How to get a driver's license in Hawaii

How it works

• Who issues licenses

  In Hawaii, driver licenses are issued by the four counties: the City & County of Honolulu, the County of Hawai’i (Hawaii County), the County of Maui and the County of Kauai. The Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) publishes the Hawaii Driver’s Manual. In 2012 the DOT and all county driver license offices put Act 38 into effect, which affected driver licensing requirements statewide. Each county has its own driver license offices and website, and the county pages do not always word a rule the same way. Where only one county’s page states a rule, this guide says whose page it is.

  Source: [2] [20]

• The class 3 license

  Class 3 is the license for cars and lightweight trucks (18,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating or less) and for buses designed to carry 15 or fewer occupants. This guide covers that license and the permits that lead to it. It does not cover motorcycle, moped or commercial licenses; commercial licenses follow the separate Hawaii Commercial Driver’s License Manual.

  Source: [1]

• When a license is not issued

  The manual and Honolulu’s requirements page list cases in which you will not be issued a driver’s license. For example, you will not be licensed if:

  • you are under the age of 16 (Honolulu’s page);
  • you have outstanding traffic citations (the manual); Honolulu’s page says outstanding violations must be cleared with the Traffic Violations Bureau before a license can be obtained;
  • you are within a period of suspension or revocation ordered by a court (the manual);
  • you have not deposited proof of financial responsibility, such as an auto liability insurance policy or surety bond, where state law requires it (Honolulu’s page);
  • you do not have an instruction permit or a valid driver’s license from another U.S. jurisdiction (Honolulu’s page);
  • you have not passed the required examination (the manual).

  Source: [1] [11] [13]

• One license at a time

  Honolulu’s page says no driver may hold more than one valid driver’s license at any time, so you surrender any other valid license when you get a new one.

  Source: [13]

• Study the manual

  Honolulu’s page says the written examination is based on the Hawaii Driver’s Manual. The DOT Motor Vehicle Safety Office publishes the manual in English and in Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Hawaiian, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Chuukese, Ilocano, Marshallese, Samoan, Tagalog, Tongan and Vietnamese. The manual says it is a guide and does not replace state laws or county ordinances.

  Source: [1] [9] [20]

• Medical conditions

  Honolulu’s page says the examiner tests your eyesight and decides whether you have the physical and mental capability to drive safely. If you have a medical condition that may affect your fitness to drive, Honolulu’s page says you must submit the state DOT Medical Report form completed by your doctor, which the Medical Advisory Board reviews.

  Source: [8] [13]

If you are under 18: permit, practice, license

1. Get an instruction permit

   The minimum age for an instruction permit is 15 and a half. The manual says you must pass the preliminary examinations, a vision screening test and a rules-of-the-road test. Hawaii County’s page says a minor must be 15 and a half at the time of application and that all documentation is needed before a written test is given. See “The tests.”

   Source: [1] [16]

2. Parent or guardian consent

   Applicants under 18 need a signed parental consent form (an affidavit). Who must sign depends on custody, and the county pages word this differently, so check your county’s page. Two points to know:

   • If you are under 18, bring your birth certificate (the Honolulu, Hawaii County, Maui and Kauai pages; Hawaii County asks for a certified copy).
   • The affidavit must be witnessed. Honolulu’s page says it must be notarized, or signed in person and witnessed by Driver Licensing Center staff; Maui’s and Kauai’s pages say it must be witnessed by a person authorized to administer oaths.

   Source: [9] [13] [16] [17] [18]

3. Practice with a supervising driver

   With an instruction permit you may drive only when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. In all vehicles except motorcycles, the licensed driver must sit in the right front seat. The manual says a minor who drives between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

   Source: [1] [16]

4. How long the permit lasts

   Honolulu’s and Hawaii County’s pages say the instruction permit is valid for one year and may be renewed from 30 days before until 90 days after it expires. If you do not renew it within 30 days after it expires, you must wait 180 days before you can take a road test. Honolulu’s page says permits may not be renewed by mail.

   Source: [9] [13] [16]

5. Driver education and 180 days

   The manual says you must hold a valid instruction permit for 180 days before you apply for a provisional license, and you must complete a State-certified driver’s education course and have the classroom and behind-the-wheel certificates. Honolulu’s page says you must show your driver education certification before the road test. The DOT runs the Driver Education Program for drivers under 18.

   Source: [1] [8] [21]

6. Apply for a provisional license

   The minimum age for a provisional license is 16. To get one you must have held a valid instruction permit for 180 days, have completed a State-certified driver’s education course and pass a road test. Honolulu’s page says that a provisional or full license is not issued to a person under 18 who has pending violations or proceedings that might result in suspension or revocation, and that a minor who is given a status letter must return to the driver licensing center within 30 days of passing the road test, or the test results are invalidated.

   Source: [1] [9]

7. From provisional license to full license

   The manual says that if you are under 18, you must have a provisional license for at least 6 months before you can get a class 3 driver’s license. Honolulu’s page adds that you must be at least 17 years old and have complied with Chapter 286 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. A provisional license expires on your 19th birthday, so convert it to a full license by then (Honolulu’s page and the state brochure). Honolulu’s page says that if it is not converted by your 19th birthday, you must reapply for a driver’s license as an adult applicant.

   Source: [1] [4] [9]

Rules for young drivers

• While you hold a permit

  You may drive only when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, seated in the right front seat in all vehicles except motorcycles. A minor with a permit who drives between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (the manual). Honolulu’s and Hawaii County’s pages add that the supervising person must be licensed to operate the same type of vehicle and that you must have the permit in your immediate possession when you drive.

  Source: [1] [9] [16]

• Provisional license: passengers

  The manual says a provisional license allows you to carry only one person under age 18 who is not a household member. Kauai’s page words this as no more than 1 passenger younger than 18 unless he or she is a family member.

  Source: [1] [18]

• Seat belts

  The manual says all occupants must use safety belts or child restraints. Honolulu’s page says the same for permit and provisional drivers, and Hawaii County’s page says it for permit holders.

  Source: [1] [9] [16]

• Provisional license: night driving

  Between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.:

  • you may drive only when accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian (the manual); Hawaii County’s page says the parent or guardian must be licensed to drive the same type of vehicle and seated in the passenger seat beside you;
  • the exception, in the manual, is driving to and from employment or to and from the driver’s school-authorized activity; Honolulu’s and Kauai’s pages say you must carry a signed statement for it (Honolulu’s page: from your employer, or from a parent or guardian for a school-authorized activity);
  • during these hours you may not carry more than one person under 18 unless your parent or guardian is with you (the manual);
  • Kauai’s page lists unsupervised driving as allowed between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.

  Source: [1] [9] [16] [18]

• Carry your license

  Honolulu’s page says a provisional licensee must keep the provisional license in immediate possession while driving.

  Source: [9]

• If you break the rules

  Honolulu’s page says that for a first violation of the provisional-license restrictions, the provisional license is suspended for three months, and for a second or later violation it is revoked for six months.

  Source: [9]

If you are 18 or older

• Start with an instruction permit

  Honolulu’s page says you must get an instruction permit as the first step toward a new driver license, and that you will not be issued a license without an instruction permit or a valid driver’s license from another U.S. jurisdiction. With the permit you may drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old (the manual and Hawaii County’s page).

  Source: [1] [13] [16]

• The usual steps

  The county pages describe these steps for a new license or permit:

  • Book an appointment with your county (see “At the office”).
  • Complete the driver’s license application form; Hawaii County’s page says to complete, print, sign and bring it.
  • Bring the documents that prove your legal presence, legal name, date of birth and Hawaii residence address (see “Documents to bring”).
  • Pass the vision test and the 30-question written test (see “The tests”).
  • Honolulu’s page says fingerprint collection is part of the application and identity verification process and applicants cannot decline.
  • Pass the road test; Honolulu’s page says a current, valid Hawaii instruction permit is required for it.

  Source: [3] [7] [8] [9] [11] [16] [17]

Moving to Hawaii

New Resident Guide →

• Driving on a license from another state

  If you are 18 or older, you may drive in Hawaii with a valid driver’s license from another U.S. state (the manual and Kauai’s page). The pages differ for drivers under 18, so ask your county.

  Source: [1] [18]

• Transferring an out-of-state license

  The county pages describe how to transfer a license from another state:

  • Honolulu’s page says valid out-of-state licenses can be transferred from U.S. states, U.S. territories and Canada, and that you must be 18 or older.
  • Hawaii County’s page says to present your valid, unexpired out-of-state license, and that you are required to turn it in.
  • Honolulu’s page says you take an eye test and are fingerprinted, and after passing the vision test you are issued a comparable non-CDL Hawaii license. It also says the road test may be waived.
  • Honolulu’s and Hawaii County’s pages say an expired out-of-state license cannot be transferred: you apply as a new applicant and take a written test and a road test.
  • Kauai’s page says that if you do not have the plastic out-of-state license, you may have to apply as a new applicant and pass the 30-question multiple-choice test and a road test.

  Source: [7] [8] [16] [18]

• A license from another country

  Hawaii has driver-license reciprocity agreements with only three countries: Japan, Korea and Taiwan, with certain conditions (Honolulu’s page and the DOT list). Honolulu’s page says applicants who qualify for reciprocity are not required to take the written and road tests, that an expired foreign license cannot be transferred, and that reciprocity applicants must bring a verification letter notarized, translated and sealed by their consulate. If your license is from another country, ask your county office what applies to you.

  Source: [6] [14]

• Documents in another language

  Honolulu’s page says all documents must be translated into English.

  Source: [8]

• Military service members

  Honolulu’s military page says that military members with a valid driver’s license from another U.S. state do not need a Hawaii license unless that license is expiring and they cannot renew it in that state. An expired license is not valid for driving. Honolulu’s and Kauai’s pages say that if a Hawaii license expired while its holder was deployed outside the United States, it stays valid for 90 days after the return to the United States (Kauai’s page: for a member of the Armed Forces on active federal service; Honolulu’s page: with a valid U.S. military ID). Honolulu’s page says you must bring original or certified copies of your deployment papers to renew it.

  Source: [7] [18] [19]

Documents to bring

• Check the lists

  The DOT list of acceptable documents says that applicants for an initial driver’s license, instruction permit or provisional license must give original or certified documents that prove their legal presence, legal name, date of birth and Hawaii principal residence address. Applicants may not mail documents to the county for review before the office visit. The county pages and the DOT list may change, so check them before you go.

  Source: [2] [3]

• Originals only

  Documents must be valid originals or certified copies, and unexpired. Notarized copies or faxes are not acceptable as certified copies. Hawaii County’s page says it does not accept photocopies, faxes, or documents that are laminated, taped, torn or have holes punched in them.

  Source: [2] [3] [16]

• Proof of legal presence, name and date of birth

  One document is required for all three. For U.S. citizens, the DOT list includes a U.S. state or local government birth certificate, a U.S. passport or passport card, a consular report of birth abroad, and a certificate of citizenship or naturalization. For non-citizens it includes a permanent resident card, an Employment Authorization Document, or an unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired U.S. visa and an approved I-94 form (or a DHS admittance stamp on the passport). Citizens of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau (FAS) can use an unexpired FAS national passport with an approved I-94 form. People temporarily authorized to be in the U.S. get a limited-term license or permit with a shorter expiration.

  Source: [2] [3]

• Proof of your Social Security number

  The DOT list, the manual and the county pages do not word this point the same way, so this guide does not say whether proof is required. Ask your county office what to bring.

  Source: [1] [3] [16] [18]

• Proof of your Hawaii address

  You need two documents from different entities or accounts that show your Hawaii address and your full first and last name. Examples on the DOT list:

  • a valid Hawaii driver’s license;
  • a current vehicle registration or title;
  • a valid insurance statement or card;
  • a utility bill not more than two months old;
  • a bank, credit union or other financial statement not more than two months old.
  • P.O. Box numbers are not accepted unless no number and street name has been assigned for U.S. mail delivery.
  • The manual says your principal address is where you currently live in Hawaii, even if it is temporary.
  • If you have no document in your own name, which commonly happens with children living with their parents, an affidavit from your county DMV office may apply. Honolulu’s page says applicants under 18 who lack two proofs of address may use documents presented by their parents.

  Source: [1] [3] [7]

• If your names differ

  The full names on all documents must be the same, or you must provide “connecting documents” that show the link. The DOT list names, for example, a U.S. government issued marriage certificate, a court order, a naturalization certificate and a civil union certificate.

  Source: [2] [3]

REAL ID

• What REAL ID is

  Hawaii received the federal Department of Homeland Security’s “Final Determination of Full Compliance.” Honolulu’s page says that as of May 7, 2025, only a REAL ID driver’s license or state ID card is accepted to get on a domestic flight and to enter certain federal buildings and military bases. A U.S. passport or military ID can be used instead.

  Source: [2] [12]

• Choosing a REAL ID

  Honolulu’s page says that when you apply for or renew a license, you indicate on the application whether the card will be REAL ID compliant. Hawaii County’s page says a REAL ID is marked with a white star in a gold circle. Honolulu’s page says that if you renewed your license before January 16, 2018, the documents needed for a REAL ID were already provided, so you can apply for a duplicate license at a Driver Licensing Center and check the box on the application for a REAL ID-compliant license to get the star.

  Source: [12] [16]

• First time in Hawaii

  The DOT says anyone who has never held a Hawaii driver’s license or instruction permit must apply in person, give documentary proof of legal name, date of birth, legal presence and Hawaii principal residence address, and be photographed. See “Documents to bring” for the Social Security number point.

  Source: [2]

• Only one REAL ID card

  Federal and state law allow you to have only one REAL ID-compliant card, a driver’s license or a state ID, not both. Honolulu’s page says you can switch from a REAL ID driver’s license to a state ID, and the other card must be surrendered. Hawaii County’s page says that if you choose your driver’s license as your REAL ID, you are not eligible for a state identification card.

  Source: [2] [12] [16]

• Limited purpose license

  Counties may also issue a limited purpose driver’s license. It is not REAL ID compliant and is not acceptable for federal purposes. You must still prove your legal name, date of birth and Hawaii address, although the DOT says applicants are not required to present proof of legal presence. The limited purpose license is only a license to drive; it does not establish eligibility for employment, voter registration or public benefits. The DOT says you may designate your Hawaii state identification card as your REAL ID and apply for a limited purpose driver’s license or instruction permit.

  Source: [2] [5] [7]

At the office

• Appointments

  How you book depends on the county. Honolulu’s page says to make an appointment for all in-office visits online through AlohaQ. Hawaii County’s page says you can book appointments up to 7 days in advance and that walk-in service may be provided first come, first served, depending on availability. Maui’s page says to make an appointment at its Kahului Service Center, Kihei or Lahaina offices, one appointment per person. This guide gives no office hours; check your county’s website for the current ones.

  Source: [7] [16] [17]

• Where to go in Honolulu

  Honolulu’s page says driver’s license and state ID services are available at the five Driver Licensing Centers across the island. Its page on appointments says the Downtown, Hawaii Kai, Pearlridge and Windward City satellite city halls offer license renewals and duplicates for U.S. citizens and immigrants with permanent legal status, and that non-U.S. citizens, including COFA/FAS citizens, must go to a full-service driver licensing center for this service. Honolulu’s page says in-person written tests are limited to selected days at the Kapalama, Kapolei, Koolau, Wahiawa and Waianae centers.

  Source: [7] [12] [15]

• What happens there

  Honolulu’s page says you complete the Driver’s License Application Form, and that fingerprint collection is part of the application and identity verification process. Hawaii County’s page says the application must be completed, printed, signed and brought to the appointment. If you apply for a REAL ID license or permit for the first time, you are photographed.

  Source: [2] [7] [8] [16]

• If you do not read English

  Honolulu’s page says that if you are unable to read, write and understand English, provisions can be made for an oral examination (restrictions may apply).

  Source: [7]

• Fees

  Fees change, so this guide gives no amounts. Honolulu publishes a fee table (see the links below); for Hawaii County, Maui and Kauai, check the county’s driver-licensing page. Honolulu’s page says there is no additional fee for the star marking on a REAL ID.

  Source: [12]

The tests

• Vision test

  Honolulu’s and Hawaii County’s pages say permit applicants take a vision test (screening) together with the written test. Honolulu’s page says the examiner tests your eyesight and decides whether you have the physical and mental capability to drive safely.

  Source: [9] [13] [16]

• The written (knowledge) test

  The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions (Honolulu’s, Hawaii County’s and Kauai’s pages). Honolulu’s page says it is based on the Hawaii Driver’s Manual and tests your understanding of highway signs that regulate, warn and direct traffic and your knowledge of traffic laws. Only Kauai’s page states a pass mark: more than 6 errors fails the test.

  Source: [9] [13] [16] [18]

• If you fail the written test

  Honolulu’s, Hawaii County’s and Kauai’s pages each say you must wait before you can retake a failed written test. Honolulu’s page words the retake rule in two different ways, so this guide does not give the length of the wait; ask your county.

  Source: [10] [16] [18]

• The online permit test

  Honolulu’s, Hawaii County’s and Maui’s pages describe an online permit test. According to the Honolulu and Hawaii County pages:

  • the 30-question test is offered in English and Spanish and has a one-hour time limit;
  • Honolulu’s page says it is available only for the class 3 (vehicle) driver’s license;
  • Honolulu’s page says you need a desktop or laptop computer with a working webcam, and that no cell phone, tablet or touchscreen device may be used;
  • Honolulu’s page says the test can be read aloud in English or Spanish if you have speakers connected to your computer;
  • applicants under 18 must have an adult present for registration (Honolulu’s and Hawaii County’s pages);
  • when you register, select the county where you will apply for your permit: Honolulu’s page says you may forfeit your result if you do not, and Hawaii County’s and Maui’s pages say a certificate from another county is not accepted;
  • after you pass, you have a limited time to take your certificate of completion and application to a county driver licensing office, and the time differs between the county pages, so check yours.

  Source: [10] [16] [17]

• Written tests in person

  Honolulu’s page says in-person written tests are limited to selected days at five centers. Hawaii County’s page says written tests are issued from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM only. The county pages read for this guide do not list the languages of the in-person test.

  Source: [7] [16]

• The road test: what it covers

  Honolulu’s page says the road test has two parts, a vehicle safety pre-check and a behind-the-wheel driving evaluation with an examiner. The manual says the class 3 road test includes starting your vehicle and driving through a business district, demonstrating parallel parking, and putting your vehicle in motion on a slight grade without rolling backwards. You will not be asked to violate any laws, no tricks will be used, and passengers are not permitted during the test. An autocycle may not be used for the class 3 test.

  Source: [1] [11]

• What to bring to the road test

  The manual says you must be accompanied to the testing station by a licensed driver and provide a vehicle in safe operating condition with a current registration, a current safety inspection certificate and an insurance identification card. The licensed driver who comes with you must be 21 or older (the Honolulu, Hawaii County, Maui and Kauai pages). Honolulu’s page adds:

  • a current and valid Hawaii instruction permit;
  • a current vehicle certificate of registration (temporary dealer registration is not acceptable);
  • proof of a current Hawaii motor vehicle insurance card, which may be an electronic version;
  • the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the registration and the proof of insurance must match;
  • if you are under 18, the instruction permit held at least 180 days and the Driver Education and Behind-the-Wheel Student Completion Certificates.

  Source: [1] [11] [16] [17] [18]

• Under 18 at the road test

  Honolulu’s, Hawaii County’s, Maui’s and Kauai’s pages all say applicants under 18 need their driver education certificates (driver education and behind the wheel) for the road test.

  Source: [11] [16] [17] [18]

• Rental cars and vehicle condition

  Whether a rental or company vehicle may be used for the road test, and what condition the windshield and windows must be in, are worded differently on the county pages. The vehicle must be in safe operating condition and legal to drive. Ask your county’s road test office before you book.

  Source: [1] [11] [16] [17] [18]

• Honolulu’s pre-check and test rules

  Honolulu’s page says:

  • the vehicle must have at least a quarter tank of fuel, or a 25 percent charge for an electric vehicle;
  • any license plate cover, even a transparent one, keeps a vehicle from passing the pre-check;
  • use of a cell phone during the exam is prohibited;
  • use of a dashboard camera during the exam is prohibited;
  • use of a vehicle’s self-parking feature is prohibited;
  • walk-in standby road test service is not offered.

  Source: [11]

• Booking and getting to the road test

  Hawaii County’s page says class 3 road test appointments open on the first working day of each month for the following month. How early you must check in differs by county, so follow your county’s instructions. Honolulu’s page says a no-show forfeits the prepaid deposit and blocks scheduling another road test for 60 days.

  Source: [11] [16] [17] [18]

• After the road test

  Honolulu’s page says outstanding violations must be cleared with the Traffic Violations Bureau, and that if you do not clear them (or submit a clearance letter) within 30 days of passing the road test, you must retake the road test. Kauai’s page says that if you fail, the examiner will tell you to reschedule another road test, and that if your vehicle does not pass the pre-trip inspection, the road test is rescheduled.

  Source: [11] [18]

After you pass

• Your temporary license

  After you pass and your application is processed, you are given a temporary license. Honolulu’s and Hawaii County’s pages say a temporary license is valid for 60 days. The permanent plastic card comes by mail, so keep the temporary license until it arrives. Honolulu’s page says the temporary paper card is not accepted for federal purposes or when traveling; only the permanent plastic card is. Honolulu’s and Hawaii County’s pages recommend carrying a second form of identification, such as a passport, while you have only the temporary card (Honolulu’s page: if you plan to travel within six weeks).

  Source: [7] [11] [12] [16]

• Your instruction permit

  Honolulu’s page says that after you pass the eye test and the written test you are issued a temporary type 3 permit, and that your plastic permit is mailed after all verification checks are complete.

  Source: [8]

• If you are under 18

  Your provisional license expires on your 19th birthday, so convert it to a full license by then. See “If you are under 18” and “Rules for young drivers.”

  Source: [4] [9]

Keeping your license

• How long a license lasts

  Honolulu’s page says new licenses and renewals for ages 25 through 71 expire on your eighth birthday after the date of issue. Honolulu’s road test page lists a four-year license for ages 17 through 24.

  Source: [11] [13]

• Older drivers: the kupuna license

  Honolulu’s and Hawaii County’s pages describe a four-year “kupuna” license for drivers from age 72 who are free of conditions that could impair their driving. The pages give the upper age differently, so ask your county.

  Source: [7] [13] [16]

• Renewing

  The manual says your license can be renewed within six months before the expiration date, and that you must pass a vision test before it is renewed. Hawaii County’s page says that instead you can present a certificate of eye exam from an ophthalmologist. The DOT says people temporarily authorized to be in the U.S. must renew in person with proof of continued legal presence. Ask your county which documents to bring when you renew. Hawaii County’s page says renewal reminder postcards are no longer sent, and Kauai’s page says it is the license holder’s responsibility to renew before the expiration date.

  Source: [1] [2] [16] [18]

• If your license has expired

  Honolulu’s page says an expired license is invalid for driving. The manual, Honolulu’s page and Hawaii County’s page all say that after one year past the expiration date, you must apply as a new applicant; Honolulu’s page says this means taking the written test and the road test again. How long after the expiration date you can still renew is worded differently on the county pages, so this guide gives no period; ask your county.

  Source: [1] [8] [16]

• Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged license

  Honolulu’s page says you can order an exact replacement of a driver’s license or instruction permit online, and the DOT says U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply for a duplicate by mail. People with temporary status must apply in person.

  Source: [2] [7]

• Changing your address

  Honolulu’s page says to file a Notice of Change of Address within 30 days of the change, and that this updates only your driving record; you may keep using your existing license with the old address until it expires or get a duplicate with the new address. Hawaii County’s page says an address change by mail is on your record only, two acceptable documents at the new address are needed, and a duplicate is needed to print the new address.

  Source: [7] [8] [16]

• Changing your name

  Honolulu’s page says a name change is made by appointment with proof of the name change, an eye test and fingerprinting. Hawaii County’s page says a name change is shown with a certified marriage certificate, a certified divorce decree or a certified name change document.

  Source: [7] [16]

The state ID card

• A state ID and a driver’s license

  Honolulu’s page says you can switch from a REAL ID driver’s license to a state ID, but you can have only one REAL ID-compliant card, so one must be surrendered to get the other. Hawaii County’s page says that if you choose your driver’s license as your REAL ID credential, you are not eligible for a state identification card.

  Source: [12] [16]

• A state ID with a limited purpose license

  The DOT says you may designate your Hawaii state identification card as your REAL ID credential and apply for a limited purpose driver’s license or instruction permit. A limited purpose driver’s license is not REAL ID compliant.

  Source: [2] [7]

Official links

• Hawaii DOT: driver’s license, REAL ID and documents FAQ (hidot.hawaii.gov)
• Hawaii DOT: Hawaii Driver’s Manual in English and 12 other languages (hidot.hawaii.gov)
• Hawaii Driver’s Manual, 2023 edition (English PDF) (hidot.hawaii.gov)
• Acceptable documents for a REAL ID (star) license, permit or state ID (PDF) (hidot.hawaii.gov)
• Hawaii DOT: driver education for drivers under 18 (hidot.hawaii.gov)
• Limited purpose license and permit information (Hawaii DOT, PDF) (hidot.hawaii.gov)
• Countries with driver-license reciprocity (Hawaii DOT, PDF) (hidot.hawaii.gov)
• Honolulu: driver’s license procedures (honolulu.gov)
• Honolulu: driver’s license requirements (honolulu.gov)
• Honolulu: fees (honolulu.gov)
• Honolulu: appointments (AlohaQ) (honolulu.gov)
• Honolulu: graduated driver licensing program (honolulu.gov)
• Honolulu: online learner’s permit test (honolulu.gov)
• Honolulu: road test (honolulu.gov)
• Honolulu: REAL ID (honolulu.gov)
• City & County of Honolulu: foreign driver’s license transfer (honolulu.gov)
• City & County of Honolulu: kupuna driver’s license (honolulu.gov)
• City & County of Honolulu: information for military service members (honolulu.gov)
• Honolulu: driver’s license FAQ (honolulu.gov)
• Hawaii County: driver’s licensing (vrl.hawaiicounty.gov)
• Maui County: Division of Motor Vehicles & Licensing (mauicounty.gov)
• Kauai County: Division of Motor Vehicles (driver’s license) (kauai.gov)
• Kauai County: instructional permits (kauai.gov)

Sources

1. Hawaii Driver’s Manual, English, 2023 edition (hidot.hawaii.gov) — Hawaii Department of Transportation
2. Hawaii Driver’s License (REAL ID and documentary proof FAQs, Rev. 10/22/2019) (hidot.hawaii.gov) — Hawaii Department of Transportation
3. Acceptable Documents for a REAL ID Compliant (Star) Hawaii Driver’s License, Instruction Permit, Provisional Driver’s License or State ID (Rev. 7/18/2023) (hidot.hawaii.gov) — Hawaii Department of Transportation
4. Hawaii’s Graduated Licensing Program (brochure) (hidot.hawaii.gov) — Hawaii Department of Transportation
5. About Hawaii’s Limited Purpose Instruction Permit, Provisional Driver’s License and Driver’s License (Information and FAQ, Rev. 11/13/2019) (hidot.hawaii.gov) — Hawaii Department of Transportation
6. Reciprocal Operating Privileges List (Act 131) (hidot.hawaii.gov) — Hawaii Department of Transportation
7. Driver's License Procedures (City & County of Honolulu) (honolulu.gov) — City & County of Honolulu, Department of Customer Services
8. Hawaii Driver's License Frequently Asked Questions (City & County of Honolulu) (honolulu.gov) — City & County of Honolulu, Department of Customer Services
9. Graduated Driver Licensing Program (GDL) (City & County of Honolulu) (honolulu.gov) — City & County of Honolulu, Department of Customer Services
10. Online Learner's Permit Test (City & County of Honolulu) (honolulu.gov) — City & County of Honolulu, Department of Customer Services
11. Road Test (City & County of Honolulu) (honolulu.gov) — City & County of Honolulu, Department of Customer Services
12. REAL ID (City & County of Honolulu) (honolulu.gov) — City & County of Honolulu, Department of Customer Services
13. Driver's License Requirements (City & County of Honolulu) (honolulu.gov) — City & County of Honolulu, Department of Customer Services
14. Foreign Driver's License Transfer (City & County of Honolulu) (honolulu.gov) — City & County of Honolulu, Department of Customer Services
15. Appointments (City & County of Honolulu) (honolulu.gov) — City & County of Honolulu, Department of Customer Services
16. Driver's Licensing pages (County of Hawai’i, Vehicle Registration & Licensing) (vrl.hawaiicounty.gov) — County of Hawai’i, Department of Finance
17. Division of Motor Vehicles & Licensing (DMVL) pages (County of Maui) (mauicounty.gov) — County of Maui, Department of Finance
18. Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driver pages (County of Kauai) (kauai.gov) — County of Kauai, Department of Finance
19. Information for U.S. Military Service Members (City & County of Honolulu) (honolulu.gov) — City & County of Honolulu, Department of Customer Services
20. Motor Vehicle Safety Office (Hawaii DOT) (hidot.hawaii.gov) — Hawaii Department of Transportation
21. Driver Education (Hawaii DOT Safe Communities Program) (hidot.hawaii.gov) — Hawaii Department of Transportation