New Hampshire driver license and state ID — guide for immigrants

New Hampshire requires a Social Security number and proof of lawful presence for a driver license or non-driver state ID, and it has no program for undocumented residents. But lawfully-present non-citizens — green-card holders, asylees, refugees, and work-permit (EAD) holders — can get a New Hampshire license or ID. Here is exactly who qualifies, what to bring, and what it costs.

Quick answer

  • Undocumented DL access: NO — SSN + lawful presence required
  • Lawfully-present non-citizens: YES — green card, asylee, refugee, and EAD/work-visa holders qualify
  • Not eligible: B1/B2 tourist and K1/K2 fiancé(e) visa holders
  • Non-driver ID card fee: $20
  • Driver license fee: $50 standard / $60 REAL ID (non-US citizens: $10 per year, up to 5 years)
  • REAL ID and standard (non-compliant) versions both offered
  • Agency: New Hampshire DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles)
  • Website: dmv.nh.gov
  • Driver Licensing Bureau: (603) 227-4020 · 23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305

Which non-citizens can get a New Hampshire license or ID

The New Hampshire DMV sets eligibility by your immigration status and length of stay:

  • Not eligible. The DMV states that non-US citizens “visiting on a tourist Visa (B1 or B2) or who are here on a fiancée visa (K1 or K2) are not eligible for a New Hampshire Driver License or a Non Driver Identification Card.” A and G visa holders must instead provide a letter of non-eligibility from the US Department of State.
  • Permanent residents, asylees, and refugees — eligible. Make an appointment at any DMV office.
  • Work Authorization (EAD) holders and temporary residents on a work or student visa — eligible. Make an appointment at the Concord DMV office.

Documents you need

Bring an original Social Security card — or, if you are not eligible to work, an SSA denial letter — plus one immigration document (none older than 60 days where applicable):

  • A valid I-94 indicating refugee or asylee status, or
  • A valid passport, visa, and I-551 stamp with at least 60 days left before expiration, or
  • A valid permanent resident card (green card) or Employment Authorization card (EAD) with at least 60 days before expiration.

You also need proof of New Hampshire residency (the accepted-document list differs slightly between the REAL ID-compliant and non-compliant credential). First-time applicants take the vision, knowledge, and road tests. The knowledge test is offered in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Mandarin, Farsi, and American Sign Language; interpreters for other languages are allowed only at the Concord DMV.

What is REAL ID?

REAL ID is a federal standard for state-issued IDs. A REAL ID-compliant card (gold star) can be used to:

  • Board domestic flights (enforced since May 7, 2025)
  • Enter federal buildings
  • Access secure federal facilities

New Hampshire offers both a REAL ID-compliant credential and a standard, non-compliant one. The standard card is valid for driving and most state purposes but cannot be used for federal/flight identification — carry your passport for those.

How to apply in New Hampshire

  1. Confirm you are eligible — B1/B2 tourist and K1/K2 fiancé(e) holders are not.
  2. Make an appointment. Work-authorization holders apply at the Concord DMV; permanent residents, asylees, and refugees can use any DMV office. Book through dmv.nh.gov.
  3. Gather originals — Social Security card + immigration document (valid ≥60 days) + two proofs of NH residency. Copies are not accepted.
  4. Choose REAL ID or standard at the counter.
  5. Pass the tests (vision, knowledge, road) if this is your first US license.
  6. Pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license; the permanent card arrives by mail.

If you are undocumented or cannot get an SSN

New Hampshire has no driver-privilege card for undocumented residents. Practical alternatives:

  • Use your foreign passport as primary ID for banking, employment (with an EAD), and federal flights.
  • Get a matrícula consular from your home-country consulate (see Consulates in New Hampshire).
  • Use an International Driving Permit (IDP) obtained in your home country before travel — valid short-term for visitors.
  • Open an ITIN-friendly bank account to bank without an SSN.
  • Consider an AB60-equivalent state if you must drive regularly (CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, HI, IL, MD, MA, MN, NV, NJ, NM, NY, OR, RI, UT, VA, VT, WA).

Last verified: 2026-06-28. Source: New Hampshire DMV — Non-US Citizen and Licensing Fees.

General procedural information. DMV policies, fees, and document requirements change frequently — verify with the New Hampshire DMV before visiting. Not legal or immigration advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.