What you need to get a Guam driver's license

A Guam driver's license is issued by the Department of Revenue and Taxation, Motor Vehicle Division, and serves as both a driving permit and a state ID. To obtain one, you must be at least 16 years old, provide proof of identity and residency, pass a written test on traffic laws, and pass a practical driving test. The entire process typically takes several visits to the Motor Vehicle Division office in Hagatna.

Guam does not recognize out-of-state licenses as permanent identification once you become a resident. If you move to Guam or are already living there, you will need to convert your existing license or obtain a new one within a set timeframe — usually 30 to 60 days after establishing residency, though this varies based on your visa status and employment situation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must provide a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Guam residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
  • The written test covers Guam traffic laws and road signs; study materials are available from the Motor Vehicle Division office.
  • The practical driving test requires you to demonstrate basic vehicle control and safe driving in real traffic conditions on Guam roads.
  • Fees vary based on license type and validity period; a standard license typically costs between $25 and $50 and is valid for four to eight years.
  • Minors under 18 must complete a driver education course and have parental consent before taking the written test.

Documents you must bring to the Motor Vehicle Division

The Motor Vehicle Division requires original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not be accepted. You need a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or existing driver's license), your birth certificate, and proof of your Social Security number, which can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 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 be dated within the last 60 days. If you are a military member or dependent, military orders and a military ID may substitute for residency proof.

If you are renewing a license that expired more than two years ago, you may need to retake the written and practical tests. If your license expired within the last two years, you may be able to renew by mail or online, depending on your age and whether your address has changed.

The written test: what to study

The written test covers Guam traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. Questions are typically multiple choice and are administered on a computer at the Motor Vehicle Division office. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test, usually within a few days, though you may need to pay a retest fee.

Study materials are available free at the Motor Vehicle Division office in Hagatna or on the Guam government website. The office also offers a practice test that mirrors the format and difficulty of the actual exam. Many people find it helpful to review the materials for one to two weeks before scheduling their test appointment.

The practical driving test and what examiners look for

The practical test takes place on actual Guam roads and typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. An examiner will observe your ability to start and stop smoothly, turn safely, maintain proper speed, follow traffic signals, and respond to other vehicles and pedestrians. You must use your own vehicle or arrange to use one provided by a driving school.

Common reasons people fail the practical test include failing to come to a complete stop at stop signs, improper lane changes, speeding or driving too slowly, and not checking mirrors and blind spots. If you fail, you can usually retake the test within a week or two, though you will need to pay another test fee. Many people take a few lessons with a local driving instructor before attempting the practical test.

License types and validity periods in Guam

Guam issues several license types depending on your age and driving history. A standard Class 1 license is for regular passenger vehicles and is the most common type. A Class 2 license is for motorcycles. A commercial license (Class 3) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work and requires additional testing and medical certification.

Standard licenses are typically valid for four years if you are under 65 and eight years if you are 65 or older. Motorcycle licenses follow the same validity periods. Licenses can be renewed before expiration by visiting the Motor Vehicle Division office, and some renewals may be completed by mail if you meet certain conditions.

Fees and payment methods

License fees in Guam vary based on type and validity period. A standard four-year Class 1 license costs approximately $25 to $35, while an eight-year license costs more. Motorcycle and commercial licenses have different fee structures. The Motor Vehicle Division accepts cash and checks; credit card acceptance varies by location, so call ahead to confirm.

Additional fees explore if you need to retake the written or practical test, replace a lost or damaged license, or change your address. A duplicate license typically costs $10 to $15. If you need your license urgently, some services may be expedited for an additional fee, though standard processing takes one to two weeks.

Special rules for minors and new residents

Drivers under 18 must complete a driver education course approved by the Guam Department of Education before they can take the written test. This course covers traffic laws, vehicle safety, and defensive driving techniques and typically takes 30 hours of classroom instruction plus behind-the-wheel training. Your parent or guardian must sign a consent form before you can test.

New residents who hold a valid out-of-state license may be able to exchange it for a Guam license without retaking the written test, depending on how long they held the out-of-state license and their age. However, you will still need to pass the practical test and provide proof of residency. Military members and their dependents may have different requirements based on their status and length of stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired out-of-state license as ID while I wait for my Guam license?

An expired license is generally not accepted as valid ID. Once you become a Guam resident, you should obtain your Guam license as soon as possible. In the meantime, a passport or military ID can serve as identification if needed.

What happens if I fail the practical driving test?

You can retake the test after a waiting period, usually a few days to a week. You will need to pay the test fee again. Many people use this time to take additional driving lessons or practice on the specific roads where the test is conducted.

Do I need to retake the written test if I already have a valid license from another state?

This depends on how long you held your out-of-state license and your current age. Some new residents can exchange their license without retaking the written test, but you will still need to pass the practical test and provide Guam residency proof.

How long does it take to get a Guam driver's license from start to finish?

The timeline varies, but most people complete the process in four to eight weeks. This includes time to gather documents, study for the written test, schedule appointments, take both tests, and wait for the license to be printed and mailed to you.

What if I lose my Guam driver's license?

Report the loss to the Motor Vehicle Division and request a duplicate. You will need to provide identification and pay a replacement fee. A duplicate license typically arrives within one to two weeks.