What you need to know about getting a Guam driver license

A Guam driver license is issued by the Department of Revenue and Taxation, Motor Vehicle Division, and is required to drive legally on the island. The process involves passing a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a practical driving test. You will need to bring specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number, and the entire process typically takes a few visits to complete.

Guam recognizes licenses from other U.S. states and territories, but if you are a new resident or have never held a license, you must go through the full testing sequence. The Motor Vehicle Division is located in Hagatna, and you can also find satellite offices in other parts of the island.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a written test on Guam traffic laws, a vision screening, and a behind-the-wheel driving test before receiving your license.
  • Bring an original birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Guam residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
  • The Motor Vehicle Division charges a fee for the license, and the cost varies depending on the license type and validity period you choose.
  • If you already hold a valid driver license from another U.S. state or territory, you may be able to transfer it without retesting, depending on Guam's reciprocity rules at the time you explore.

Documents you need to bring

The Motor Vehicle Division requires an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, or other government-issued photo ID to prove your identity. You also need to show proof of your Social Security number, which can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return.

For proof of Guam residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at your Guam address. The document must show your name and current address and typically cannot be more than 60 days old. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, ask the Motor Vehicle Division which other documents they will accept, as rules can vary.

The written test and vision screening

The written test covers Guam traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Guam Driver's Manual, which the Motor Vehicle Division provides. The test is usually multiple choice and you must pass with a score that meets Guam's standard — ask the division what the passing score is when you arrive, as this can change.

The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to get an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist and bring the results back before you can proceed.

The behind-the-wheel driving test

After passing the written and vision tests, you schedule a practical driving test with a Motor Vehicle Division examiner. You drive your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the division, depending on what is available. The examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers such as parking, turning, stopping, and following traffic laws.

Bring your current out-of-state license or a learner's permit if you have one. The examiner will note any violations of traffic laws or unsafe driving practices. If you do not pass, you can retake the test, though you may need to wait a set number of days before your next attempt — ask the division what that waiting period is.

License types and fees

Guam offers different license types depending on your age and driving history. A standard driver license is for adults 18 and older. A junior license is available for drivers aged 16 to 17 and may have restrictions on when and where you can drive. A commercial driver license (CDL) is required if you drive certain large or hazardous vehicles for work.

The Motor Vehicle Division charges a fee for each license type, and the cost depends on how long you want the license to be valid — typically three, five, or ten years. Fees change periodically, so contact the Motor Vehicle Division directly or visit their office to learn the current cost for the license type and validity period you need.

If you already have a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver license from another U.S. state or territory and you are moving to Guam, you may not need to retake all the tests. Guam has reciprocity agreements with some states, meaning your out-of-state license may be recognized without a full retesting process. However, you will still need to exchange it for a Guam license and provide proof of residency.

Contact the Motor Vehicle Division before you visit to confirm whether your state's license qualifies for reciprocity and what documents you need to bring. Reciprocity rules can change, and some states have different agreements than others, so it is worth checking first rather than making a trip only to find out you need to take the tests.

Where to go and how to prepare

The main Motor Vehicle Division office is in Hagatna. Satellite offices operate in other locations around Guam, and you can contact the main office to find the one closest to you. Hours of operation vary by location, so call ahead or check online before you go.

Bring all required documents in originals or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted. Arrive early, as the division can be busy and you may wait several hours. Bring your current license or ID, your Social Security card or proof, and your residency documents. If you are taking the driving test, make sure your vehicle is in safe working condition and that your insurance is current.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Guam driver license?

The process typically takes multiple visits over several weeks. Your first visit covers the written and vision tests, which you can usually complete in one appointment. The behind-the-wheel test is scheduled separately and may not be available for several days or weeks depending on examiner availability. Once you pass all tests, the license is usually issued the same day or within a few days.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Contact the Motor Vehicle Division to ask whether they offer the written test in other languages. Some jurisdictions provide tests in multiple languages, but availability varies. It is best to confirm this before your visit so you know what to expect.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the test after waiting a set number of days — ask the Motor Vehicle Division what that waiting period is when you fail. You do not need to retake the written and vision tests unless they have expired. You will pay the test fee again for each attempt.

Do I need a learner's permit before I take the driving test?

Requirements for a learner's permit vary by age and prior driving experience. Younger drivers may need to hold a permit for a certain period before taking the driving test. Ask the Motor Vehicle Division whether you need a permit based on your age and situation.

What if my documents are from outside the United States?

If your birth certificate or other identity documents are from another country, you will need a certified English translation and may need to have them certified by a notary or the issuing country's embassy or consulate. Contact the Motor Vehicle Division before your visit to confirm what they will accept.