Transferring your driver's license to Hawaiʻi

New residents must switch to a Hawaiʻi license within 30 days of establishing residency. With a valid U.S. license you skip the road test but must pass the written knowledge test, apply in person at your county DMV, and bring original documents. An 8-year license for ages 25 to 71 is $40.

• Deadline: 30 days after you become a resident (renting or buying a home, taking a Hawaiʻi job, enrolling kids in school, registering to vote or registering a car).
• Test: written knowledge test only for valid U.S. license holders ($2 online). Study the Hawaiʻi Driver's Manual.
• Bring originals or certified copies (no notarized copies): proof of name and birth date, legal U.S. presence, Social Security number (recommended) and two proofs of Hawaiʻi address. If your name changed, bring the marriage certificate or court order.
• Fees: $40 for an 8-year license (ages 25 to 71). Card payments carry a small convenience fee.
• Each county runs its own DMV (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaiʻi and Kauaʻi). Book an appointment; on Oʻahu use alohaq.org.
• You get a 60-day paper temporary; the card arrives by mail in about 6 to 8 weeks. Hawaiʻi cards are REAL ID compliant (gold star) by default.
• Non-drivers can get a Hawaiʻi State ID with similar documents.

Sources: How to Live in Hawaiʻi: Hawaiʻi driver license and state ID · Maui County: out-of-state license transfer · Hawaiʻi County: out-of-state transfers

Last checked Oct. 29, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.