How Much Is a Driver's License in New Hampshire? 2026 Fees
How much is a driver's license in New Hampshire?
A standard New Hampshire driver's license costs $50 for an original license with examination or a renewal. A Real ID compliant license costs $60, and an enhanced driver's license costs $80. A youth operator license and examination costs $10 per year, up to $50. The law that sets these fees, RSA 263:42, was last changed on January 1, 2026.
Where the New Hampshire license fee facts come from
The fees are in RSA 263:42, the New Hampshire law on driver's license fees. Payment rules are in the Department of Safety rule Saf-C 1002.03, part of Saf-C 1000 Driver License. The Real ID license conditions are in RSA 263:14-b. The youth license, practice driving and license term rules are in RSA 263:10, 263:14, 263:19 and 263:25. All facts are as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (dmv.nh.gov) before you drive.
New Hampshire driver's license fees in 2026
| License | Fee | What the fee covers |
|---|---|---|
| Standard license | $50 | Original license with examination, or a renewal (not commercial, not motorcycle) |
| Real ID Act compliant license | $60 | Original license with examination, or a renewal |
| Enhanced driver's license | $80 | Each enhanced license |
| Conversion to an enhanced license | $30 | Applies to a license you already hold; the enhanced license lasts for the rest of the old license |
| Youth operator license and examination | $10 per year, up to $50 | Ages 16 to 20; one fee for the license and the examination |
What the $50 New Hampshire license fee pays for
For an original license, one fee pays for the license and the examination together. A renewal costs the same $50, or $60 for a Real ID compliant license. For a car, New Hampshire has no learner's permit, so you pay no permit fee before your license. From age 15 1/2, you may practice without a license when a licensed driver sits beside you: a certified driving instructor, a parent, a legal guardian or a licensed adult aged 25 or older.
Which New Hampshire fee applies to you?
Youth operator license cost: two worked examples
The youth fee is $10 for each year of the license, and the license ends on your 21st birthday. If the DMV issues it on your 16th birthday, it runs 5 years: 5 × $10 = $50, the maximum. If the DMV issues it on your 18th birthday, it runs 3 years: 3 × $10 = $30. Under 18, you also need a certificate that you finished a driver education course and written consent from a parent or legal guardian, or you must meet the conditions of RSA 263:17. The youth operator license guide covers the steps.
Refunds, failed tests and missed appointments
The state does not refund the license and examination fee once you take an examination or a license is issued, except as RSA 263:43 allows. Ask the DMV if this exception applies to you. If you fail the knowledge test, check the wait before a knowledge test retest before you book again.
If you miss your license appointment, the DMV keeps your application for 12 months. After that, the DMV destroys the application and you lose the fee.
Other New Hampshire license fees
| Service | Fee | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Duplicate license | $20 | An additional license marked as a duplicate; you need no new photo |
| New license after an address change | $10 | A new license because you moved |
| Restoration after a suspension or revocation | $100 | Paid to get your license back |
| Restoration after a suspension under RSA 263:14 | $50 | For an original or youth operator license |
| Limited privilege license | $50 | Issued after a suspension or revocation |
| Certified copy of a license or driving record | $20 | Each certified copy |
How to pay the New Hampshire license fee
- 1
Complete the application form
Fill in form DSMV 450 or form DSMV 637 and give it to the Division of Motor Vehicles with the fee.
- 2
Choose how to pay
Pay with cash, a check, a money order or a credit card.
- 3
Write checks to "NH DMV"
Make checks and money orders payable to "NH DMV".
Key takeaways
- A standard New Hampshire license costs $50, a Real ID compliant license $60 and an enhanced license $80.
- A youth operator license and examination costs $10 per year, up to $50.
- The state does not refund the license and examination fee after an examination, except as RSA 263:43 allows.
- If you miss your appointment, the DMV keeps your application for 12 months. After that, you lose the fee.
- Next step: practice on the free New Hampshire non-commercial operator practice test.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a driver's license renewal in New Hampshire?
A renewal costs $50 for a standard license or $60 for a Real ID compliant license, the same as an original license. The DMV tells you 30 days before your license expires, by mail or by the electronic means you chose. The law lets the DMV allow online renewal only once in every other renewal cycle; the next cycle needs a visit in person.
What name do I write on a check to the New Hampshire DMV?
Write "NH DMV". Other names, such as "State of NH - Safety" or "Treasurer - State of NH", are not a reason to refuse a check or money order when the name lets only the State of New Hampshire endorse it.
Is a New Hampshire license free for military members and veterans?
Armed forces members who meet RSA 263:11 do not pay the application fee. They submit form DSMV 76, the Armed Forces Affidavit of Residency. A disabled veteran pays no license fee after getting a vehicle from the U.S. government because of amputation or paraplegia, or when the Department of Veterans Affairs rates the veteran permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability.
How long does a New Hampshire driver's license last?
Most licenses expire on your birthday in the fifth year after the DMV issues them. A youth operator license expires on your 21st birthday. Up to 30 days before that birthday, the DMV may issue a temporary license, which stays valid for up to 60 days after the youth license expires. A converted enhanced license lasts for the rest of the old license.
Can the DMV waive the license restoration fee?
Yes. In certain conditions, the commissioner may waive the restoration fee after a default or suspension. The usual fee to restore a suspended or revoked license is $100. After a suspension under RSA 263:14, the fee to restore an original or youth operator license is $50.
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