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FINANCE - VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING DIVISION

DRIVER LICENSING GENERAL INFORMATION

The Driver Licensing Section is an agency with the Department of Finance, Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division.

Office Locations:

Hilo Driver License Office
349 Kapiolani Street
Hilo, HI  96720
(808) 961-2222		 Kona Driver License Office
West Hawaii Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy
Kailua-Kona, HI  96740
(808) 323-4800		 Waimea Driver License Office
67-5185 Kamamalu Street
Kamuela, HI  96743
(808) 887-3087

 

Pahoa Driver License
15-2615 Kea‘au-Pahoa Road
(Pahoa Police Station)
Pahoa, HI  96778
(808) 965-2721

 

Na‘alehu Driver License
95-5355 Mamalahoa Hwy
Na’alehu, HI  96772
(808) 854-7214

  

Email Address: vehiclerl@co.hawaii.hi.us

This page provides the information you need to apply for a driver’s license, to renew a driver’s license or to transfer a driver’s license from another state.

The following study materials are available on line: Hawai‘i State Driver’s License Manual, Motorcycle Manual, and Commercial Driver License Manual go to:    http://hawaii.gov/dot/highways/hwy-v.   The Hawai‘i State Driver’s Manual is also available for purchase at most of the local stores.  The Motorcycle Manual and Commercial Driver License Manual are available for purchase at the Hilo, Kona and Waimea Driver License Office.

Contents:

General Requirements

 Proof of Name and Date of Birth 

  • If you are obtaining a Hawai‘i driver’s license for the first time, you must provide at least one of the following, a valid unexpired out of state license, certified copy of a birth certificate filed with a State Office of Vital Statistics or equivalent agency in the individual’s State of birth, certified marriage certificate filed with a State Office of Vital Statistics or equivalent agency in the State of marriage, certified decree of name change filed with the Lt. Governor’s office or equivalent agency in the State of name change, state or military identification card or immigration documents (alien/refugee registration identification).  Photocopies are not acceptable.

 Proof of Social Security Number

  • If you are obtaining a Hawai‘i driver’s license for the first time, you must provide proof of social security number, such as a social security card, a valid driver’s license, a valid unexpired state identification card or military identification card that displays a social security number.   Photocopies are not acceptable.

Proof of Legal Presence

Proof of Legal Presence is required from:

  • Applicants applying for an original Hawaii driver’s license.  Anyone who has never held or is re-applying for a Hawaii driver’s license must provide proof of legal residence in the U.S.
  • Applicants renewing their Hawaii driver’s license.  Anyone who renews their Hawaii driver’s license must provide proof of legal presence in the U.S.  Applicants who are U.S. citizens and aliens admitted for permanent residence status in the U.S. will need to provide proof of legal presence documents every second renewal.
  •  Drivers reinstating their driving privilege because of a license revocation or cancellation.
    Customers whose license or permit to drive has been revoked or cancelled must provide proof of legal presence in the U.S.
  •  Drivers who have allowed their license to expire.  Anyone who lets his driver’s license expire, even by just one day, must provide proof of legal presence in the U.S. 
  • Permit holders when they pass their road test and obtain a Hawaii driver’s license.  All permit holders must provide proof of legal presence in the U.S.
  • Drivers converting their Hawaii provisional driver’s license to a full driver’s license.   All license holders who convert from a provisional to a full license must provide proof of legal presence in the U.S.

Refer to “List of Acceptable Documents” for further information.

Special circumstances may require additional documents.  Call the driver’s license office nearest you for further information on other requirements.

License Fees

Driver License
Application Fee 1.00
Out of State Application Fee 4.00
Written Test (Pass or Fail) 1.00
Oral Test Fee 10.00
Instruction Permit 10.00
Road Test 10.00
New License – 1 year (or fraction thereof) 5.00
New License – 2 years (Age 72 and above) 10.00
New License – 4 years (Age 18 – 24) 20.00
New License – 8 years (Age 25 – 71) 40.00
Provisional License (per year)(Age 16 – 17) 5.00
License Renewal – 1 years (or fraction thereof) 5.00
License Renewal – 2 years (Age 72 and above) 10.00
License Renewal – 4 years (Age 18 – 24) 20.00
License Renewal – 8 years (Age 25 - 71) 40.00

Commercial Driver License
General Knowledge Test (Pass or Fail) 15.00
Special Knowledge Test (Pass or Fail) 5.00
Instruction Permit 30.00
Duplicate Permit 15.00
Practical Skills Test 50.00
CDL $5 per year or a fraction thereof  
New License 1 year 5.00
New License 2 years (Age 72 and above) 10.00
New License 4 years (Age 21 – 24) 20.00
New License 8 years (Age 25 – 71) 40.00
License Renewal 1 year 5.00
License Renewal (Age 72 and above) 10.00
License Renewal (Age 21-24) 20.00
License Renewal (Age 25 – 71) 40.00
Duplicate License 15.00
License Upgrade 15.00


Form of Payment:

  • Cash
  • Personal Check
  • Money Order
  • Cashier’s Check

We do not accept credit, debit or bank cards.

Number of licenses

You must turn over all driver licenses in your possession in order to obtain a State of Hawai‘i driver’s license.  No driver is permitted to hold more than one driver license at any time.

Ineligibility

You will not be issued a driver license if:

  1. Your license has been suspended or revoked by a court of law;
  2. You have failed to pass the required driver’s test;
  3. You have not provided proof of financial responsibility, if you are required to do so under the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act;
  4. There is reasonable cause to believe that you are afflicted with mental or physical infirmities or disabilities which would make it unsafe for you to operate a motor vehicle;
  5. You are younger than 16 years old;
  6. You are 16 or 17 years old and do not have parental consent;
  7. You are a minor with pending violations or court cases;
  8. You have a traffic violation that is unsatisfied or pending a court hearing;
  9. Your license is suspended or revoked in another state/jurisdiction.
Contents

Renewal Requirements

  1. Complete a driver license application;
  2. Present  original or certified copy of document(s) for proof of name and date of birth;
  3. Present your original social security card;
  4. Present original or certified copy of document(s) for proof of legal presence;
  5. Complete and pass eye screening;
  6. Have a clear driving status on the National Driver Registry.

Refer to “List of Acceptable Documents”

Contents

Out of State Transfer Requirements

  1. Complete a driver license application;
  2. Present your valid unexpired out of state license;
  3. Present your original social security card;
  4. Present your original or certified copy of document(s) for proof of legal presence;
  5. Complete and pass eye screening;
  6. Complete and Pass a 30-question written exam;
  7. You must have a clear driving status on the National Driver Registry.

Refer to “List of Acceptable Documents”

You are required to turn in your out of state license.  If you do not have your out of state license in your possession and do not turn it in, you are required to apply as a new applicant for an Instruction Permit, and take a road test.  Your name on your driver’s license and social security card must match. Upon passing a 30 question written test you will be issued an instruction permit which allows you to drive with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older .  Upon successfully passing a road test, a Hawaii driver’s license will be issued.  Road tests are either by appointment or on a first come first serve basis depending on the office you are visiting.

Contents

New License Requirements

Instruction Permit

  1. Complete a driver license application for an Instruction Permit
  2. Present Identifying documents for proof of name, date of birth and social security number (See list of Acceptable Documents)
  3. Present original or certified copies of document(s) for proof of legal presence
  4. Complete and pass eye screening
  5. Complete and pass 30-question written exam
  6. You must have a clear driving status on the National Driver Registry.

The Instruction permit is valid for one year and allows you to drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age or older.  You may renew the instruction permit 30-days prior to expiration.

Road Test Requirements

  1. Road test appointments are available at Waimea, Kona and Ka‘u.  Road tests are first come first serve at the Hilo and Pahoa office. 
  2. You must present:  valid unexpired instruction permit;
  3. Licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age or older
  4. Current, original unexpired vehicle registration (decal must be on license plate)
  5. Current, yellow unexpired safety inspection form (decal must be on vehicle bumper)
  6. Valid, unexpired Hawai‘i State Insurance Card
  7. All names on all documents must match.
  8. Photocopies, faxes, internet printouts,  policies are not accepted
  9. Vehicle must meet safety standards:
  10. Brake lights, turn signals, speedometer, and seat belts must be in working order; 
  11. No cracks in the windshield;
  12. Front and rear license plates must be affixed to the vehicle in factory mounts;
  13. Power windows and locks must be in working order;
  14. Legal tinted windows.
  15. Vehicle must be clean (interior and exterior)
  16. No Rental or company cars.
  You may be refused a road test if vehicle is deemed unsafe or in unacceptable condition.

Contents

Duplicate License Requirements

You may apply for a duplicate license if you are changing your name or address; do not have your license in your possession (lost/stolen) or your license is damaged.  You must present your driver license, if you do not have your license in your possession, you must provide (2) identifiable documents (i.e. social security card and birth certificate).

  1. Complete driver license application for duplicate license
  2. For name changes, present acceptable documents for name change (certified marriage certificate, certified divorce decree, certified name change document)
Your original license expiration date will remain the same.  If you are eligible for a license renewal (six months prior to expiration) we recommend you apply for a license renewal instead of a duplicate license.

Contents

Renewing License while out of State

You may renew your Hawai‘i driver’s license while out of state.  To renew by mail, you must send a request to renew by mail.  Your request must contain the following information:

  1. Your name as it appears on your current driver’s license;
  2. Your social security number or driver’s license number;
  3. Your date of birth;
  4. A phone number or e-mail address where you can be reached;
  5. An address where you can receive mail;
  6. Your signature as it appears on your license.

The processing of your license may be delayed if any of the above information is missing.  A renewal packet will be mailed to you to complete and return to us.   You may renew six (6) months prior to license expiration date.

If you are in the military and are ordered to a war  zone, you may have your Hawai‘i driver’s license automatically extended.  The extension is valid until 30 days after you return to Hawai‘i.  To apply for an extension, you must mail or fax a copy of your orders or a letter from your commanding officer to the Driver Licensing Section.

Original or certified copies of identifying documents and documents for legal presence are required and must be mailed in with your renewal packet.

Requests for license renewals or extensions may be mailed or faxed to:

Department of Finance
Vehicle Registration & Licensing Division
Driver License Section
349 Kapiolani Street
Hilo, HI  96720

Fax # 808-961-8861
Contents  

Replacing a Lost License while Out of State

  1. You must mail a request for a duplicate license with duplicate license fee ($6.00) made payable to “County Director of Finance”.
  2. Your request must include:
    1. Your name as it appears on your current driver’s license;
    2. Your social security number or driver’s license number;
    3. Your date of birth;
    4. A phone number where you can be reached;
    5. An address where you can receive mail;
    6. Your signature as it appears on your license.
    7. Processing may be delayed if any of the above information is missing.
    8. Upon receipt of your request, a temporary duplicate license valid for 60 days will be mailed to you.  Please allow 5 to 10 days for mailing.
    9. Your request may be mailed to:

Department of Finance
Vehicle Registration & Licensing
Driver License Section
349 Kapiolani Street
Hilo, HI  96720

Contents

Temporary License

  1. A temporary license valid for 60 days will be issued to you at time of license/permit issuance.  A permamnet license will be mailed within 3 to 5 days.
  2. If you intend to use your temporary card for identification purposes, we recommend that you also carry a second form of identification.

Refer to Hawaii’s Legal Presence Law Information and Requirements for further information.

Contents

Special Requirements - Minors

  1. A certified copy of the minor’s birth certificate is required to establish acceptable signatory for parental consent.
  2. Social Security Card
  3. Proof of legal presence

Acceptable Signatories for Instruction Permits for Minors

  1. If parents share custody, both parents must sign (parents married, separated or divorced with joint custody).
  2. Divorced parent with certified court custody papers indicating parent has legal custody may sign.
  3. If one parent is deceased, surviving parent may sign and must present deceased parent’s death certificate.
  4. Legal guardian(s) may sign with certified court documents.
  5. Foster parent(s) may sign with certified court documents.  A minor applicant in foster care shall present verification of foster care on Department of Human Services letterhead signed by the Director or their designee.
  6. Next of kin may sign if both parents are deceased.  Must provide death certificate for both parents.
  7. Responsible adult(s) may sign if both parents are deceased.  Responsible adult(s) must be willing to assume financial responsibility of the minor and must provide death certificate for both parents.
  8. Legally emancipated minor may sign for himself/herself with court documents showing grant of emancipation.
  9. Adult spouse of minor applicant may sign with proof of age and marriage certificate.

Contents

Graduated License (15 and 6 months - 17 years)

The graduated licensing program establishes a three-stage program for drivers under the age of 18.  This program allows beginning drivers to develop their driving skills over time as they gain experience and maturity. 

Instructional Permit Phase

  1. You must be at least 15 years and 6 months in age
  2. You must be in immediate possession of the permit when driving a motor vehicle
  3. You must be seated next to a person who is at least 21 years of age and licensed to operate the same type of motor vehicle.  However, between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., the supervising parent or guardian must be seated next to the minor driver.
  4. You must have all occupants wear their seatbelts and children under 4 years of age be properly restrained within a child safety seat in compliance with Hawai‘i State law.

The permit is valid for one (1) year from date of issuance and may be renewed 30-days prior to the expiration date of the permit and no later than 90 days after the expiration date of the permit.

Failure to renew the instructional permit within 30 days after the expiration date will result in waiting 180 days before being eligible for a road test.

Provisional License Phase

You may be granted a provisional license to operate a motor vehicle if you:

  1. Are at least sixteen (16) years old, but under the age of eighteen (18);
  2. Hold an instruction permit and has held that permit for at least 180 days and there is no pending violation that might result in a suspension or revocation of that person’s instructional permit;
  3. Satisfactorily completes a State certified driver’s education course and possesses the classroom and behind-the-wheel certificates; and
  4. Successfully passes a road examination test.

Provisional License Requirements

  1. Have in their immediate possession their provisional driver’s license;
  2. Have all occupants wear their seat belts and children under 4 years of age be properly restrained within a child safety seat in compliance with Hawai‘i State law;
  3. Passenger Restrictions:

The provisional licensee driver SHALL NOT TRANSPORT more than one person below the age of eighteen (18) without being accompanied by a licensed driver that is the provisional licensee’s parent or guardian, unless that person is a household member.

  1. Night-Time Driving Restriction:

The provisional licensee driver SHALL NOT DRIVE between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., unless accompanied by either a parent or guardian that is licensed to drive the same type of motor vehicle and is seated in the passenger seat beside the licensee.

The person granted a provisional driver’s license may drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. without a licensed parent or guardian in the motor vehicle only under the following conditions:

a)       Traveling to or from the licensee’s place of employment, where the operation of a motor vehicle is necessary for that purpose.  The provisional licensee shall keep in his or her possession a signed statement from the employer containing the employer’s:  name, address, telephone number, and verification of employment and work hours.

b)      Traveling to or from a school-authorized activity, where the operation of a motor vehicle is necessary for that purpose, and the provisional licensee shall keep in his or her possession a signed statement from a parent or guardian containing the parent’s or guardian’s:  name, address, telephone number and verification that the operation of the motor vehicle by the licensee is necessary to travel to or from the school-authorized activity;

Provided that under a and b above, the provisional licensee shall not transport more than one person under the age of eighteen (18) between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. without being accompanied by the licensed parent or guardian of the provisional licensee.

  1. You have until your 19th birthday to convert your provisional driver’s license to a full driver’s license.   Your provisional license expires on your nineteenth (19th) birthday.  If you fail to convert your provisional driver’s license by your 19th birthday, you must reapply as a new applicant. 

Full Driver’s License

You are eligible to apply for a full driver’s license if:

  1. You have satisfactorily held the provisional license for at least six (6) months;
  2. You have no pending violation that might result in a suspension or revocation;
  3. You are at least seventeen (17) years old, and have satisfactorily complied with all the requirements of Chapter 286, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes.

Contents

Applying for a Motorcycle/Moped License

You may operate a moped using your current driver’s license.  You must obtain a Class 2 license to operate a motorcycle or motor scooter.

Requirements for Motorcycle Instruction Permit

  1. Complete application for Instruction Permit / Class 2
  2. Present identifying documents for proof of name, date of birth and social security number (see List of Acceptable Documents);
  3. Present original or certified copy of document(s) for proof of legal presence
  4. Successfully Pass eye screening
  5. Have a clear driving record on the National Driver Registry
  6. Successfully pass the motorcycle written test
  7. Successfully pass the rules of road written test (if you do not currently hold a Class 3 license)

Requirements for Moped Instruction Permit

  1. Complete application for Instruction Permit / Class 1
  2. Present identifying documents for proof of name, date of birth and social security number (See List of Acceptable Documents);
  3. Present original or certified copy of document(s) for proof of legal presence (See List of Acceptable Documents);
  4. Successfully pass eye screening
  5. Have a clear driving record on the National Driver Registry
  6. Successfully pass rules of the road written test
  7. Successfully pass the motorcyle written test
 

Restrictions for Motorcycle/Moped Permit

  1. You may not operate a motorcycle/moped at night.
  2. You may not carry any passengers.
  3. You must wear DOT inspected helmet, goggles
  4. You may not renew your instruction permit unless you have attempted to take the motorcycle skills test.
  5. Once your motorcycle/moped instruction permit expires, you must wait 90 days and reapply as a new applicant.

Motorcycle/Moped Skill Test Requirements

  1. Present Motorcycle/Moped Permit
  2. Present current registration
  3. Present current safety inspection form (safety inspection sticker must be on motorcycle/motor scooter/moped)
  4. Present current insurance card (not applicable for moped)
  5. DOT inspected helmet
  6. You must wear long sleeves or a jacket, pants, shoes or boots (no slippers)

If you are under the age of 18, you are required to hold your Class 1 or 2 permit for 90 days and submit a Driver Education Certificate and Behind the Wheel Motorcycle Certificate before applying for the skills test.

Contents

Commercial Driver License Requirements

Requirements for Application of Commercial Driver’s License

  • Hawai‘i State Driver’s License
  • Social Security Card
  • Certified Copy of U.S. State, Local Government-issued Certificate of Birth
  • Immigration Document(s)
  • DOT Physical (valid for 2 years)
  • Proof of Residency
  • 2x2 facial view color photograph
  • Clear driving record

Requirements for CDL Instruction Permit

  1. Complete CDL Application
  2. Successfully complete General Knowledge test
  3. Successfully complete any other required Special Knowledge test

Requirements for CDL Skills Test

South Hilo practical tests are held Monday through Friday, Kona practical tests are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You must go in person to schedule an appointment. The required $50.00 practical test fee is due at that time.

Bring the following to the road test site:

  1. A valid Hawai‘i Driver License
  2. A valid permit for class of vehicle you will be driving (A, B, C or 4)
  3. A valid DOT physical card
  4. Original and valid certificate of registration
  5. Original and valid DOT vehicle inspection
  6. Original and valid motor vehicle insurance identification card or self-insured certificate

Commercial vehicles that are exempt from DOT vehicle inspection must present DOT exemption form.  A licensed driver with the same class of license or higher with proper endorsements and valid DOT physical certificate must accompany applicant to the test site.  Proper attire must be worn for testing.  Use of slippers is not allowed.

Obtaining CDL License

You must return to the Driver License office upon completion of your skill tests to complete the licensing process.

  1. Present envelope with test scores
  2. Turn in your Hawai‘i Driver’s License and Instruction Permit
  3. Your driving status must be clear
  4. Pay required fees for new license

Requirements for Hazardous Materials Endorsement

  • Written exam
  • Proof of Social Security Number
  • DOT Physical Certificate
  • Proof of Residency
  • Proof of Citizenship
  • TSA Clearance

TSA clearance may be obtained at https://hazprints.tsa.dhs.gov  or by calling the TSA helpdesk at 877-429-7746.  TSA clearance is valid for five (5) years.

2005 Commercial Driver License Manual now on sale.

New Skills Test to begin December 1, 2010

Contents

Supplemental to 2005 CDL Manual

You must pass all three parts of the practical test on the same day.  The order of the tests is:  pre-trip inspection; off-road; and road test.  Failure of the air brake test is an automatic failure for the pre-trip inspection test.  The test will be discontinued at that point.  You must pay $50 for the practical test at the time you schedule an appointment for the test, before you take the test.  If you fail the test or fail to show up for the test, there is no refund.  The $50 is for the complete three-part practical test.  If any part is failed, the whole test is failed and the whole test must be rescheduled.

No memory aids are allowed during the tests.

You may get out of the driver’s seat to check the location of the vehicle only one time per exercise during the off-road skill test.  At the beginning of the test, you will be informed about exiting the vehicle safely, which includes placing the vehicle into neutral/park and setting the parking brake(s).  Exit trucks facing the vehicle while maintaining three points of contact at all times.  If you exit in an unsafe manner, you will be informed again of your responsibility to exit the vehicle safely.  If you exit the vehicle in an unsafe manner (including not securing the vehicle) a second time, additional ten points will be deducted for that exercise for failure to follow instructions.  Bus drivers do not need to exit backwards, but they must hold on to the rails as they exit.

One and one-half hours is the maximum time allowed for the entire practical test using a Class B or lower vehicle (pre-trip, off-road and road test).  If a Class A vehicle is used, the maximum time is two hours.

Hawaii will use the random (partial) method of conducting the pre-trip inspection.   The basic control skill test also involves random selection of some maneuvers.

If you fail to follow instructions, ten additional points are deducted from your score for that exercise.  For instance, if you had two points deducted prior to not following instructions, then the points deducted for that exercise total 12.

You must wear a seat belt while performing the off-road driving test.

School bus doors must be closed when doing the off-road driving test.

If you accumulate 13 points during the basic control skill test, the practical test will be discontinued.  You will need to reschedule all three parts of the practical test.

Hawaii defines a Class A vehicle the same as it is defined in the FMCSR and 286-2, HRS, which is as follows:  “Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.”

Hawaii allows simulated railroad crossing and student discharge. 

Effective on April 12, 2010, the penalties for convictions of Violation of an Out-of-Service order changed as shown below:

Contents

Failure to Renew License

If you fail to renew your driver’s license by its expiration date, you can be cited for driving without a license and you must appear in court.  If you license does expire without being renewed, the following time limits apply for the renewal of your license.   You must not drive with an expired license.

  1. You will have 90 days after the expiration date to renew your license
  2. After 90 days and up to one year, you will be assessed a fee of $5 for every 30 day period or portion thereof.
  3. After one year, you will be considered a new applicant.  You must take the written and driving tests again.

Contents

Violating Out-of-Service Orders

  1. Driving while out of service order is in effect and transporting 16 or more passengers, including the driver and/or transporting hazardous materials that require a placard.
  2. General driving while out of service order is in effect.

Contents

For a conviction in a HAZMAT CMV and/or a Passenger CMV
1st conviction 2nd conviction of a separate incident of an offense in this table during a 10-year period 3rd or subsequent conviction of a separate incident of an offense in this table, during a 10-year period
180 days to 2 year disqualification 3 to 5 year disqualification 3 to 5 year disqualification

For a conviction in a CMV that was not a Passenger CMV or a HAZMAT CMV
180 days to 1 year disqualification 2 to 5 year disqualification  

 Contents

Acceptable Documents

Proof of Name and Date of Birth

  1. Valid, unexpired Out-of-State, U.S. territorial or Canadian driver’s license
  2. Valid, unexpired U.S. passport
  3. Valid, unexpired Foreign passport with appropriate Immigration Document(s)
  4. U.S. Immigration and Naturalization documents
  5. Alien registration/refugee identification card
  6. Valid, unexpired State of Hawai‘i identification card with photo
  7. U.S. Government issued Consular Report of Birth Abroad

Proof of Social Security Number

  1. Social Security card in name of applicant (no copies or metal plates)
  2. Valid Driver’s license with social security number and photo
  3. Valid State of Hawaii identification card with social security number and photo
  4. Valid Military identification card with social security number
  5. Medicare identification card with suffix “A”
  6. W-2 tax form issued from previous year

Proof of Name Change

  1. Certified marriage certificate, displaying name change
  2. State issued marriage certificate with seal
  3. Certified divorce decree displaying name change
  4. Certified decree of name change issued by the courts or Lt. Governor’s Office, State of Hawai‘i.

Proof of Residency – all documents must show driver’s name and current address

  • Utility bill
  • Residential rental agreement
  • Bank statement (dated not more than two months from date of application)
  • Hawaii vehicle registration (dated not more than thirty days from date of application)
  • Paycheck/stub (dated not more than two months from date of application)

Proof of Citizenship – Required for Hazardous Materials Endorsement

U.S. Citizen

  • Valid U.S. Passport
  • Certificate of birth that bears an official seal and was issued by a State, county, municipal authority, or outlying possession of the United States
  • Certification of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State (Form FS-545 or DS 1350)

Lawful Permanent Resident

  • Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)
  • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)
  • Lawful Permanent Resident
  • Permanent Resident Card, Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551)
  • Temporary I-551 stamp in foreign passport
  • Temporary I-551 stamp on Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, with photograph of the bearer
  • Reentry Permit (Form I-327)

Directory of Driver Licensing Offices

The following is a list of driver licensing offices around the island and written tests/road tests hours:

Office Location Written Test Hours Road Test Hours Fax #
Hilo 349 Kapiolani St, Hilo 8:00 am – 3:00 pm 8:00 am  & 1:00 pm 961-8861
Waimea 67-5185 Kamamalu St 8:00 am – 10:00 am

12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

 By Appointment Only 887-3087
Kailua-Kona West Hawaii Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway 8:00 am – 3:00 pm By Appointment Only 323-4819

Na‘alehu

Pahoa

95-5355 Mamalahoa Hwy

15-2615 Keaau-Pahoa Road

By Appointment Only

8:00 am - 3:00 pm

By Appointment Only

By Appointment Only

939-2517

965-2724

 

        

EMAIL ADDRESS: vehiclerl@co.hawaii.hi.us

Furlough Hours for Na‘alehu ONLY:  July 7, August 4, September 1, October 6, December 1, January 5, February 2, March 2, April 6, and May 4 (May 4 will be open 3.2 hours)

2012 Furlough Day Closures

   
January 6
February 3
March 2
April 9
May 4
June 1
July 6
August 3
September 7
October 5
November 2
December 7

 

FAQs

1.       My insurance card is expired; can I use a fax copy or bring in my policy?

You must bring in a fraudulent resistant insurance card.  We are unable to accept a faxed copy or use your policy.

2.      How long is my written test valid for?

The written test for Class 1, 2 and 3 is valid for thirty days.  Commercial driver license tests are valid for one year.

3.      I currently hold a CDL and my license were revoked for driving under the influence by the Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office.  What happens to my CDL?

We are required by law to “withdraw” your CDL for a period of one year.  After the one year period ends, you must re-apply as a new applicant and pay a reinstatement fee.

4.      I currently hold a CDL and the courts suspended my CDL for driving under the influence, how does that affect my license.

We are required by law to “withdraw” your CDL for a period of one year.  After the one year period ends, you must pay a reinstatement fee before we will give you back your license.

5.      Can I use a rental vehicle to take my road test?

No, the insurance coverage for rental vehicles do not extend to unlicensed drivers.

6.      I am in Maine and have lost my license.  Can my mother come in to pay for another one for me.

No.  You must send us a letter requesting a duplicate license and appropriate fee ($6).  Your letter must have your name as it appears on your license, your driver’s license number or social security number, your date of birth, a telephone number or email address, your signature and an address where we can forward your license to.

7.      My child is 15 ½ and wants to get her permit.  Her father does not live in Hawai‘i, and we have joint custody does he need to sign for her permit?

Yes.  Your daughter may come in to take the written test.  She must present a certified copy of her birth certificate, social security card and divorce decree showing custody.  In addition, if your name has changed, you will need to present name change documents (divorce decree, marriage certificate).  We will complete an application card for you to send to her father for his signature.  Father must sign in front of a Notary Public.  The written test will be held for 30 days.

8.      I received a letter which says, “Order of Security Requirement or Suspension” what do I need to do?

You are receiving this letter because of your recent involvement in a motor vehicle traffic accident.  If you had insurance on the vehicle you were operating at the time of the accident, contact your insurance company and inform them that you are required to submit the Form SR-21.  Be prepared to provide your insurance company with a copy of the letter.  We must receive the Form SR-21 before the “order effective date” located on the bottom of the letter.   The Form SR-21 is verification of insurance.  Even though you showed the Police Officer your insurance card at the time of the accident we are required by law to obtain verification.  If you did not have insurance at the time of the accident, you must comply by providing a Security Deposit as stated on the letter, obtain a Release from Liability from the other party whose property was damaged, or provide evidence of an installment agreement that you have entered into.  If you are unable to do any of the five items, your license will be suspended for a period of two years.

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