ID or form DSMV 634B for a standard license.
2
Get form DSMV 450
The Application for Driver License or non-Driver ID Card is available at the DMV in Concord, at any substation or online. Write your legal New Hampshire address on it: the DMV rejects and returns an application without one.
3
Gather your documents
Collect the papers on your form and your social security number. Add the extra papers in the next section if you are under 18 or not a U.S. citizen. Do not add papers that the law or rule does not require.
4
Submit the application in person
Go to any substation with the form, your documents and the fee. Pay with cash, check, money order or credit card. Only an applicant on active military service may send form DSMV 450 by mail.
5
Take the tests
An original license applicant passes the vision, knowledge and road skills examinations, in that order. You may take the knowledge test at any driver licensing office. The road test needs an appointment, and you must bring proof of identification to it.

Extra papers by situation

If you are under 18

Add a certificate of an approved driver education program, form DSMV 509 for 40 hours of extra supervised driving (10 at night), and form DSMV 38, the Parent or Guardian Authorization Certificate. Form DSMV 38 holds one of these: written permission from a parent, step parent or legal guardian (or, if there is none, an adult who has taken legal responsibility for you), a statement from an authorized insurance company representative that you are insured, or proof of emancipation. Report any convictions or pending actions. A youth operator license and examination cost $10 per year, up to $50. If you want a REAL ID compliant youth operator license, ask the DMV which fee you pay. Our free question on supervised driving hours for teens checks the 40-hour rule.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen who works in New Hampshire for a time

Bring a work visa in your name, a valid I-94 card, a social security document (such as your card, a W-2 with your number, or Social Security Administration evidence) and proof of residency. Apply at the DMV at 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, or at another DMV location that offers non-U.S. citizen license transactions.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen who studies in New Hampshire for a time

Bring a student visa, a valid I-94 card, a valid I-20 or DS-2019 form, and proof of residency. If you stay to train after you graduate, also bring a valid optional practical training card and a social security document. Apply in Concord or at another DMV location that offers non-U.S. citizen license transactions.

If you are a New Hampshire resident under RSA 21:6 and not a U.S. citizen

Bring a social security number ID card, one listed immigration document (a valid permanent resident card, an I-94 card that shows refugee or asylee status, or an employment authorization card) and proof of residency. If you also hold a license from your home country, read about a foreign driver's license in New Hampshire.

Temporary permit and license term for non-U.S. citizens

If you hand in a license from your home country, the DMV checks that it is genuine, that it was issued to you, and that it is not suspended or revoked. If you never held one, you state this in writing. After you file form DSMV 450 with the fee and your documents, you get a 45-day temporary permit, and the DMV mails your license after its checks. The license is valid for up to 5 years, or until your visa, I-20 or DS-2019 form, or employment ends, whichever comes first.

Key takeaways

Use form DSMV 634A for a REAL ID compliant license and form DSMV 634B for a standard license.
A REAL ID needs proof of identity, U.S. citizenship, social security number and New Hampshire residency, and you may hold no other license or nondriver ID card.
Hand in form DSMV 450 in person at a substation with the fee: $60 for a REAL ID or $50 for a standard license.
Teens under 18 add a driver education certificate, form DSMV 509 and form DSMV 38. Read the youth operator license rules before you drive alone.
Next step: practice on the free New Hampshire non-commercial operator practice test.

New Hampshire DMV documents: common questions

Do I have to get a REAL ID in New Hampshire?

No. The DMV issues a REAL ID compliant license on request. You can apply for a standard license instead, with the identity and residency documents on form DSMV 634B. For a REAL ID, you use the list on form DSMV 634A, show proof of U.S. citizenship, and agree that the DMV keeps your photo, signature and social security number.

Do I need my social security number to get a New Hampshire license?

Yes. A person who never held a New Hampshire license gives the DMV a social security number. With a standard license, you may ask on form DSMV 450 for a waiver that removes the number from DMV records. With a REAL ID, the DMV keeps the number, and no waiver is available.

Can I keep my old license when I get a REAL ID?

No. New Hampshire law issues a REAL ID compliant license only to a resident who holds no other driver's license or nondriver picture ID card. This also applies to a nondriver ID card, so you cannot hold a New Hampshire ID card and a REAL ID license at the same time.

Can I mail my New Hampshire license application?

Only if you are on active military service. Military applicants mail form DSMV 450 to the Division of Motor Vehicles, Attn: Driver Licensing, 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. 03305. Every other applicant hands in the form in person at a DMV substation.

What happens if my New Hampshire license application has a mistake?

The DMV reviews each application. If it finds an apparent error or a missing item, it tells you and lets you submit the application again. If the application does not follow a law or rule, the DMV does not process it and tells you the reason. An application without a legal New Hampshire address is rejected and returned to you.