Driver's License in Hawaii Without an SSN (2026)

Can You Get a Driver's License in Hawaii Without an SSN?

Yes. Hawaii allows residents to obtain a driver's license (or driving permit) regardless of immigration status under HB 1826 (2015). You do not need a Social Security Number or proof of legal U.S. presence to apply.

Hawaii passed HB 1826 in 2015. Given Hawaii's significant immigrant population, the DMV is generally well-equipped for these applications.

⚠️ License type

Standard driver's license — not valid as federal ID (REAL ID). This license is valid for driving but cannot be used to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, or as a federal form of ID. For air travel you will need your passport.

Required Documents

Bring the following to your Hawaii DMV appointment:

1Proof of identity — valid foreign passport
2Proof of Hawaii residency — 2 documents required: utility bill, bank statement, lease, or government mail

💡 Tip

Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring a certified translation.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Gather your foreign passport and 2 proofs of HI residency
Step 2: Visit a Hawaii DMV office
Step 3: Complete the application, knowledge test, vision and road tests
Step 4: License issued or mailed

What This License Allows

Once you have your Hawaii driver's license or driving permit, you can:

Drive legally anywhere in Hawaii
Get car insurance (insurers require a valid license)
Use it as a state-issued photo ID for non-federal purposes
Use it as proof of identity at banks and credit unions — this can help with opening an account

You cannot use this license to:

Board domestic flights (need a passport or REAL ID)
Enter federal buildings or military bases
Prove immigration status or work authorization

💡 Next step: build credit

A driver's license is accepted by many banks as a second form of ID alongside your ITIN — making it easier to open an account. See which banks accept ITIN →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can undocumented immigrants get a driver's license in Hawaii? +

Yes. Hawaii HB 1826 (2015) allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license with a foreign passport and two proofs of Hawaii residency. No SSN is required.

Other States That Allow This

19 states and Washington D.C. currently allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver's license or driving permit. Browse by state:

CA CO CT DE HI IL MD MA MN NV NJ NM NY OR RI UT VT VA WA DC

For the complete list with each state's law and requirements, see the full driver's license guide →