Motorcycle License in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is the land of “Live Free or Die"—and what's more liberating than cruising the open road on a motorcycle?
Take the state motto to the streets, with the help of the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), by earning your motorcycle license.
New to New Hampshire?
New residents of New Hampshire are required to get a NH license within 60 days of moving to the state.
To transfer your license, visit your local NH DMV office, and:
- Submit your:
- Out-of-state license.
- Proof of identity and residency.
- See the DMV's list of acceptable residency and identification documents for more information.
- Complete an Application for Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (Form DSMV450).
- Pass a vision test.
- Pay the appropriate NH motorcycle licensing fees (see below).
If you're under 18 years old, you may also be asked to take a written and/or skills test.
The Division of Motor Vehicles may require additional steps to transfer a motorcycle endorsement. Contact your local DMV office for more information.
Motorcycle License Eligibility in NH
You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a NH motorcycle license.
Applicants under 18 years old must meet a few additional requirements BEFORE visiting the New Hampshire DMV, including:
- Have a valid New Hampshire driver's license.
- Pass a driver's education course.
- Check out available courses on the NH DMV website.
- Have a completed Parent or Guardian Authorization Certificate (Form DSMV 38).
- You must bring this with you to the DMV.
NH Motorcycle Permits
Just like with driving a car, you need a motorcycle permit before getting your full license.
A written exam is required, so we recommend taking an online practice test beforehand, to get a hang of the questions you'll be asked and the format of the exam.
You can take your written test either:
- At the New Hampshire DMV office near you.
- Through a basic rider course.
- We have more details on motorcycle education courses below.
Whatever you decide to do, visit your local DMV office when you're ready and:
- Bring your current, valid NH driver's license.
- Submit a completed Application for Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (Form DSMV450).
- Take a vision test.
- Pass a motorcycle knowledge test (if not opting for the rider course).
- Pay the $30 permit fee.
- Have a signed Parent or Guardian Authorization Certificate (Form DSMV 38).
- Required for riders under 18 years old.
Motorcycle Permit Limitations
You're halfway there! And while you should be proud to have your motorcycle permit, don't forget the rules that come with it.
New Hampshire motorcycle permit holders can NOT:
- Drive between sunset and sunrise.
- Carry any passengers.
Your NH permit will be valid for 45 days.
Motorcycle Licenses in NH
Skills Test
One more step stands between you and your motorcycle license: the skills test.
In New Hampshire, you can take the exam either:
- Through the Division of Motor Vehicles.
- Schedule by calling (603) 227-4020.
- Through a basic rider course.
- Required for riders under 18 years old.
- Check out our section on NH motorcycle education courses for more information.
Applying for Your Motorcycle License
After passing the motorcycle skills test, visit your local DMV office to get your license. You must bring:
- Your current New Hampshire license.
- A completed Application for Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (Form DSMV450).
- Proof of passing your skills test, including:
- DMV skills test results.
OR - Completion card from your motorcycle course.
- Good within 1 year of completion.
- DMV skills test results.
- The $30 fee.
- Fee may be waived. See our section on motorcycle education courses for details.
After checking off those steps, you should be the proud owner of a New Hampshire motorcycle license. Congratulations!
NH Motorcycle Education Courses
If you're under 18 years old, you must take a basic rider course. The class is optional for all other NH motorcycle license applicants.
To attend, students younger than 18 years old will need:
- A valid driver's license.
- A signed Motorcycle Safety Course Waiver & Indemnification (Form DSMV624).
Adult participants don't need any additional paperwork to attend.
Courses typically include a mix of in-classroom and on-road education and training. Motorcycles and helmets will be provided.
At the end of the class, you will be able to take your:
- Written test.
- Skills test.
If you pass both successfully, you'll get a completion card which you can turn into your motorcycle license by visiting the NH DMV.
Registering for Class
To register, you will have to:
- Fill out a Motorcycle Training Course Registration Form (Form DSMV 414).
- Pay the appropriate fee.
- See form for details.
You can submit the above information to the DMV:
- Via fax: (603) 271-0368.
- By mail:
- Division of Motor Vehicles
- ATTN: Motorcycle Rider Training Program
- 23 Hazen Drive
- Concord, NH 03305
Any questions can be directed to the DMV Motorcycle Training Office at (603) 227-4025.
What Happens If I Fail?
If at first you don't succeed—you can try the class again!
Ask your instructor how to re-register for a basic rider course. You may also be eligible to take an intermediate rider course, if:
- You completed the entire basic rider course.
AND - You failed your rider evaluation.
Finishing the intermediate course will also earn you a completion card, which you can use to get your motorcycle license at the NH Division of Motor Vehicles. You can take the intermediate course as many times as needed.
Check out the New Hampshire DMV's page on the intermediate course for more information.
NH Motorcycle License Fees
The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles charges the following for motorcycle licenses and related services:
- Motorcycle learner's permit: $30.
- Motorcycle license (endorsement only*): $30.
- Fee will be waived if you have paid for a motorcycle learner's permit within 1 year of applying for your license.
- Motorcycle license only: $55.
The NH DMV accepts payment via:
- Credit card.
- Cash.
- Personal check.
- Money order.
- Traveler's check.
Checks should be made out to “State of NH - DMV."
* NOTE: An “endorsement only" will add a motorcycle endorsement to your current driver's license. A standalone motorcycle license is a separate option, with a different fee.