If you plan to live in Vermont or New Hampshire for more than a few months, you are eligible to apply for a state driver’s license.
Before you can apply for a U.S. Driver’s License, you will have to complete your international student check-in with OVIS. When going to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Office, please make sure you have all of your required immigration documents including the following: I-20, passport, F-1 Visa, and I-94 printout.
New Hampshire Driver License Information
An international driver’s license will be valid for up to two months, as will certain foreign or out-of-state licenses recognized by the state of New Hampshire. After two months, you need to apply for a state license. It is important that you obtain your New Hampshire or Vermont driver’s license before your international license expires.
New Hampshire State licensing requirements can be found online. For most foreign nationals, the state requires vision, written, and driving tests. Citizens of Canada holding a valid license from their home country may be exempt from the road test requirement. Please also note that licensing offices are increasingly asking international candidates to provide a translated copy of their driving record. It’s important that you bring this with you before you arrive in the United States. It will be less expensive and time-consuming to obtain this ahead of time. View a copy of the driver’s manual to aid in studying.
All driver license applications must be made at the Concord Office at the following address:
State of New Hampshire
Department of Motor Vehicles
23 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
603-227-4020
603-271-1080 (fax)
The fee for an operator’s license is $50. Cash, check, or credit cards (except Discover) are accepted. Visit the New Hampshire DMV website to determine which documents you will need to bring.
The hours of operation are Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. They are not open on U.S. holidays, so check the website to see if the office will be open before you drive to Concord. If you are required to take the driving test, you must be accompanied by a New Hampshire licensed driver. The car you use for the driving test must be registered in New Hampshire. If English is your second language, you may bring someone with you to translate the written test.
Any non-U.S. citizens who have never held a driver’s license in their home country or in the U.S. are required to complete an approved driver education course. NH DMV maintains a list of driver education schools. Please be advised: these classes fill up quickly and you may be put on a waiting list.
Vermont Driver License Information
An international driver’s license will be valid for up to six months, as will certain foreign or out-of-state licenses recognized by the State of Vermont. After six months, you need to apply for a state license.
Vermont State licensing requirements can be found online from Vermont’s Department of Motor Vehicles. For most foreign nationals, the state requires vision, written, and driving tests. You may view the driver’s test manual, which will aid you in studying for the exams, on the DMV website. Manuals are also available at all Vermont Department of Motor Vehicle Offices.
All driver license appointments should be made at the testing office nearest your home. The nearest Vermont DMV offices to Dartmouth College are located in Montpelier, VT and Springfield, VT. There is also a mobile van that makes scheduled appointments to White River Junction. Walk-ins are not advised, so please call ahead to schedule an appointment at: 802-828-2000. You can also visit the Vermont DMV website mentioned above for further information relative to dates, times, and lists of services. If you are taking the driving test, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 25 years of age. The car you use for the driving test must have a valid vehicle registration certificate and be in good mechanical condition. An automobile insurance identification card is also required.
The Vermont DMV headquarters are located in Montpelier, VT and are open Monday–Friday 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. They are not open on US holidays, so check the website to see if the office will be open before driving to Montpelier.
If you need to complete a driver education course, a list of driver training schools can be found from the Vermont DMV.
Information on how to make an appointment at a local VT DMV office is also available.
Proof of identity is required and shall be one primary document and one secondary document.
