New Hampshire DMV License Fee Refund Policy: Failed Tests and Exceptions

Do you get a refund if you fail the New Hampshire knowledge test?

Under RSA 263:42, the $50.00 standard application fee (or $60.00 for a REAL ID) is a non-refundable processing fee. This payment is for the review of your DSMV 450 application, document verification, and vision screening, regardless of your test result.

Non-refundable New Hampshire DMV license fees

Do you have to pay another Class D knowledge-test fee to retake it? No. New Hampshire does not charge a separate noncommercial Class D knowledge-test reexamination fee.

• Permit Test Application Fee: The $50-$60 fee is non-refundable after the knowledge exam is taken.
• ? Road Test No-Show Fee: Failing to appear for a scheduled road test or canceling with less than 48 hours' notice results in forfeiture of the scheduling deposit.

Limited situations where a driver-license fee may be refunded

Refunds are issued only in specific, legally defined cases.

• Medical Surrender: Pursuant to RSA 263:43, a refund may be granted if a driver voluntarily surrenders a license due to physical or mental incapacity.

Visit the New Hampshire learner's permit guide for step-by-step rules.

What happens to your DMV fee if you miss your appointment and never return?

RSA 263:42 says that when an applicant fails to appear for a driver's-license appointment, the application is retained for 12 months. After that, the application is destroyed and the fee is forfeited. (https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XXI/263/263-mrg.htm)

Can you get part of your driver-license fee back if you surrender your license for medical reasons?

Yes, in this narrow situation. A driver who voluntarily surrenders a license because of physical or mental incapacity may petition for a refund covering the remaining full years of the license. (https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XXI/263/263-mrg.htm)

New Hampshire DMV license-fee refund rules

RSA 263:42 provides that the applicable fee is not refunded once an examination has been taken or a license has been issued, regardless of the result. If you cancel before the test begins, no fee is charged at that point.