Frequently Asked Questions

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

Drivers education at authorized schools is mandatory for motorbike riders in Hawaii. Schools need to be approved by the Hawaiian DOT if you are under the age of 18.

If you are between 16 and 18 and you want to be able to take the road skills practical test, you must fulfill the following conditions beforehand:

• Have driving practice of at least 90 days on your learner’s permit
• Present Driver Education Student Completion Certificate
• Present Behind the-Wheel Student Completion Certificate

To prepare for the tests and successfully complete the course, make good use of the Motorcycle Operator Manual, which contains necessary information for the license procedure and road rules and regulations.

For more information: Hawaii Motorcycle Drivers

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

Hawaii is one of the states thathave adopted a mandatory helmet law although the law application is restricted to riders aged 17 or younger.

Helmet standards are described in the Hawaii Motorcycle Operator Manual.In any case they need to comply with the country-wide standards that are approved by the Department of Transportation. Having in mind the high traffic frequency for motorcycles on Hawaiian islands, it is very understandable that even drivers of mopeds and scooters are required to follow the helmet criteria.

Further regulations apply for additional protective motorcycle gear such as gloves, brightly colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts or jackets, long pants and shoes or boots. The protective equipment must be used whenever you are operating a motor vehicle within the state.

For more information: Hawaii Motorcycle Drivers

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

CDL applications for renewal in Hawaii must be done in person at nominated DMV Offices across the state, which deal with commercial license services for specific counties. Supporting documents need to be filed in original. Applicants also need to pass the vision test and for that they must be present at selected locations.

Certain actions, which are associated with the procedure for obtaining a renewed CDL license, can be done via mail or by fax, such as the submission of the renewed medical certificate or the road skills waiver for military persons, which is recognized on federal level.

For more information: Hawaii Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

No, the state of Hawaii does not allow taking the written drivers test online. When you visit a county’s local Hawaii DMV office, you need to present the required documentation along with a parental consent, after which you will have to take a vision exam and a written drivers test. Residents of any county of Hawaii are only allowed to take online practice driving tests as the best way to get prepared for the real written drivers test.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Hawaii

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

All drivers that drive commercially need to comply with federal requirements, which are under the authority of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Although the rules for each endorsement, restriction or license class are generally defined for all states, each state has the discretion of stipulating local rules for obtaining endorsements, upgrading or regrading of the privileges attached to it. Therefore, if you work out of state you may need to fulfill the criteria from other states.

If you get your CDL license with the option to drive interstate, you can drive commercially out of Hawaii. Always have in mind the specific authorization that your license has noted on it.

For more information: Hawaii Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

In order to drive a moped or scooter in Hawaii, you must have a valid HI drivers license. Drivers can drive a moped with any type of drivers license class. In case you have not previously obtained any other license, you will need to apply for a Class 1 motorcycle drivers license. Here are the steps you need to take when getting motorcycle license for scooters or mopeds:

• Complete the application for Class 1 license
• Present documentary proof of:

• Identity
• Social Security number
• Legal presence
• Principal residence address (two documents)

• Pass knowledge test
• Pass practical skills test
• Complete drivers education if you are under 18
• Present clear driving record

Once you have successfully applied for a motorcycle drivers license, it will be mailed to you to address you have provided at the time of application. Out-of-state driving licenses can be used to operate mopeds or scooters if the holder is at least 18 years old.

For more information: Hawaii Motorcycle Drivers

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

In all four counties in Hawaii, you need to take a drivers ed course only after you have been driving with a learners permit for six months. Once you successfully complete the drivers ed course, you may upgrade your learners permit to a provisional driver’s license. The drivers ed consists of two parts: classroom instructions and behind-the-wheel instructions. After completing the drivers ed course, driving under the supervision of a licensed adult and holding the permit for at least 180 days, you should visit your county’s local Hawaii DMV office and submit the certificate of completion of the drivers ed course along with the needed documentation.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Hawaii

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

When you apply for an ID card renewal or for a duplicate ID card, you can have a veteran designation put on it in line with the state regulations that apply to all Hawaiian counties. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has made this privilege available for any members of the military who have been released from service under the honorable discharge.

To get your veteran mark, make sure to prove your status by submitting a document from the following acceptable documents:

• Certificate of release or Discharge from active duty

• National guard report of Separation from active duty

• 1950 WD AGO 53, WD AGO 55, WD AGO, 53-55, NAVPERS 553, NAVMC 78PD, NAVCG 553 (for veteran status prior to January 2014)

• Discharge certificate reflecting characterization of discharge

• Verification letter issued by the Veterans Administration

• Verification letter issued by the Office of Veteran Services

The above documents can previously be obtained by completing a Standard Form (SF) 180 request and submitting it online or via mail to:

National Personnel Records Center

Hawaii State Office of Veterans Services

Tripler Army Medical Center

459 Patterson Road

E-Wing, Room 1-A103,

Honolulu, HI 96819-1522

Provided you just get a copy of your ID card, you will not need to submit required documentary evidence. It is only necessary to do so at time of renewal or for new ID cards.

Further assistance about veteran designation can be received at county offices at:

• County of Hawaii: 961-2222

• County of Honolulu: 532-7730

• County of Kauai: 241-4242

• County of Maui: 270-7363 (Molokai: 553-9067, Lanai: 565-7878)

For more information: How to Apply for a Hawaii Identification Card

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

To obtain your commercial drivers license in Hawaiian counties, make sure to follow the procedure that is unified on state level. Certain variations in document formats and test fees may apply in different counties. Also note that you will need to submit the application to the local county DMV Offices designated to deal with commercial drivers license issuance. To apply for a CDL license, follow these steps:

1. Complete the Application for Commercial Driver’s License
2. Present current drivers license
3. Present Social Security card
4. Provide birth certificate to prove age of at least 21
5. Get medical examiner s certificate
6. Prepare self-certification, if required
7. Provide proof of residency
8. Pass vision, knowledge and road skills test
9. Provide 2×2 face color photos
10. Present background check certificate for CDL endorsement for hazardous materials
11. Pay relevant fees:
    • General CDL application fee
    • CDL instruction permit fee
    • General knowledge test fee
    • Road skills test fee
    • Appropriate endorsement fees

If you go through the initial stage of getting a CDL permit in Hawaii, you must primarily satisfy the necessary requirements for the instruction permit:

• Pass all knowledge and road skills tests
• Present a valid permit for the class of vehicle you will be driving, which may include:
  • CDL Class A
  • CDL Class B
  • CDL Class C
• Present original registration certificate
• Provide original DOT vehicle inspection (unless exempt with DOT exemption form)
• Provide proof of insurance

Only after you have passed all relevant criteria for a CDL permit can you carry on and submit the full license application at nominated DMV Offices to obtain your full commercial driving license.

For more information: Hawaii Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

Drivers in Hawaii must be at least 15 years and six months old in order to be able to apply for a learners permit. The Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program in Hawaii has three phases, which depend on your age:

• Instruction permit: 15 years and six months old
• Provisional drivers license: 16 years old
• Unrestricted drivers license: Minimum 17 years old

In order to begin with the process of getting driving permits, you need to visit any of your county’s local Hawaii DMV offices and submit the following documents:

• Completed State of Hawaii Driver’s License Application that needs to be notarized in your county
• Proof of identity
• Proof of legal name
• Proof of date of birth
• Proof of Social Security number
• Proof of legal presence
• Payment for the appropriate learners permit fee:
  • Honolulu: $5
  • Hawaii, Maui and Kauai: $10

After submitting the needed documentation and fee, you will be required to pass a vision test, a written knowledge test and a road test.

When applying for a provisional driver’s license, you will need to be 16 years old, have a learners permit for six months and complete a driver’s education. After another six months of driving with the provisional drivers license, you will be able to obtain a regular, unrestricted drivers license.

Maui

In the county of Maui, there are three types of instruction permits:

• Class 2 Instructional Permit
• Class 3 Instructional Permit
• Class 4 Instructional Permit

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Hawaii

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

Motorcycle licensing in Hawaii is done in two stages. First, drivers need to obtain the temporary instruction permit and afterwards they will get the full motorcycle drivers license. Below is a checklist of the steps you need to take to complete the application procedure at DMV offices in your county:

• Prepare the adequate application for a Class 2 permit
• Present documentary evidence of:
  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of legal presence
  • Proof of Social Security number
  • Proof of principal residence
• Pass preliminary tests:
  • General knowledge
  • Motorcycle test
  • Eye-screening test
• Present clear driving record

Motorbike licensing fees vary by county. When you fulfill the aforementioned criteria you will become eligible for a temporary instruction permit valid for one year.

To get a full motorcycle drivers license, you will need to pass the road skills test, which will be planned specifically for your type of motorcycle. If you are under 18, you must present a certificate for the required drivers ed which is under the authority of the Hawaii Motorcycle Safety Education Program. The plastic copy of the motorcycle license will be mailed to you after two to four weeks.

For more information: How to Apply for Hawaii Motorcycle License

If you live in Honolulu County or Kauai County

When you apply for a duplicate ID card application in Honolulu or Kauai, visit the nearest authorized DMV office, submit the completed ID Card Application indicating that you are asking for issuance of a duplicate and attach the supporting documents and fees to the application.

In case of a stolen ID card, you will also need to provide a new photograph. If you are requesting a change of name at the time of the application, you must enclose the certified state document. If you are requesting a change of address, you will need to present two acceptable documents of principle residence address. The fee for a duplicate ID card in Honolulu is $6 and the fee in Kauai is $7.

If you live in Hawaii County or Maui County

If you have a lost, damaged, or stolenID card, you need to apply for a duplicate ID card. To do so, apply at the relevant DMV office in your county and pay the appropriate fee. There is no need to enclose documentary proof of legal name, date of birth, Social Security number and legal presence at the time of the duplicate ID card application. Upon arrival, make sure to have the ID Card Application completed in full and that you check the duplicate box.

For more information: How to Apply for a Hawaii Identification Card

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

In Hawaii, no matter in which county you live, the learners permit is valid for one year. According to the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program, after six-months of driving with an instruction permit, you should upgrade to a provisional driver’s license at the nearest county’s local Hawaii DMV office. This means that you will not need to renew your instruction permit, but upgrade it.

However, if it happens that you need to renew your instruction permit, you can do that 30 days before the expiration date. If you fail to renew it by then, you will have to wait 180 days after the issuance of your renewed learners permit in order to be eligible for a road test.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Hawaii

If you live in Honolulu County or Maui County

Residents of Honolulu County can renew ID cards in person at a DMV office. An ID card renewal can be done as early as six months before the ID card expires and as late as one year after the expiry date. If you fail to observe this deadline, you will be treated as a new applicant.

Senior applicants over the age of 80 can renew via mail only if they have previously submitted the relevant documentation that is later kept on their file. They must mail their signature and a photo together with the application along with the required documents. The relevant local office will afterwards mail the renewed ID card.

Out of state applicants must also renew in person. They have the advantage of keeping the expired ID card for a certain time period of time to serve as proof of identity when they are not in the state.

When you renew an expired ID card in person, make sure to present the correct evidence from the list below and pay appropriate fees at the relevant DMV locations:

• ID Card Application form
• Affidavit for Minor for persons under 14
• Proof of legal name:
  • Valid US passport or passport card
  • Consular report of birth abroad
  • Valid state of Hawaii ID card
  • Certificate of citizenship
  • Certificate of naturalization
  • Drivers license or learners permit with photo
  • Marriage certificate
  • Court order for name change, adoption/ or divorce
  • Civil union certificate
• Proof of date of birth:
  • Valid US passport or passport card
  • Consular report of birth abroad
  • Valid state of Hawaii ID card
  • Certificate of citizenship
  • Certificate of naturalization
  • Drivers license or learners permit with photo
• Proof of Social Security number:
  • Drivers license or learners permit with photo
  • Original Social Security card
  • Wage and tax statement form W-2 or 1099R
  • Medicare ID Card (Suffix A, M, T, and TA only)
  • SSA-1099 form from a previous year
  • Non SSA-1099 form from a previous year
• Proof of legal presence:
  • Valid US passport or passport Card
  • Consular report of birth abroad
  • Valid state of Hawaii ID card
  • Certificate of citizenship
  • Certificate of naturalization
• Proof of principal residence address (two documents):
  • Drivers license, vehicle registration, or car title
  • Voter notification postcard
  • Utility bill with the applicant s name and address
  • Checking or savings account statement
  • Payroll check or payroll check stub with applicant s name and address
  • Mortgage account or proof of home ownership
  • Current property tax assessment form
  • Receipt for personal property taxes paid
  • Residential rental or time-share agreement for six months or more
  • A W-2 or 1099 form from the previous year
  • Student identification card or document
  • Medical card issued by a health insurance agency
  • Letter from the Hawaii State Department of Human Services indicating the person is receiving welfare assistance
  • Department of taxation form A-6, application for tax clearance
  • Address of current shelter agency for homeless applicants
  • An address convention used by the United States Postal Service
  • Alternative address for applicants under confidentiality program
  • Spouse or parent affidavit

If you live in Hawaii County or Kauai County

The only option you can use for an ID card renewal in Hawaii or Kauai is submitting the required application in person at the authorized offices which issue state ID cards. When you intend to renew your identification card, make sure to complete the adequate ID Card Application form and present proof of legal name and date of birth, proof of legal presence, proof of residence and proof of Social Security number. Prepare the appropriate fee and use any of the available documents from the list below, which are at your disposal, to prove facts required for the renewal:

• Proof of legal name:
  • Valid US passport or passport card
  • Consular report of birth abroad
  • Valid state of Hawaii ID card
  • Certificate of citizenship
  • Certificate of naturalization
  • Drivers license or learners permit with photo
  • Marriage certificate
  • Court order for name change, adoption or divorce
  • Civil union certificate
• Proof of date of birth:
  • Valid US passport or passport card
  • Consular report of birth abroad
  • Valid state of Hawaii ID card
  • Certificate of citizenship
  • Certificate of naturalization
  • Drivers license or learners permit with photo
• Proof of Social Security number:
  • Drivers license or learners permit with photo
  • Original Social Security card
  • Wage and tax statement form W-2 or 1099R
  • Medicare ID Card (Suffix A, M, T, and TA only)
  • SSA-1099 form from a previous year
  • Non SSA-1099 form from a previous year
• Proof of legal presence:
  • Valid US passport or passport Card
  • Consular report of birth abroad
  • Valid state of Hawaii ID card
  • Certificate of citizenship
  • Certificate of naturalization
• Proof of principal residence address (two documents):
  • Drivers license, vehicle registration or car title
  • Voter notification postcard
  • Utility bill with the applicant s name and address
  • Checking or savings account statement
  • Payroll check or payroll check stub with applicant s name and address
  • Mortgage account or proof of home ownership
  • Current property tax assessment form
  • Receipt for personal property taxes paid
  • Residential rental or time-share agreement for six months or more
  • A W-2 or 1099 form from the previous year
  • Student Identification card or document
  • Medical card issued by a health insurance agency
  • Letter from the Hawaii State Department of Human Services indicating the person is receiving welfare assistance
  • Department of taxation form A-6, application for tax clearance
  • Address of current shelter agency for homeless applicants
  • An address convention used by the United States Postal Service
  • Alternative address for applicants under confidentiality program
  • Spouse or parent affidavit

For more information: How to Apply for a Hawaii Identification Card

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

Whenever you need to do a renewal of the medical report for your commercial drivers licensein Hawaii, which is usually every two years, you need to visit an office of a qualified medical examiner and pass the required medical checks.

You must do the renewal before the expiry of the old one. Otherwise, your privilege to drive for commercial purposes will be immediately removed. To complete the CDL license renewal, follow the below mentioned steps:

• Apply to renew physical impairment variance in FMCSA
• Renew intrastate waiver at DOT Hawaii

If you fail to renew on time, you will need to complete retesting and pay appropriate extra fees to get your CDL privileges back. Additionally, you may choose to regrade the license to a category that does not need a medical certificate.

Some medical examiners may choose to shorten the validity of your CDL license if your physical condition requires checks to be done more frequently. Still, the expiry date is noted on the certificate and you can keep track of it there.

For more information: Hawaii Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

To renew motorcycle drivers licenses, Hawaiian motorbike riders need to follow a procedure that is similar to the one that is applicable for new motorcycle driving licenses. You will need to take care to apply for a motorcycle drivers license renewal before the expiration date. The motorcycle driving licenses expire on birthday dates and are normally valid for four years. The original instruction permit needs to be upgraded after the initial one-year validity period.

To apply for a motorcycle drivers license renewal, you must follow the steps below:

1. Complete the adequate license application indicating renewal
2. Pass the required eye screening test
3. Pay appropriate fees
4. Present a clear driving record
5. Provide documentary proof of:

• Identity
• Legal presence
• Social Security number
• Principal residence (two documents)

Names must be the same on all documents. If they are not, you will need to provide additional documents to certify the recent change.

Drivers can renewtheir motorcycle drivers licenseas early as six months before the drivers license expiration date and as late as 90 days after the driving license expiration date without penalty. Penalties apply later in amount of a prorated fee of $5 for 30 days.

For more information: How to Renew/Replace Motorcycle License in Hawaii

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

If you are a member of the military and you need to obtain your motorcycle driving license in Hawaii, you need to apply at authorized DMV offices in your county following the same procedure that is in use for civilian applicants.

Considering your military status, variations in documentary evidence exist. Members of the military applying for a HI motorcycle driving license must present the following documents:

• U.S. Active Duty/Retiree/Reservist Military ID Card
• DD-214 (original or certified copy)
• Valid U.S. Uniform Services ID and Privileges Card
• Valid DOD Common Access Card (CAC)

Applicants must also complete the relevant license application, pass the required eye-screening exam, knowledge and skills tests and pay necessary fees. Contact a nearby DMV office to ask about possible test waivers that may apply to military personnel. When you complete this procedure, your motorcycle drivers license will be mailed to you to the address you have provided on the application.

For more information: Hawaii Motorcycle Drivers

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

Residents of all four counties in Hawaii who hold learners permits and who would like to move up to a regular, unrestricted drivers license, need to become familiar with the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program in Hawaii. This GDL program consists of three phases:

• Instruction permit
• Provisional driver’s license
• Unrestricted driver’s license

Drivers with learners permit have to wait six months or at least until they are 16 years old and to complete a driver’s education, in order to have their permit upgraded to a provisional driver’s license. After they get the provisional drivers license, they must wait for additional six months, or to be 17 years old, and to pass a road test in order to obtain a full, unrestricted driver’s license.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Hawaii

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

When you complete the ID card application procedure at nominated locations in your local county, you will be issued with the hard copy ID card via mail as soon as possible after the application date. Exact times of issuance may vary by county and by location. You are suggested to get in touch with the authorized offices on the phone to check when your ID cardwill be complete:

• Honolulu County: 808-532-7730
• Hawaii County: 808-961-2222
• Maui County: 808-270-7363
• Kauai County: 808-241-4242

Having in mind that you are allowed to submit the ID card application six months before its expiry date, it is best if you use this long time period to collect all documents and complete the procedure on time.

If you need an identification document and your ID card is not yet issued, you may always use your drivers license. Parents of minors need to take care to apply on time, as this will be the first ID document for their children.

For more information: How to Apply for a Hawaii Identification Card

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

Each state defines a specific period of validity for driving documents. After the original issuance period passes all documents need to be renewed by completing the Application for Commercial Driver’s License and supporting it with the pertinent documents. You need to initiate the renewal procedure for your CDL license in Hawaii at least six months before the expiry date to accumulate enough time to pass all tests, checks and CDL endorsement criteria.

Commercial driving licenses in Hawaii are valid for:

• Six years for citizens below the age of 72
• Two years for senior citizens over the age of 72

When you apply for aCDL license renewal in Hawaii, always bear in mind any additional endorsements that need to accompany the basic application document and that need to be renewed. Hazardous materials endorsement needs to be renewed each five years for example.

You must also note the expiry date on your medical certificate, which is valid for two years or less if indicated.

For more information: Hawaii Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

If you live in Honolulu County, Hawaii County or Kauai County

When you are not in Honolulu or in Hawaii and you need to get an ID card copy, prepare and sign a letter including the following information and send it by mail or by fax to the adequate office in your county:

• Name and date of birth
• Mailing and principal residence address
• Social Security number or Hawaii identification card number
• Email address
• Reason for the duplicate
• Payment for the $6 fee

Honolulu office location:

• Driver License Section

P.O. Box 30340, Honolulu,

HI 96820-0340

808-832-2904

Hawaii office locations:

• Hilo Driver License Office 349 Kapiolani Street Hilo, HI 96720 808-961-2222
• Kona Driver License Office

West Hawaii Civic Center 74-5044 AneKeohokalole Hwy Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 808-323-4800

Kauai office location:

• Driver License Section

4444 Rice St.

Ste.A-480 Lihue

Hi 96766

808-241-6533

Maui County

If you need to ask for issuance of a duplicate ID card and you are out of the county of Maui, you will need to mail a letter with the documents below:

• Request for Duplicate ID Card
• ID Card application
• Check or money order in amount of $6
• A letter with data for your name, email address, contact number and reason for the duplicate ID card

Make sure to use this address on your letter:

Division of Motor Vehicles & Licensing Attn: SID Processing Center 70 E. Kaahumanu Avenue

Suite A-17 Kahului, HI 96732

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

As usual, requirements for commercial drivers are stricter than the ones for regular drivers, since driving a CMV assumes that you have previously gained some experience on the roads of Hawaii.

To obtain your Hawaiian commercial driving license, you must be at least 21 years old. If you apply to get a CDL instruction permit beforehand you will need to drive accompanied and supervised for one year by an experienced driver who already has a vehicle of your type.

To prove your age, you need to submit an original birth certificate in support to the CDL application. All requirements and knowledge necessary to get the CDL license as soon as possible are available at the Hawaii CDL Manual.

For more information: Hawaii Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

Provided the applicants for motorcycle drivers license in Hawaii have successfully passed the knowledge test, the practice test and the vision test, the age requirement they need to fulfill to get their instruction permit is to be at least 15 ½ years old.

Once you ve been issued a motorcycle instruction permit, motorcycle drivers must have at least one year of behind-the-wheel practice before they can be eligible to apply for a standard HI motorcycle drivers license. If you are under 18, you must also get adequate drivers education from a school authorized by the Hawaii Department of Transportation.

For more information: Hawaii Motorcycle Drivers

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

Commercial drivers licenseshave three different classes nominated depending on the type of vehicle:

• CDL Class A for combination vehicles
• CDL Class B for heavy straight vehicles
• CDL Class C for small vehicles

The below mentioned CDL endorsements are available for drivers of commercial vehicles in Hawaii:

• CDL T endorsement for double/triple trailers
• CDL P endorsement for passenger vehicles
• CDL N endorsement for tank vehicles
• CDL H endorsement for hazardous materials
• CDL X endorsement for a combination of tank vehicle and hazardous materials
• CDL S endorsement for school buses

Combinations of the above are also possible. To get each of these endorsements noted on your CDL license, you will need to pass a special knowledge test and pay additional testing and licensing fee.

Fees vary across counties and it is thus advisable to check current amounts at DMV Offices. To get the CDL H endorsement you must satisfy a background check, which is mandatory on country level as a safety measure for all CDL applicants with hazmat placards.

For more information: Hawaii Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

The initial ID card application, anID card renewal and anID card replacement are subject to fees, which are established by DMV offices at your home county:

Honolulu

• Initial application:
  • $40 for eight years valid ID card
  • $5 for annual fraction of one to seven years valid ID card
• Renewals: $40
• Replacements: $6

Hawaii

• Initial Application:
  • $40 for one year valid ID card
  • $5 for one year valid ID card
• Renewals: $40
• Replacements: $6

Maui

• Initial application: $40
• Renewals: $40
• Replacements: $6

Kauai

• Initial application:
  • $32 for eight years valid ID card
  • $4 for one year valid ID card
• Renewals: $32
• Replacements: $7

For more information: How to Apply for a Hawaii Identification Card

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

The Hawaii Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program implies three types of learners permit restrictions based on the phases that this program is divided into:

• Instruction permit: Drivers with an instruction permit are allowed to drive only if supervised by a licensed adult (above 21 years old) between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., or supervised by a parent or legal guardian at any time. The licensed adult must be seated in the front seat and all passengers must wear seat belts.
• Provisional drivers permit: Drivers with a provisional driver’s permit are allowed to drive between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. without supervision. However, from 11 p.m. till 5 a.m., drivers must be supervised by a parent or legal guardian. Drivers can operate a motor vehicle without supervision only for the purpose of traveling to or from work or school and they need to carry an assigned statement with them.
• Unrestricted drivers license: Drivers with an unrestricted drivers license have the privilege to operate a motor vehicle without supervision.

In Hawaii, there is another restriction, which is known as the behind-the-wheel requirement. Drivers with a learners permit are required to complete 50 hours of driving behind the wheel under supervision of a licensed adult, or parent or legal guardian. Ten hours of these 50 required driving hours must be driven at night.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Hawaii

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

In Hawaii, the most recent requirements expect that each driver be checked by a medical examiner from the authorized list of examiners on country level. The authorized examiner must provide a copy of the medical report to your employer and they must keep it on file at our place of work.

Each CDL license applicant driver must submit the following forms:

• Medical Examiner’s Certificate
• Driver Self Certification on which they need to indicate the relevant category:
  • Interstate excepted
  • Interstate non-excepted
  • Intrastate excepted
  • Intrastate non-excepted
• A variance from their state if they have physical impairments which affect driving

Medical cards, which are issued when you pass the medical check, need to be submitted in support to the CDL application. This can be done in person, via mail, by fax or on the selected email address in Hawaii.

For more information: Hawaii Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

Penalties for minors in Hawaii who receive traffic tickets include drivers license suspensions. To pay traffic ticket fines, persons under 18 cannot use the MSB collection agency. They are always taken before the relevant court of jurisdiction, which will decide on the further action that needs to be taken against the minor offender. The court will also evaluate and collect the traffic ticket price. Parental involvement is necessary.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Hawaii

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

Drivers of three-wheeled vehicles are required to get theirmotorcycle drivers license following the same procedure that applies for riders of two-wheeled vehicles. Applicants must successfully pass all tests, obtain adequate education, and apply at relevant DMV offices to get their motorcycle drivers license.

Having in mind the differences in the construction and the maneuvering of three-wheeled vehicles practical skills tests must be adapted. Your local county DMV office will decide if they need to take you on a car test-route to test your driving skills.

For more information: Hawaii Motorcycle Drivers

All counties

Hawaii residents need to provide valid original or certified copies of the following documentation in order to apply for a learners permit:

• Completed State of Hawaii Driver’s License Application that needs to be notarized in your county and signed by your parent or legal guardian
• Proof of identity, legal name and date of birth:
  • Birth Certificate
  • Valid U.S. passport
• Proof of Social Security number:
  • Medicare ID Card
  • W-2 form
  • Pay stub
• Proof of legal presence:
  • Permanent Residence ID Card
  • Temporary Resident ID Card
  • Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
  • Valid and unexpired US or foreign passport
• Proof of principal residence (two documents required):
  • A current valid Hawaii driver s license
  • Vehicle registration or title
  • A current voter registration card
  • Utility bill with applicant’s name and address
  • Checking or savings account statement
  • Payroll check or check stub issued by an employer
  • Mail from a government or medical entity
• Payment for the appropriate learners permit fee

Names must be the same on all documents, so if you have a name change and the names on your documents are not the same, you must also submit one of the following documents that verify your name change:

• Marriage Certificate
• Divorce Decree
• Naturalization Certificate
• Court Documents

You might be asked to submit additional documents according to the county where you live:

Hawaii

• Original or certified copies for proof of legal presence
• Two proofs of residential address

The instruction permit is valid for one year and allows you to drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age or older. You may renew the instruction permit 30-days prior to expiration.

Maui

If you are an applicant under 18 years old, you will need to enroll in a drivers ed program certified by the Hawaii Department of Transportation and provide the additional documents:

• Birth certificate
• An affidavit, signed by a parent or legal guardian

If you are an applicant between 16 and 18 years old who wants to take the road test, you have proof of the following in order to schedule an appointment for the road test:

• Practice driving for 90 days with your learners permit
• Earn a Driver Education Student Completion Certificate
• Earn a Behind-the-Wheel Student Completion Certificate

Kauai

• Acceptable Signature Filing for Minors by a parent or legal guardian

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Hawaii

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

In order to obtain your motorcycle driving license in Hawaii, you must present certain documentation including:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of legal presence
• Proof of Social Security number
• Proof of principal residence

A full list of documents is available on the website of the Hawaiian Department of Transportation (DOT). Many of the acceptable documents can be used as evidence for more than one of the above listed facts.

If you want to check the exact fees required to obtain a HI motorcycle drivers license, you can contact the relevant office on the telephone numbers below:

• Honolulu County: 808-532-7730
• Hawaii County: 808-961-2222
• Maui County: 808-270-7363
• Kauai County: 808-241-4242

For more information: How to Apply for Hawaii Motorcycle License

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

The first step that Hawaiian motorbike drivers need to take before they get their full motorcycle license is obtaining an instruction permit. To get a motorcycle instruction permit, drivers must successfully pass preliminary exams, which test their knowledge of the rules of the road and of highway signs, and to demonstrate their specific practical skills to safely operate a motorcycle.

The following are the tests that are stipulated by Hawaiian laws for drivers of motorbikes:

• General driver knowledge test
• Special motorcycle exam
• Vision test
• Off-street skill test for scooters

If you have previously obtained a test certificate from another state that uses MOST (Motorcycle Operator Skill Test) or ALMOST (Alternate MOST) system, the testing in Hawaii may be waived provided you get an approval from the adequate state authority.

Tests are done on your own motorcycle, which must be in proper condition with a safety inspection certificate and a liability insurance card. The Hawaii Motorcycle Operator Manual contains information about skills and road maneuvers you can practice to safely pass the tests.

For more information: Hawaii Motorcycle Drivers

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

If you drive a commercial vehicle in Hawaiian counties and commit a traffic violation that constitutes a behavior that is considered a DUI, this will result in suspension or revocation of your CDL license depending on the severity, the frequency and the circumstances around the offense.

These CDL license disqualifying offenses are defined as major offenses according to Hawaiian road laws and include actions such as driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance with BAC over the allowed minimum limit of 0.04 percent. The stipulated penalties include:

• First major offense:
  • If the vehicle was not transporting hazardous materials: One-year disqualification
  • If the vehicle was transporting hazardous materials: Three-year disqualification
• Second and separate incident of any major offense:
  • Lifetime disqualification
• Incident after reinstatement:
  • Lifetime disqualification not eligible for reinstatement

If you want to avoid being charged with a DUI conviction study the Hawaiian CDL Manual, which contains detailed description of lawful and unlawful behaviors constituting a major offense. Harsh law violations will revoke your license for life and you will not be able to drive professionally as a driver of commercial motor vehicles.

For more information: Hawaii Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

Identification cards are issued to serve as evidence of personal circumstances such as legal name, date of birth and legal address. You can use your ID card in transactions with authorities when you need to submit officially recognized proof of identity.

The ID card is a voluntary document. Citizens are not obligated to get one. Whenever they need an identification document they can always use their drivers license. Still, it is necessary for persons who do not drive or for persons under 16 who have not yet become eligible for getting their driver’s permit.

It is advisable to apply for an ID card as soon as you become entitled to one. In this way you will always have a back-up option for identification if your license expires. Even young children may need one for school or travel.

For more information: How to Apply for a Hawaii Identification Card

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

When applying for a learners permit at your county’s local Hawaii DMV office, you will be asked to pass a written drivers test among other things. The test includes questions based on the following information:

• Traffic laws
• Traffic signs
• Traffic rules
• Safe driving techniques

The written drivers test consists of 30 questions. In order to pass the exam, you are required to answer at least 24 questions correctly. The passing score for a written drivers test is 80 percent or higher.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Hawaii

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

Residents of the four counties in Hawaii who apply for learners permits must do so by visiting any county’s local Hawaii DMV office. Upon arrival, you must submit the needed documentation and payment for the required fee as well as take a vision examination and a written drivers test. You need to pass both of these tests in order to obtain a learners permit. In order to get prepared for the written drivers test, you are advised to take some of the online practice driving tests at Hawaii DMV Practice Test.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Hawaii

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

When you submit your CDL application in Hawaii, the first customary step you would do as an applicant is obtaining the Commercial Learner s Permit which is valid for one year and which allows for driving under supervision of a driver who works with the type of vehicle you intend to drive.

To get the instruction permit, you only need to pass the vision test with 20/40 acuity and the required knowledge tests.

When you apply to get your full CDL license, you need to complete all basic and specific skills tests, including:

• A basic knowledge test
• A skills test:
  • Pre-trip test
  • Skills test
  • Road test
• An endorsement test, if applicable

If the vehicle is equipped with air brakes, you need to pass the air brakes test too. Drivers must pass all three parts of the road skills at the same appointment in the following order: pre-trip inspection test, off-road test and road test. Military personnel may be waived from the skills test if they fulfill certain conditions. Upgrades of your CDL license need to be supported with the relevant skills test. Such occasions include:

• Adding a passenger endorsement
• Removing a restriction
• Changing a lower group designation to a higher group designation

For more information: Hawaii Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

The Hawaiian state ID card expires eight years after its original date of issuance.

If you have applied for a temporary identification card, which can be issued with a shorter validity from one to seven years, for limited term for legal presence, you need to make sure to observe the annual renewal deadline. Pay attention to the expiry date, which should be noted on the ID card.

Identification cards, which are issued for-non-US citizens, expire on the same date when the legal stay of the non-resident in the state is over.

For more information: How to Apply for a Hawaii Identification Card

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

ID cards are available only when you apply in person at designated DMV locations for each of the four Hawaiian counties.

Most criteria that apply to ID card are the same across the state and are available in detail in the Hawaii State Identification Card Fact Sheet.

Find the name of your county on the list below to visit the nearest location for anID card application or to obtain additional information about Hawaiian ID cards.

Honolulu

Kalihi-Kapalama

1199 Dillingham Blvd.

Driver Licensing A-101

808-532-7730

Wahiawa

330 North Cane St.

808-621-7255

Waianae 85-670 Farrington Hwy.

808-768-4222

Kapolei

1000 Ulu`ohi`a St.

808-768-3100

Koolau

47-388 HuiIwa St., Suite 19

808-239-6301

Hawaii

Hilo

349 Kapiolani St.

808-961-2222

Kona

74-5044 AneKeohokalole Hwy.

West Hawaii Civic Center

808-323-4800

Maui

Kahului

70 E. Kaahumanu Ave.

Suite A-17 (Maui Mall Shopping Center)

808-270-7363

Kihei

303 East Lipoa St

808-270-7363

Lahaina

900 Front St. Unit I-17

808-270-7363

Pukalani

91 Pukalani St.

(Hannibal Tavares Community Center)

808-270-7363

Hana

Hana Hwy. andUakea Rd.

(County Public Works Office)

808-248-7280

Lanai

309 Seventh St. #101

808-565-7878

Molokai

100 Ailoa St.

(Mitchell Pauole Center)

808-553-3430

Kauai

Lihue

4444 Rice St., Suite A-480

808-241-4242

For more information: How to Apply for a Hawaii Identification Card

The answer applies to all Hawaiian counties.

Minor residents in Hawaii, who want to obtain a learners permit, must be accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian when applying in person at any county’s local Hawaii DMV office. If the parent or legal guardian is not able to accompany you, they must sign and notarize your application beforehand. Licensed drivers who are at least 21 years old may accompany you to the DMV only if they have the signed and notarized application with them.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Hawaii