What You Need to Get a Hawaii Driver's License
Hawaii issues driver's licenses through the Department of Transportation, Highways Division. You will need to visit a Highways Division office in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. The office will verify your identity, test your knowledge of traffic laws, and conduct a driving test before issuing your license.
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax return showing your number, and proof of your current Hawaii address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days). If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You must be at least 16 years old to receive a learner's permit and at least 17 to receive an unrestricted license. If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person at the office.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Highways Division office in person with original identity documents, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Hawaii address.
- Hawaii charges $40 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license; the fee does not change based on age or driving record.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws and a practical driving test at the same office visit, so plan for at least two to three hours.
- If you hold a valid license from another state, you may not need to take the written test again, but you will still need to pass the driving test and provide Hawaii residency proof.
- Licenses expire on your birthday four or eight years after issue, and you can renew by mail or online if you have no medical conditions or violations.
The Written Test and Driving Test
The written test covers Hawaii traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Hawaii Driver's Manual, which the Highways Division publishes and makes available at each office and online. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per office visit; if you fail, you can return on another day to try again.
The driving test takes place at the same office. A Highways Division examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you arrange) and evaluate your ability to start, stop, turn, park, and respond to traffic. The test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. You must have a valid permit or license to take the driving test, and the vehicle must be registered and insured.
If you hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state and have held it for at least one year, Hawaii may waive the written test. You will still take the driving test. Bring your out-of-state license to the office to request the waiver.
Highways Division Office Locations and Hours
Hawaii has Highways Division offices on Oahu, Hawaii (Big Island), Maui, and Kauai. The main office is in Honolulu on Oahu. Each island has at least one location, and some islands have multiple offices. Hours vary by location but typically run Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some offices closing for lunch.
Wait times can be long, especially on Oahu. The Highways Division does not take appointments for new licenses or tests, so you will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon may mean shorter waits. You can find the full list of office addresses and hours on the Hawaii Department of Transportation website.
Costs and License Validity
A four-year Hawaii driver's license costs $40. An eight-year license costs $60. You choose the length when you explore. The fee is the same whether you are 16 or 65, and it does not change based on violations or accidents. Payment is cash or card at the office.
Your license expires on your birthday in the year it is set to expire. A four-year license issued on your 25th birthday expires on your 29th birthday. An eight-year license issued at the same time expires on your 33rd birthday. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires.
Renewing Your License by Mail or Online
If your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions that would affect your driving, you can renew by mail or through the Hawaii Department of Transportation website. You do not need to visit an office, take a test, or provide new documents. The renewal fee is the same as a new license: $40 for four years or $60 for eight years.
To renew by mail, request a renewal form from any Highways Division office or read it from the state website. Fill it out, include a new photo (or request that the office use your existing photo), and mail it with your fee and current license to the address on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail.
Online renewal is faster. Visit the Hawaii Department of Transportation website, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, upload a new photo or use your existing one, and pay the fee by card. Your new license will arrive within one to two weeks. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.
Medical Conditions and License Restrictions
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — such as vision loss, hearing loss, seizures, or certain medications — you must report it when you explore or renew. The Highways Division may require a medical report from your doctor before issuing your license. Some conditions result in restrictions on your license, such as corrective lenses required, hearing aids required, or daylight driving only.
If your condition changes after you receive your license, you are required to report it to the Highways Division. Driving with an undisclosed condition that affects safety can result in license suspension or revocation.
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any Highways Division office. Bring your Social Security card or tax return and proof of your current address. The replacement fee is $15. You do not need to take a test or provide new identity documents. The replacement license will be ready the same day or within a few days, depending on the office.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to report the theft to local police. This creates a record in case someone uses your license number fraudulently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Hawaii license if I no longer live in Hawaii?
No. To hold a Hawaii driver's license, you must be a Hawaii resident. If you move out of state, you should obtain a license from your new state. If you move back to Hawaii later, you can explore for a new Hawaii license using the same process as a first-time applicant.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can return to the Highways Division office on another day and take the test again. There is no limit to the number of attempts, but you will pay the license fee each time you take the test. Some people take the test two or three times before passing.
Do I need to take a new driving test if I renew my license?
No. If you renew by mail or online, you do not take any test. You only take a driving test when you first receive your license or when you explore for a new license after moving to Hawaii from another state.
How long does it take to get a Hawaii driver's license after my office visit?
If you pass both tests on your first visit, the Highways Division will issue your license the same day or within a few days. You can ask the office when your license will be ready. If you fail a test, you will need to return for another attempt.
What if I was born outside the United States?
Bring your passport, travel document, or visa along with your birth certificate and Social Security card. The Highways Division will verify your immigration status and identity before issuing your license. Non-citizens with valid work visas or travel documents can receive a Hawaii driver's license.