Originally Posted by
bocastephen
The OP can most definitely get a drivers license in Hawai'i with the following conditions:
1. they will need an address of some kind, although no proof of residency is required (proof of residency *is* required for state ID cards)
2. they will need to take a written test - and you better study for it, because it's hard
3. they will need to take a road-test unless surrendering a license from another US state or Canada
4. they will need to show proof of admissibility in the US - ie, their passport must included the necessary visa (Canadians are excepted). Quite a few folks from Japan who have vacation property in HI will have a HI drivers license to use while visiting - it's just easier than a Japan license+IDP for a frequent visitor who is integrated into the local scene
5. If the HI DMV knows you have a license from another jurisdiction, they will ask you to surrender it - I watched a man from Vancouver try to wrap his head around the concept of surrendering his BC license for a HI license, then surrender his HI license for a BC license after snowbird season, then repeat the same process the following year, before he finally figured out it wasn't worth the hassle.
So, it can be done...not easy, and definitely impossible unless the OP actually flies to HI to do it.
Not anymore, I'm afraid. I own property there and it is no longer possible. Even someone who currently holds a HI license before this new law came onto effect will no longer be able to renew it without proof of "legal presence" in the US. Admissibility is no longer enough. You must prove you have a "legal presence" in the US. You must have a birth certificate, green card or immigration document proving your legal status in the US. This applies to all states but I went to the Hawaii DMV personally.
From the government website:
http://www1.honolulu.gov/csd/vehicle/dlinformation.htm
Beginning Monday, March 5, 2012, proof of "legal presence" will be required for driver licenses and learner's permits throughout Hawaii in accordance to Act 38 of the 2010 state Legislative session. Click here for a full list of the Legal Presence Act requirements and frequently asked questions.
Proof documents to verify legal presence include U.S. birth certificates and U.S. passports. Foreign born applicants may provide other documents, such as a Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization, Resident Alien Card, or a valid foreign passport with a Visa and I-94
Applicants applying for an original Hawaii driver’s license.
Anyone who has never held or is re-applying for a Hawaii driver’s license must provide proof of legal presence in the U.S.
Applicants renewing their Hawaii driver’s license.
Anyone who renews their Hawaii driver’s license must provide proof of legal presence in the U.S. Applicants who are U.S. citizens and aliens admitted for permanent residence status in the U.S. will need to provide proof of legal presence documents every second renewal.
Drivers reinstating their driving privilege because of a license revocation or cancellation.
Customers whose license or permit to drive has been revoked or cancelled must provide proof of legal presence in the U.S.
Drivers who have allowed their license to expire.
Anyone who lets his driver’s license expire, even by just one day, must provide proof of legal presence in the U.S.
Permit holders when they pass their road test and obtain a Hawaii driver’s license.
All permit holders must provide proof of legal presence in the U.S.
Drivers converting their Hawaii provisional driver’s license to a full driver’s license.
All license holders who convert from a provisional to a full license must provide proof of legal presence in the U.S.