What you need to get a Hawaii driver license
To get a driver license in Hawaii, you must visit a Hawaii driver license office in person with proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You cannot complete this process online or by mail — the state requires you to take a written test, vision test, and photo at the office.
Hawaii accepts a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card as proof of identity. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. For your address, a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process in person.
The written test covers Hawaii traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the official Hawaii Driver Manual, available free on the Hawaii Department of Transportation website. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to your appointment.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Hawaii driver license office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and current address — no online or mail options exist.
- The written test covers Hawaii traffic laws and road signs, and you can study using the free Hawaii Driver Manual online.
- Hawaii driver licenses cost $60 for an eight-year license or $30 for a four-year license, depending on your age and whether you are a resident.
- You can renew your license by mail or online if you are between 18 and 72, have no medical restrictions, and your license is not suspended or revoked.
- If your license expires while you are outside Hawaii, you have a grace period to renew it after you return, but driving with an expired license is not permitted.
Driver license office locations and appointment scheduling
Hawaii has driver license offices on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (Big Island), and Kauai. The main office is in Honolulu on Oahu. You can find the full list of office addresses and hours on the Hawaii Department of Transportation website.
You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times can be long, especially on weekdays. Some offices accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan your visit. Bring all required documents and plan to spend one to two hours at the office.
Cost and license validity period
A Hawaii driver license costs $60 for an eight-year license if you are 18 or older. If you are 15 or 16, you can get a four-year license for $30. Licenses for people 72 and older are also $30 and valid for four years. Hawaii accepts cash, check, and credit or debit card at driver license offices.
Your license is valid for the full period printed on it. If your birthday falls during that time, you do not need to renew early — your license remains valid until the expiration date shown. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you are still within the grace period for renewal.
Renewing your Hawaii driver license by mail or online
If you are between 18 and 72, have no medical restrictions, and your license is not suspended or revoked, you can renew by mail or online. You do not need to take the written or vision test again unless the Hawaii Department of Transportation requests one based on your driving record or age.
To renew online, visit the Hawaii Department of Transportation website and follow the renewal portal. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $60 for an eight-year license.
To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the Hawaii Department of Transportation or pick one up at any driver license office. Mail the completed form with your current license, payment, and any required documents to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the Hawaii Department of Transportation and request a replacement. You will need to visit a driver license office in person with proof of identity and your Social Security number. A replacement license costs $15 and is issued the same day.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can request a replacement at any driver license office. Bring your current license and payment of $15. If your license is so damaged that it cannot be read, the office may issue a replacement without requiring the original.
Changing your name or address on your license
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your license within 30 days. Visit a driver license office with your current license, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. There is no fee to change your name.
If you move to a new address in Hawaii, you must update your license within 30 days. You can change your address online through the Hawaii Department of Transportation website if your license is not suspended or revoked. If you move out of Hawaii, you do not need to update your Hawaii license, but you will need to get a license in your new state.
Driving with an out-of-state or international license
If you are a visitor to Hawaii with a valid driver license from another U.S. state or country, you can drive in Hawaii with that license. However, if you become a Hawaii resident, you must get a Hawaii driver license within 30 days. Hawaii considers you a resident if you live in the state for more than 30 consecutive days or establish a permanent home there.
An international driving permit is not required in Hawaii if you have a valid license from your home country, but it can be useful as a translation. Your home country license must be written in English or accompanied by an official translation. If your license is suspended or revoked in another state, you cannot drive in Hawaii.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Hawaii driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No, Hawaii requires a Social Security number to issue a driver license. If you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, you may be able to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS and use that instead. Contact the Hawaii Department of Transportation to discuss your specific situation.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake the test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt if they study the Hawaii Driver Manual before returning.
How long does it take to get a Hawaii driver license after I pass the test?
Your license is printed at the driver license office and issued the same day you pass the test and vision exam. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is mailed to your address, which takes about two weeks.
Can I renew my license if I am outside Hawaii?
Yes, you can renew by mail or online if you meet the requirements. If your license expires while you are outside Hawaii, you have a grace period to renew it after you return, but you cannot legally drive with an expired license during that time.
Do I need to pass a new vision test when I renew my license?
Not usually. If you renew by mail or online and have no medical restrictions, you do not need a new vision test. However, the Hawaii Department of Transportation may request one based on your age or driving record, and you will be notified if this applies to you.