Driver's license

Hawaii driver license + state ID — without SSN options for immigrants

How undocumented residents get a Hawaii Limited Purpose Driver License (since 2016): no SSN or legal presence, accepted documents (consular ID, passport), the non-driver Limited Purpose State ID, county-by-county application, fees ($40 / $20 / $10), and FAQs.

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Hawaii driver license and state ID — guide for immigrants

Hawaii issues a Limited Purpose Driver License to residents without legal presence or a Social Security number, available since January 1, 2016. A non-driver Limited Purpose State ID is also available. One key thing about Hawaii: driver licensing is run by the counties, so you apply at a county Driver Licensing Center. Here is exactly who qualifies, the documents, and what it costs.

Quick answer

Undocumented driver-license access: YES — Limited Purpose Driver License (since 2016)
Social Security number required: No (no legal presence required either)
Driver license fee (Oahu): $40 (8 years, 25–71) · $20 (4 years, 17–24) · $10 (2 years, 72+)
Limited Purpose State ID: $40 (8 years) · Instruction permit: $5
Card marking: not REAL ID — not accepted by TSA or for federal facilities
Agency: Hawaii DOT / county licensing · Honolulu (Oahu): (808) 768-9100

Who can apply

Since January 2016, Hawaii counties may issue a Limited Purpose Driver License that does not require proof of legal presence or a Social Security number. A non-driver Limited Purpose State ID is available to anyone unable or unwilling to provide proof of authorized presence.

Documents you need

Accepted identity documents for the Limited Purpose Driver License include a consular ID, a passport, school records/ID, or an I-20 or DS-2019. You also present two residency documents (utility bill, lease, vehicle registration). For the Limited Purpose State ID, you present at least one identity source document.

Where to apply (by county)

Hawaii driver licensing is administered by the counties. Apply in person by AlohaQ appointment at a county Driver Licensing Center:

Honolulu (Oahu): (808) 768-9100
County of Hawaii: (808) 961-2222
Kauai: (808) 241-4242
Maui: (808) 270-7363

(Satellite city halls cannot issue an initial license.)

What the card can and cannot do

The Limited Purpose credential is not REAL ID compliant. That means:

You can legally drive and use it as state identification.
You cannot use it with TSA to board aircraft or to enter federal facilities, and it does not establish legal presence. Carry your passport for those.

How to apply

Gather your identity document(s) (consular ID, passport, school records, I-20/DS-2019) and two residency documents.
Book an AlohaQ appointment at your county Driver Licensing Center.
Apply in person and pay the fee — on Oahu, $40 (8-year), $20 (4-year), or $10 (2-year) for the license, or $40 for the state ID.

Last verified: 2026-06-28. Sources: Hawaii DOT — Limited Purpose Driver’s License; City & County of Honolulu CSD — Limited Purpose Driver’s License, State ID, and Fee Table.

General procedural information. County licensing policies, fees, and document requirements change frequently — verify with your county Driver Licensing Center before visiting. Not legal or immigration advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a Hawaii driver license without an SSN or legal status?

Yes. Since January 1, 2016, Hawaii counties may issue a Limited Purpose Driver License that does not require proof of legal presence or a Social Security number. Accepted identity documents include a consular ID, a passport, school records/ID, or an I-20 or DS-2019, plus two residency documents. A non-driver Limited Purpose State ID is also available to anyone unable or unwilling to prove authorized presence.

Where do I apply — is it the same statewide?

Hawaii driver licensing is administered by the counties, not a single statewide DMV. You apply in person by AlohaQ appointment at a county Driver Licensing Center — Honolulu (Oahu) at (808) 768-9100, County of Hawaii (808) 961-2222, Kauai (808) 241-4242, or Maui (808) 270-7363. Satellite city halls cannot issue an initial license.

How much does it cost and how long is it valid?

On Oahu, the driver license is $40 for 8 years (ages 25–71), $20 for 4 years (ages 17–24), or $10 for 2 years (age 72+); the instruction permit is $5. The Hawaii state ID is $40 for 8 years (duplicate $6). Validity follows the same age bands.

Can I fly with it?

No. The Limited Purpose credential is not REAL ID compliant, is not accepted by TSA to board aircraft or enter federal facilities, and does not establish legal presence. Carry your passport for federal purposes.

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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.