Find a licensing center
There are five testing locations. You can call them at:
- Hilo—(808) 961-2223.
- Kona—(808) 323-4800.
- Waimea—(808) 881-3488.
- Pahoa—(808) 965-2721.
- Na`alehu—(808) 854-7214
Getting a license for the first time
All drivers have different requirements for getting a license for the first time. Here’s what you should know.
Age 16
Drivers who are under the age of 18 need to complete a graduated driver licensing program in Hawaii. This consists of obtaining an instruction permit, provisional license and, eventually, an unrestricted license.
The instruction permit allows student drivers to drive with a licensed adult who is 21 or older between 5 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Drivers may drive at any time with a parent or guardian.
Provisional licenses allow drivers to be unsupervised between 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., but they must be with a parent at other times or have proof that they are driving to or from school or work with a signed statement.
Learners may get their first license at 15 1/2 years old. The provisional license is available at age 16. Student drivers may get their unrestricted licenses at 17.
Age 18+
If you’ll be applying for your license and are over 18, there are fewer requirements. You will need to apply for your license in person at any local DMV office in your county. You also have to pass:
- A vision examination
- The driving skills test
- The written test
You will be eligible for a Class 3 license, a standard license, if you are 18 or older. Keep in mind that the Kauai Treasury Division of Finance does require all drivers to have a Hawaii instruction permit or proof of a driver’s license from another state before you can get a license in Kauai.
To get your license, you should take proof of your identity, Social Security number, residency and a completed State of Hawaii Driver License Application to your local DMV.
Renewing your license
To renew your license, you need to complete a driver license application. You will also need to:
- Present proof your name and date of birth
- Present your Social Security Number
- Have two documents that prove your residency in Hawaii
- Pass an eye screening
- Present proof of legal presence
- Have a clear driving record according to the National Driver Registry
Do you need a REAL ID?
The government has extended the REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023, but it is a good idea to get a REAL ID if you need to go into any federal building or would like to travel domestically or internationally. You can use a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID or enhanced license to do these same things, but the REAL ID is also qualified and compliant identification.
Upgrade your probationary license
If you would like to update your provisional license, you will need to be at least 17 years old and have completed your graduated licensing program. You must have held the learner’s permit for at least 180 days and completed driver’s education before you will qualify for this license. You also need to schedule and pass a driver’s test at your local DMV.
Replace a lost or stolen license
To get a replacement of your lost or stolen license, complete a Driver License Application or head to your local DMV. You should have two documents proving who you are when you go to the DMV or submit the paperwork.