What You Need to Know About Guam Driver Licenses
A Guam driver license is issued by the Department of Revenue and Taxation, Motor Vehicle Division, and is the only valid form of driver authorization on the island. It works the same way as a U.S. state license — you must pass a written test and a driving test to obtain one, and you must renew it before expiration to keep driving legally. Guam licenses are Real ID compliant as of 2024, meaning they meet federal standards for air travel and federal building access.
Guam's licensing system differs from the mainland in one important way: the island has no graduated licensing tier for new drivers. There is no separate "learner's permit" stage or restricted license for teenagers. Once you pass both tests, you receive a full, unrestricted license — though drivers under 18 are still subject to Guam's traffic laws regarding curfew and passenger restrictions.
The Motor Vehicle Division operates from a single office in Hagatna. There is no online testing, no mail-in renewal for first-time applicants, and no reciprocal agreements that waive testing for drivers moving from other jurisdictions. If you hold a valid license from another state or country, you will still need to pass Guam's written and driving tests.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit the Motor Vehicle Division office in person to explore for a new license, take the written test, and schedule a driving test.
- Guam has no learner's permit stage; you move directly from no license to a full, unrestricted license once you pass both tests.
- The written test covers Guam traffic laws and road signs; the driving test is conducted by a Motor Vehicle Division examiner on local roads.
- Licenses are valid for eight years for adults and four years for drivers under 18, and renewal can be done in person or by mail if you meet certain conditions.
- You must provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number; a foreign national must show a valid visa or work permit.
Documents You Must Bring to explore
The Motor Vehicle Division requires original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted. You will need one document proving your identity, one proving your current Guam residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).
For identity, bring a valid passport, a birth certificate with a raised seal, a military ID, or a foreign national ID card. A Social Security card by itself is not accepted as proof of identity. For residency, bring a recent utility bill (electric, water, or phone), a lease agreement with your name and current address, a bank statement, or a government letter addressed to you at your Guam address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
If you are a foreign national, you must also present a valid visa, work permit, or other immigration document showing your legal status to be in Guam. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN letter from the IRS. Minors under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present at the office to sign the process.
Steps to Obtain Your First Guam License
Step 1: Visit the Motor Vehicle Division office. The office is located in Hagatna and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bring all required documents listed above. There is no appointment system; you arrive and take a number. Wait times can exceed two hours during peak periods (mid-morning and early afternoon). Arrive early or visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday for shorter waits.
Step 2: Complete the process form. Staff will give you a DL-44 form (process for Driver License). Fill it out completely, including your name, date of birth, address, and medical history. If you wear corrective lenses, you must declare this; your license will carry a restriction requiring you to wear them while driving.
Step 3: Take the written test. The test is administered on-site and covers Guam traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is offered in English only. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you may retake it the same day or return on another day at no additional cost. There is no fee for the written test itself.
Step 4: Schedule your driving test. Once you pass the written test, staff will schedule your behind-the-wheel driving test. Tests are typically scheduled within two to four weeks. You will be given a date, time, and the name of your assigned examiner. You must bring your own vehicle (registered and insured) or arrange to use someone else's vehicle for the test.
Step 5: Take the driving test. The examiner will meet you at the Motor Vehicle Division office and conduct the test on local Guam roads. The test lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, parking, turning, stopping, and adherence to traffic laws. You must pass to receive your license. If you fail, you may retake it after a waiting period (usually one week); each retake has a fee of $25.
Step 6: Pay the license fee and receive your license. Once you pass the driving test, you will pay the license fee at the office. For adults (18 and older), an eight-year license costs $50. For drivers under 18, a four-year license costs $30. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within two to three weeks.
Renewal: In-Person and By-Mail Options
Guam offers two renewal paths depending on your age and driving record. If you are renewing an expired or expiring license and have no disqualifying violations, you may renew by mail. If you are renewing for the first time, are under 18, or have had certain traffic violations, you must renew in person.
Renewing by mail: You must be at least 18 years old, have held your current license for at least one year, and have no major violations (such as DUI, reckless driving, or license suspension) in the past three years. Mail your current license, a completed renewal form (available from the Motor Vehicle Division website or office), and a check for the renewal fee ($50 for an eight-year license) to the Motor Vehicle Division. Include a return envelope with postage. Processing takes four to six weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail.
Renewing in person: Visit the Motor Vehicle Division office with your current license and proof of residency (a utility bill or bank statement dated within 60 days). You do not need to retake the written or driving test. Pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your plastic card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. In-person renewal takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail and must explore as if obtaining a new license — meaning you must retake both the written and driving tests.
Fees, Timelines, and Special Circumstances
| Transaction | Fee | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New license (adult, 18+) | $50 | 2–4 weeks for plastic card | Valid 8 years; temporary paper license issued same day |
| New license (under 18) | $30 | 2–4 weeks for plastic card | Valid 4 years; parent/guardian must be present |
| Renewal by mail (adult) | $50 | 4–6 weeks | No test required; license must not be expired more than 1 year |
| Renewal in person (adult) | $50 | 30–45 minutes; plastic card in 2–3 weeks | No test required; temporary paper license issued same day |
| Driving test retake | $25 | 1 week wait before retake | Scheduled after written test failure or driving test failure |
| Duplicate/replacement card | $15 | 2–3 weeks by mail | If card is lost, stolen, or damaged |
If you are renewing a license that expired while you were outside Guam (for military service, medical treatment, or other extended absence), bring documentation of your absence. The Motor Vehicle Division may waive the one-year expiration limit in these cases, allowing you to renew by mail instead of retesting.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you may be required to provide a physician's statement or undergo a medical evaluation. Conditions such as seizure disorders, severe vision loss, or cognitive impairment may result in restrictions or denial of a license.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most frequent error is bringing photocopies instead of original documents or certified copies. The Motor Vehicle Division will not accept them, and you will have to return home, obtain the originals, and come back. Bring originals or certified copies only.
A second common mistake is not bringing proof of residency that is dated within 60 days. Utility bills and bank statements older than 60 days are rejected. Check the date on your documents before you go to the office.
Minors often arrive without a parent or legal guardian. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present in person to sign the process. You cannot complete the process without them. Arrange this in advance.
Many applicants underestimate the written test difficulty. Guam's test is not a straightforward road-sign quiz — it includes questions about Guam-specific traffic laws, speed limits, and local road conditions. Study the Guam Driver's Manual (available at the Motor Vehicle Division office and online) for at least one week before taking the test. The manual is the only official study material.
Finally, do not assume your out-of-state or foreign license will be recognized. Guam does not honor licenses from other jurisdictions. You must pass Guam's tests to drive legally on the island, even if you have held a valid license elsewhere for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
No. The Motor Vehicle Division offers the written test in English only. If English is not your first language, you may bring a dictionary or ask staff for clarification on specific words, but the test itself cannot be administered in another language. Study the Guam Driver's Manual thoroughly before your test date.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You must wait at least one week before retaking it. Each retake costs $25. You may retake the test as many times as needed, but each attempt requires a new fee and a new appointment. After three consecutive failures, some examiners may require you to retake the written test as well.
Do I need to renew my license before I move off the island?
No. Your Guam license remains valid for its full term (8 years for adults, 4 years for minors) even if you move to another state or country. However, if you move to another U.S. state, that state may require you to obtain a state license within a certain period (usually 30 to 60 days). Check the requirements of your new state.
Can I renew my license online?
No. Guam does not offer online renewal. You must renew either by mail (if you meet the conditions) or in person at the Motor Vehicle Division office in Hagatna.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will need to renew in person. The fee is the standard renewal fee ($50 for adults), and you do not need to retake the tests.