The Drivers License section is responsible for a number of programs. We issue new and renewal licenses for drivers of all motor vehicles. We also issue disabled persons placards for parking, and taxi operator permits. This department is also responsible for the Commercial Driver License Program's testing and licensing.

Monday - Friday (except Holidays)
7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Last written examination given at 3:30 p.m.

4444 Rice St.
Suite A480
Lihue, Kauai, Hawai'i 96766

Phone: (808) 241-4242

Fax: (808) 241-6533

State of Hawaii Idenification Cards (ID Cards): (808) 274-3100

State of Hawaii District Court (Tickets/Abstract): (808) 482-2355

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): (808) 241-4256

General Requirements For All Applicants

(New, Renewals and Duplicate Licenses and Instruction Permits)

Only original or certified copies are acceptable for document requirements

a.        Acceptable Signature Filing for Minors

1. Both parents (married, separated or divorced with joint custody).

2. Divorced parent with custody papers.

3. One parent, spouse deceased. (Death Certificate required)

4. Legal guardian(s) with Court Documents.

5. Foster parents with Court Documents.

6. Responsible person(s), if parents deceased.

7. Employer, if parents deceased and no responsible person(s).

Note: For minor applicants between the ages of 15.5 through 17, an original or certified copy of the minor’s birth certificate is required to establish proof of age and to determine who may sign the parental consent.

b.        Acceptable Documents for Change of Name, Sex, Birthdate

1. Naturalization Certificate.

2. Decree by Lt. Governor's Office (Hawaii Only).

3. Divorce Decree with name change listed.

4. Hawaii Marriage Certificate (Dept. of Health Document Only).

5. Out-of-State Marriage Certificates (State issued with Seal).

6. Certified statement by physician stating sex change is valid.

c.        Acceptable Documents for Proof of Name and Birth Date: Including 18 years old

1. U.S. Territorial Driver's License (expired/valid with photo).

2. U.S. Passport only.

3. U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Document/Card.

4. Alien Registration/Refugee ID Card.

5. State of Hawaii ID Card w/photo.

6. Military Documents: Consular Report of Birth and U.S. Military issued Certificate of Birth (SF-240/SF-545).

7. State Certified Birth Certificate with both parents listed or State Certified Birth ID Card.

d.        Acceptable Documents for Proof of Social Security Number

1. Original Social Security Card (no copies or metal plates).

2. Driver's License w/Social Security Number and photo.

3. State of Hawaii ID Card w/Social Security Number and photo.

4. Military Documents: ID Card or DD-214.

5. Medicaid ID Card (Suffix A only).

6. Income Tax Return Form W-2.

Note: Name and social security number must match your present and legal name. Other documents may be required as needed by the Examiner of Drivers. ID w/photo required when applying for services.

ALL COPIED DOCUMENTS MUST BE CERTIFIED

e.        Driver's License and Instruction Permit Fees
          (subject to change):

Special Requirements

1. Minor (ages 15 ½ through 17) Applicants
   
   1. Permit applications by minors must be signed by both parents or, when applicable, by the certified custodial parent, certified custodial guardian, or certified foster parents. (Only original or certified copies of court documents are acceptable.)

       

   2. The spouse (who is an adult) of a minor applicant may sign the license application with proof of age and certified copy of the marriage certificate.

       

   3. Minors who are legally emancipated may sign license applications upon presentation of the certified court document which granted emancipation.

       

   4. New licenses will expire on your fourth birthday following the date of issue.

       

   5. Effective January 1, 2001, the minimum age to acquire a permit is 15 ½ and the minimum age to acquire a license is 16. Minors between the ages of 16 through 17 must pass and present certificates of completion of mandatory driver education and behind the wheel training from a DOT authorized instructor, before securing a Road Test. 
      

      
      Graduated Driver License Program (GDL)

       

       

      ATTENTION TO ALL MINOR APPLICANTS, THE FOLLOWING CHANGES IN THE LAW MAY AFFECT YOU IN OBTAINING YOUR DRIVER LICENSE

       

      The State of Hawaii will initiate a new Graduated Driver License Program (GDL), pursuant to Act 72, 2005 Hawaii State Legislature. Changes to the current licensing procedures are being implemented to comply with this new law. Click here to go to the State's website then click on the "Graduated Driver Licensing" link on the left to view the GDL brochure.

       

      Effective January 9, 2006:

   6.      Effective January 9, 2006: The minimum age to obtain an Instruction Permit  remains at 15 ½ years of age.  A Provisional License may be issued at the age of 16.  At the age of 17 a Driver License may be issued.  Applicants between the ages of 15 ½ and 17 years of age must possess a valid Hawaii Instruction Permit for a period of 180 days and must be accompanied by a licensed driver of at least 21 years of age or older while operating a vehicle.  Applicants must not have any pending violations that may result in suspension or revocation of either the Instruction Permit or Provisional License.  To obtain a Driver License at 17 years of age, you must have held a Provisional License for a period of six months.  Upon reaching the age of 18 years, you have until your 19^th birthday in which to convert your Provisional License to a Driver License. Failure to do so will subject you to be processed as a new applicant (written test for learners permit & road test).

    

2. Adult (ages 18 through 24) Applicants
   1.  New licenses and renewals will expire on your fourth birthday following the date of issue.

    

3. Adult (ages 25 through 71) Applicants
   1. New licenses and renewals will expire on your eigth birthday following the date of issue. 

    

4. Senior (ages 72 or older) Applicants
   1. New licenses and renewals will expire on your second birthday following the date of issue.

    

5. Instruction Permit Applicants
   1. You may apply for a temporary instruction permit if, except for a lack on instruction in operating a motor vehicle, you would otherwise be qualified to obtain a driver's license.
   2. You must obtain an Instruction Permit as a first step to qualify for a new driver's license.

    

6. The examiner of drivers shall test your:
   1. eyesight and determine if you possess the physical and mental capabilities to safely operate a motor vehicle; 
   2. understanding of highway signs regulating, warning and directing traffic;
   3. knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances, or regulations of the State and City and County of Honolulu.

    

7. If the examiner of drivers is satisfied that you are qualified to receive an instruction permit, the examiner of drivers shall issue the permit to you. The permit is valid for a period of one year. Permits may NOT be renewed by mail.  

    

8. Except when operating a motorcycle, or moped, you shall be accompanied by a person 21 years of age or older who is licensed to operate the category of motor vehicle being operated. The licensed person shall occupy a seat as near to you as is practical while the motor vehicle is being operated.

    

9. The temporary instruction permit does not allow you to operate a motorcycle or moped during the hours of darkness or carry any passenger.

    

10. Your temporary instruction permit for the operation of a motorcycle or moped may not be renewed nor shall you be issued another temporary instruction permit until you attempt the motorcycle skills exam.