In New Hampshire, there’s more than one kind of driving record…
And there’s more than one way to get a copy.
We’re here to tell you all about it.
First, we’ll mention the types of driving records so you know which one you need. Then, we’ll walk you through all the steps for the different ways how to get a New Hampshire driving record.
We’ll even go beyond that and cover how you can improve your driving record, as well as help you understand the New Hampshire point system.
There’s a lot to cover, so let’s begin right away!
Types of Driving Records in New Hampshire
If requesting an NH driving record, you can choose either one of two types:
- An insurance copy
- A certified copy
Knowing what’s on each record can help you determine the one you need.
Insurance Copy of Driving Record
An insurance copy of your driving record shows the following information:
- Your personal details (name, birthdate, address, and New Hampshire identification number)
- Your driver’s license information (date of issue and expiration, classification, and restrictions)
- Your driving history (violations and crash involvements)
As the name implies, it’s the copy your auto insurance agency looks at. What it contains can affect your premium.
You’ll notice that some relevant information doesn’t appear on an insurance copy. If you need a complete history, a certified copy might be a better option for you.
Certified Copy of Driving Record
A certified copy means that the DMV guarantees the accuracy of the information it shows.
It contains everything you see in an insurance copy PLUS the following:
- Past and present suspensions
- Restorations
- Convictions
Now that we know the 2 types of New Hampshire driving records, let’s see how we can obtain them.
How to Get My Driving Record in New Hampshire
You’ll be happy to know that you have 3 options to obtain your New Hampshire driving record. These are:
- Online
- In Person
- By Mail
Let’s go through the steps for each one.
How to Get My New Hampshire Driving Record Online
As you might expect, this is the quickest and most convenient way to view your New Hampshire driving record.
Here’s how to get your NH driving record online:
- Go to the DMV’s page for online requests.
- Follow the prompts on the screen.
NOTE: It’s best to have your driver’s license with you when you do this. The site asks for information printed on it.
- Pay the $15 fee through a credit card.
- View your driving record.
How to Get My New Hampshire Driving Record In Person
An in-person request is another good option for drivers in a rush. Although you have to go to a DMV office, it isn’t a hassle if you can work it into your schedule.
Here’s how to obtain your NH driving record in person:
- Make an appointment to visit a DMV office.
NOTE: You can choose to walk in at any branch but may have a longer wait time since the DMV prioritizes visitors with schedules.
- Don’t forget to bring the following with you:
- Your driver’s license AND another form of identification
- A filled-out copy of the Release of Motor Vehicle Records form
- Pay the $15 fee. You can only pay by check, and it must be payable to the State of NH — DMV.
- Receive your driving record.
How to Get A New Hampshire Driving Record By Mail
Mail requests are your only option if requesting someone else’s driving record.
Another thing you should know is that it’ll take some time for your (or someone else’s) driving record to arrive. It’s best to consider the timeline so you can receive it when you need it.
Here is how to get an NH driving record by mail:
- Download and fill out the Release of Motor Vehicle Records form.
NOTE: If you request your own record, you can skip steps 4 and 5. However, if you’re requesting someone else, you must put your information in step 4 and indicate the purpose for getting it (step 5).
- Enclose it in an envelope and indicate DSMV 505. Include a check amounting to $15, payable to the State of NH — DMV.
- Send everything to this address:
NH DMV
23 Hazen Drive
Concord NH 03305
- Wait for the driving record to arrive by mail.
How to Improve Your New Hampshire Driving Record
Maintaining a clean driving record comes with advantages. These include the following:
- Lower auto insurance rates
- High chances to apply for a driving job
- Eligibility for safe driver discounts
- You get to keep your driving privileges
However, don’t lose hope if your record is less than ideal. There are several things you can do to improve it.
Here are some of them:
- Attend a Driver Improvement Program. New Hampshire is one of the few states that has a point-reduction program. You qualify for this if you have at least three points on your license. You must complete a state-approved Driver Improvement course, and once you show proof of completion, the DMV will deduct three points.
- Check your driving record regularly. This is so you can spot any mistakes or inaccuracies. From there, you can call the DMV and let them fix it.
- Review New Hampshire’s road rules. Knowing what you can and can’t do can help you avoid violations. In turn, this will help you avoid adding even more points to your driving record.
- Avoid dangerous driving behaviors. The habits of safe drivers include keeping within the allowable speed limit, avoiding distractions, and ensuring they’re sober when driving. If you avoid this, then you don’t have to fear your points accumulating very quickly.
Understanding the New Hampshire Point System
Accumulating too many points on your record results in license suspension. However, the duration depends on your age. The tables below detail these.
For drivers under 18:
| Points | Suspension |
| 6 Points within a calendar year | up to 3 months |
| 12 Points within two calendar years | up to 6 months |
| 18 Points within three calendar years | up to 1 year |
For drivers under 21:
| Points | Suspension |
| 9 Points within a calendar year | up to 3 months |
| 15 Points within two calendar years | up to 6 months |
| 21 Points within three calendar years | up to 1 year |
For drivers over 21:
| Points | Suspension |
| 12 Points within a calendar year | up to 3 months |
| 18 Points within two calendar years | up to 6 months |
| 24 Points within three calendar years | up to 1 year |
Remember, points added vary between violations, and although many only give one to three points, these can quickly add up if you’re not careful.
To give you an idea of the various violations and their corresponding points, you can refer to the table below.
| One Point | Two Points |
| Failure to show your certificate of registration Driving without a valid license Non-compliance with inspection requirements | Littering Driving an unregistered vehicle Allowing an improper person to drive your vehicle (commercial or non-commercial) Failing to show your license Violating license restrictions Using the inappropriate license class for your vehicle Driving a motorcycle without a Class M license Disobeying a law enforcement officer |
| Three Points | Four Points |
| Failure to obey a traffic signal and signs Limitations on driving to the left of the roadway’s center Driving opposite one-way roads and rotary traffic islands Using lanes for traffic Tailgating or coasting Driving on divided ways or a sidewalk Failing to use your vehicle’s turn signals Improper conduct at a railroad crossing Exceeding the speed limit by less than 25 mph Misuse of plates Illegal backing Obstruction of driver’s view Opening and closing vehicle doors improperly Having passengers in a truck not designed for them Failure to display lights | Not driving on the right-hand side of the road Improper passing Committing a yellow line violation Exceeding the speed limit by more than 25 mph Driving without insurance Negligent driving |
| Six Points | |
| Falsely reporting a vehicle theft Concealing, removing, or changing a vehicle’s identification Negligent homicide or manslaughter Driving with a suspended license Modifying or forging an inspection sticker or registration decal School bus violation Altering your vehicle’s title Taking a vehicle without its owner’s consent Tampering with the odometer Allowing a minor to use your license to purchase alcohol Driving with a revoked license Racing or reckless driving Driving while in possession of drugs Driving while under the influence (whether from drugs or alcohol) Aggravated driving while intoxicated Committing vehicular assault |
The Wrap Up
And there you have it — all the information you need on how to get a New Hampshire driving record.
More than that, you also know how to improve your driving record and how many points each violation adds to your record.
With this knowledge, you are well-versed in all things related to New Hampshire driving records.