New Hampshire Driver License for International Students and Foreign Drivers

• International students and other eligible non-US citizens can apply for a New Hampshire driver license when they meet the applicable immigration-status and residency requirements.
• Non-US citizen transactions may be handled at 23 Hazen Drive in Concord or another DMV location that offers non-US citizen driver-license transactions.
• Do not assume every F-1 or J-1 applicant needs an SSN denial letter. Current rules specifically require Social Security evidence in certain situations, including the student category when applying during Optional Practical Training after graduation.

Can international students get a New Hampshire driver's license?

Eligible international students and other non-US citizens can apply for a New Hampshire driver license if they meet the applicable lawful-status, residency, and licensing requirements.

• Use 23 Hazen Drive in Concord or another DMV office that offers non-US citizen driver-license transactions.
• Do not treat 60 days in New Hampshire as the event that creates residency. Once bona fide New Hampshire residency is established, the licensing deadline can apply.
• Current rules provide a 45-day temporary permit for an original non-US citizen application after the completed application, required documents, and statutory fee; it is not a 60-day “Class B Road Test Permit” earned by passing the knowledge test.

Can a non-US citizen apply at a New Hampshire DMV office other than Concord?

Yes. Current rules allow the transaction at 23 Hazen Drive in Concord or another DMV location that offers non-US citizen driver-license transactions. Check the current DMV location and service listing before booking.

Does a foreign driver's license automatically waive the New Hampshire tests?

No automatic waiver should be assumed. An original non-US citizen applicant must complete the New Hampshire examinations required for that application unless a specific rule applies to the applicant's situation.

Documents for temporary non-US residents

The exact document set depends on immigration status. Bring the current immigration documents that establish your authorized stay, plus the standard identity and New Hampshire residency documents required for the transaction.

DSMV 38 is a Parent or Guardian Authorization Certificate for applicable minor applicants; it is not proof of New Hampshire residency.

New Hampshire driver-license process for non-US citizens

Complete the driver-license application and bring the immigration-status, identity, and residency documents that apply to you. Non-US citizen transactions may be completed in Concord or at another DMV location that offers them.

The 45-day temporary permit for original non-US citizen applications

For an original non-US citizen application, current rules provide for a 45-day temporary permit after the completed application, required documents, and statutory fee. License validity for a temporary resident is limited by the applicable immigration/status expiration rules.

When does a non-US citizen applicant need Social Security evidence?

Do not apply one SSN rule to every F-1 or J-1 applicant. Where Social Security evidence is required, current rules call for an SSN or evidence from the Social Security Administration that the applicant is not eligible for one; they do not require one specific denial form in every case.

License validity for temporary residents

A temporary resident license can be issued for up to five years, but it cannot extend beyond the applicable immigration or authorization document expiration that controls the applicant's eligibility.

Can a non-US citizen get an extension while an immigration-status extension is pending?

In qualifying cases, current rules provide a 120-day extension when the applicant supplies the required evidence of a pending immigration-status extension. The extension is not automatic.