Drivers Permits in Hawaii

The first step for anyone wanting to drive on the roads of Hawaii is to apply for a driver's permit. This permit means different things to different people depending on age.

However, if you do not have a license and seek one, the permit will be the first document in hand regardless of age or driving experience. Of course, if you are above 18 years of age you can skip the instructional graduated process, make a driving appointment, and then take the written test a few days prior.

You will not own the permit long, but you will still have it prior to the real thing: an official Hawaii driver's license.

How to Apply for a Driver's Permit

• You must be at least 15 1/2 years old.

• Provide acceptable identification.

• Provide proof of legal presence.

• Provide Social Security number (see below for acceptable proof).

• You must pass a vision test.

• You must pass a "Rules of the Road" multiple-choice test. A passing grade is 80%.

• You must pass a test showing that you can identify road signs.

If you are under the age of 18, this is the first step in the three-phase graduated licensing process. You must hold your learner's permmit for at least 180 days before you can take the road test. Those 18 and over who meet all the qualifications and pass the tests are now ready to attempt the actual driving test. Pass the driving test and you will own a driver's license.

Acceptable Identification

Identification

A first-time applicant will need to provide proof of:

• Identity
• Legal presence
• Social Security number

Verifying documents must be original or certified copies, or your application will be rejected.

Acceptable documents for proving your name:

• Hawaii state ID card with photo

• United States passport

• Certified birth certificate

• Certificate of Citizenship

• Certificate of Naturalization

• A U.S. State- or local government-issued Consular Report of Birth Abroad

• Valid U.S. jurisdiction-issued driver's license, ID, or photo learner's permit (it must include your photo)

• Marriage certificate

• Civil union certificate

• Court order for name change

• Non-U.S. Citizen―Valid foreign passport with appropriate immigration documents

• Non-U.S. Citizen―Valid DHS/USCIC I-551 Permanent Resident Card issued since 1997

• Non-U.S. Citizen―Valid DHS/USCIC I-688 Temporary Resident Card

• Non-U.S. Citizen―Valid DHS/USCIC I-688B, I-766 Employment Authorization Card

• Military―Valid U.S. Active Duty/Retiree/Reservist Military ID card

• Military―Valid U.S. Uniform Services ID and Privileges card

• Military Active Duty and Reservists, Civilian Workers, Contract Workers―Valid DOD Common Access Card (CAC)

• Federal―Valid DHS/TSA Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

Acceptable documents for proving your name:

• Hawaii state ID card with photo

• United States passport

• Certified birth certificate

• Certificate of Citizenship

• Certificate of Naturalization

• Non-U.S. Citizen―Valid DHS/USCIC I-551 Permanent Resident Card issued since 1997

• Non-U.S. Citizen―Valid DHS/USCIC I-688 Temporary Resident Card

• Non-U.S. Citizen―Valid DHS/USCIC I-688B, I-766 Employment Authorization Card

• Non-U.S. Citizen―U.S. Department of Receptions and Placement Program Assurance Form

• Non-U.S. Citizen―DHS/USCIC I-797 Notice of Action

• Non-U.S. Citizen―Valid foreign passport with appropriate immigration documents

• Acceptable documents for proving your Social Security number, provided Social Security number is included on the document:

• Valid U.S. jurisdiction-issued driver's license, ID, or photo learner's permit (it must include your photo)

• Social Security card (original only, no copies)

• A pay stub showing your name and printed Social Security number

• Wage and Tax Statement form W-2 or 1099R

• Medicare ID Card

• SSA-1099 form, from a previous year

• Non SSA-1099 form, from a previous year

• Military―Valid U.S. Active Duty/Retiree/Reservist Military ID card

• Military―Valid U.S. Uniform Services ID and Privileges card

Permit Fees

Fees vary with each county but are generally around $10.

Permit Renewal

A driver's instructional permit is valid for one year. If for some reason you are still not ready to attempt the road test after that time period, you can renew the permit one time.

You can renew the permit anytime 30 days prior to and 90 days after the expiration date. If you let the 90 days elapse, you need to begin the process from the beginning (i.e., take all the tests again).

Office Locations

• Oahu

• Hawaii (Big Island)

• Maui

• Kauai

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