Every person who drives any type of motorized vehicle is required to be tested and licensed. Please review the following information to assist you in applying and qualifying for a Hawaii Driver's License or for an Instruction Permit for passenger cars, motorcycles, motor scooters and mopeds.

All the driver licensing stations (Kalihi-Palama, Wahiawa, Kapolei, Koolau, and Waianae, plus the Commercial Driver License office at 99-501 Salt Lake Blvd.) have a new statewide computer/camera licensing system. With the new system, licenses are issued immediately rather than being mailed in six weeks. Satellite City Halls at Fort Street Mall, Pearlridge, and Hawaii Kai process renewals and duplicates only, using the new computer/camera system.

Improvements provided by the new system are more accurately colored photos (no more "sunburned" look), electronic scanning of thumb print and bar coding of license numbers. The photo, thumb print, and signature are entered into a computer database - for future retrieval of information. The size of the license is not changed, click here to view sample driver's licenses. 

Effective January 1, 2001, the Social Security Number will no longer be printed on the plastic driver's license. A computer generated "alternate number" will take its place. However, the applicant must still provide the Social Security Number on the application form.

Beginning January 1, 2001, an applicant may indicate on the driver license application form if he/she has an advanced health care directive. If "yes" is indicated, the plastic license will indicate the letters "ahcd."

Effective May 7, 2001, the instruction permit for class 1, 2, 3 and 4 vehicles was extended to one year.

Effective January 2, 2002, all male applicants between the ages of 18 through 25, are required by Federal law, to be automatically registered with the United States Selective Service System upon signing the driver license application form for permits, license, renewals and duplicates.

Effective December 21, 2006, Koolau Driver License Station will open to the public. Services to include written permit tests, road tests, initial, duplicate, out of state transfers, and renewal of Hawaii driver licenses. Click here for driver license locations, phone number, and hours of operation.

Effective June 30, 2007, Pearl City Driver License Station will be closed indefinitely. Please click here for our other driver license locations, phone number and hours of operation.

Effective April 30, 2008, the expired driver's license of a member of any component of the United States armed forces who is on active federal service and whose driver's license expired while deployed outside of the United States, shall remain valid for ninety days after the service member's return to the United States.

Important Matters to Remember

• The vehicle you intend to drive must have current license plates and registration card.
  
• The vehicle you intend to drive must have a current safety check.
  
• Your Hawaii motor vehicle insurance card must be current and valid. The name of the insured must be the same as the registered owner of the vehicle.
  
• You must have all personal data proof documents available when reporting for a driver's license. ID with photo required when applying for services.
  
• You should review traffic laws and rules of the road. You should study the Hawaii Driver's Manual prior to tests. (Manuals are available at local bookstores and State libraries.)
  
• If you are under treatment for alcohol or substance abuse, you are required to have a medical clearance to obtain a driver's license.
  
• If you are unable to read and/or write and understand the English language, provisions may be made for an oral examination (restrictions may apply).
  
• You must have an Instruction Permit before you can apply for a Road Test.
  
• If you are required to perform a road test, you may request a Road Test at the time of issuance of the Instruction Permit, or in person at any location for an appointment.
  
• If you are 15 ½ through 17 years of age and issued an Instruction Permit, you must hold the permit for a period of no fewer than 180 days. Also, you must be 16 through 17 years of age before being eligible to take the Road Test.
  
• For Class 4 non-CDL applicants, a medical examination long form (DOT 4-766) may be required if the Division of Motor Vehicles does not have a valid form on file at the time of renewal or replacement.