How to get a driver's license in Hawaii as an immigrant
Everything a new arrival in Hawaii needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.
Quick answers
- Drive on a foreign license?
- A valid foreign license with an International Driving Permit is valid for one year from your first arrival in the U.S.
- Deadline after moving
- Not stated in official sources
- License exchange without tests
- 3 countries
- License without immigration status
- Yes
- No SSN?
- SSN proof required for a REAL ID compliant license; not required for the Limited Purpose license.
Driving on a foreign license
A valid foreign license with an International Driving Permit is valid for one year from your first arrival in the U.S.
Exchanging a foreign license
- Japan
- South Korea
- Taiwan
Must be 18 or older with a valid (not expired) foreign license, plus a consulate verification letter that is notarized, translated and sealed by your consulate. Written and road tests are skipped; eye test, fingerprinting and photo still required. The foreign license is surrendered (invalidated and returned).
If your country is not on the list
Holders of other foreign licenses (or an expired reciprocal license) must pass the written knowledge test and the road test like a new driver.
Driver license reciprocity agreements were established exclusively between Hawaii and only three other countries: Japan, Korea and Taiwan, with certain conditions. www.honolulu.gov
Documents for non-citizens
License validity: For temporary legal presence, the REAL ID license is valid for the verified length of stay; if that cannot be verified, no longer than one year. Must renew in person.
License regardless of immigration status
Limited Purpose Driver's License (and limited purpose instruction permit): no proof of legal presence or SSN needed, but legal name, date of birth and Hawaii residency must be proven. Valid for driving only; not REAL ID and not accepted for federal purposes such as boarding a plane.
Applicants are not required to present proof of legal presence when applying for a Limited Purpose Driver's License. hidot.hawaii.gov
Social Security number
SSN proof required for a REAL ID compliant license; not required for the Limited Purpose license.
Applicants are not required to present proof of a social security number when applying. hidot.hawaii.gov Proof of residency
Two documents with your name and Hawaii address, e.g. utility bill, bank statement, current vehicle registration; originals or certified copies.
Two documents are required to prove principal residence hidot.hawaii.gov
Step by step
- Decide on a REAL ID license (needs legal presence and SSN) or a Limited Purpose license (no legal presence or SSN proof).
- Gather original or certified documents for legal name, date of birth, and two proofs of Hawaii residence; foreign-language documents need a certified translation.
- Book an appointment at your county driver licensing office (AlohaQ on Oahu).
- If you hold a Japan, Korea or Taiwan license, bring the notarized consulate verification letter and your valid license to skip the written and road tests.
- Otherwise, pass the written knowledge test on rules of the road and traffic control devices and get an instruction permit.
- Pass the road test in a safe, registered, insured vehicle, accompanied by a licensed driver.
- Pay the fees, have your photo taken, and surrender any foreign license.
Fees
Fees vary by county. Hawaii County: written test $1, instruction permit $10, road test $10, new license $40 for 8 years (age 25-71) or $20 for 4 years (age 18-24 and 72-79).
New License - 8 years (Age 25-71) $40.00 www.vrl.hawaiicounty.gov
Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in Hawaii
Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.