Getting a Hawaii driver's license

How do you get a Hawaii driver's license?

1. Pass the eye test and the written test for a Class 3 instruction permit, from age 15 and a half.
2. Practice with a licensed driver 21 or older. If you're under 18, hold the permit at least 180 days and finish driver's education.
3. Pass the road test in a registered, insured and inspected car.
4. If you're under 18, you get a provisional license first and convert it at 17, after six months.
5. Pay the license fee. On Oahu you leave with a paper temporary license, and the plastic card arrives by mail within about five weeks.

Hawaii driver's license classes

The table follows Chapter I of the Hawaii Driver's Manual. A Class 3 license also lets you drive an autocycle, though you can't use one for the road test.

Hawaii driver's license fees

These are as of October 2026, from each county's fee table. On Oahu, card payments add a 2.35% service fee. Kauai's DMV takes cards except Discover and American Express. Some drivers 72 and older can get 4 years instead; see the renewal page.

Moving to Hawaii with a driver's license

You can transfer a valid license from another U.S. state, a U.S. territory or Canada, from age 18. Book a visit, bring the license and your documents, pass an eye test and hand in the old license. On Kauai you also sign a letter to your old state's licensing office saying you've given it up. An expired out-of-state license can't be transferred, so you take the written and road tests as a new driver. Honolulu says the same applies if you've lost your out-of-state license, and Kauai says you may have to apply as a new applicant.

Driving in Hawaii on a foreign or international license

If your country ratified the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, you can drive on your own license with your passport, from age 18, for up to one year after you entered the U.S. Honolulu strongly recommends an International Driving Permit as well.

Japan, Korea and Taiwan have reciprocity agreements with Hawaii. If you hold a valid license from one of them, Honolulu says you can transfer it without the written and road tests, bringing a verification letter notarized, translated and sealed by your consulate.

Getting your Hawaii driving record

A driving record, often called a driver abstract, doesn't come from the licensing office. On Oahu, Honolulu sends you to the State Traffic Violations Bureau, 1111 Alakea Street, (808) 538-5500. On Kauai, the DMV says it can't provide one and points you to the District Court at 3970 Kaana Street, Room A-105, in Lihue.