This bill amends the requirements for the issuance and renewal of drivers' licenses for nonresident aliens temporarily residing in New Hampshire. It introduces a new paragraph to RSA 263:10, stating that the Department of Safety shall not renew a driver's license for any individual who is not a U.S. citizen and cannot prove lawful permanent residency. Additionally, it modifies RSA 263:39-a to allow the issuance of a driver's license to nonresident aliens under specific conditions, such as attending an educational institution or engaging in lawful employment. The bill mandates that the director shall require proof of driving history, completion of a driver education course, and identification, while also prohibiting the issuance of licenses to asylees until they have been granted permanent resident status.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that nonresident alien drivers' licenses must include a marking indicating their status and outlines that these licenses will not be considered valid identification for voter registration or related purposes. The term of the license is capped at five years, and the director retains the authority to deny a license if it poses a public safety risk. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after passage and is expected to incur a one-time cost of $25,000 in FY 2026 for the design of new identification cards and system changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 263:10, 263:39-a, 263:40