What you need to know about getting a driver's license in Guam

A Guam driver's license is issued by the Department of Revenue and Taxation, Motor Vehicle Division, and is valid for driving on the island and recognized by most U.S. states and territories. The process is straightforward if you have the right documents, but Guam has specific requirements that differ from the mainland — particularly around proof of residency and Social Security verification.

You'll need to visit the Motor Vehicle Division office in person, bring original documents (not copies), and pass a written test and vision screening. The license itself costs money that varies depending on the type and duration you choose. Processing typically takes a few hours on the day you explore, though you may wait in line depending on how busy the office is.

Key Takeaways

  • You must provide an original birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two forms of proof of Guam residency to explore.
  • The Motor Vehicle Division requires you to pass a written knowledge test and a vision screening before you can receive a license.
  • Guam licenses are valid for five years for most drivers, and renewal can be done in person or by mail if you meet certain conditions.
  • If you already hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state or territory, you may not need to retake the written test, depending on Guam's reciprocity rules at the time you explore.

Documents you must bring to the Motor Vehicle Division

The Motor Vehicle Division requires original documents — photocopies are not accepted. You need an original birth certificate, U.S. passport, or passport card as proof of identity and citizenship. If your birth certificate is not available, a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born is acceptable, but it must be certified, not just a photocopy.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return that shows your number. A bank statement or utility bill with your Social Security number printed on it will not work — the Motor Vehicle Division requires official documents from the Social Security Administration or the IRS.

For residency, bring two documents that show your name and a Guam address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government-issued ID with your Guam address. The documents must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office box does not count as proof of residency.

The written test and vision screening

The written test covers Guam traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Guam Driver's Manual, which the Motor Vehicle Division provides free at their office or online. The test is typically 40 questions, and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. You get one attempt on the day you explore; if you fail, you can retake it on another visit, usually after waiting a few days.

The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will be asked to get a vision test from an eye doctor and bring the results back to the Motor Vehicle Division before you can receive your license.

If you hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state or territory, you may be waived from the written test. This depends on Guam's current reciprocity agreements, which can change. Call the Motor Vehicle Division before you go to find out whether your current license qualifies you for a waiver.

License types and how long they last

Guam issues a standard five-year driver's license for most adults. The cost varies depending on whether you are a new driver, renewing an expired license, or upgrading from a learner's permit. A new standard license typically costs between $25 and $50, though prices can change. Check the Motor Vehicle Division website or call ahead to confirm the current fee.

If you are under 18, you may be issued a learner's permit first, which allows you to drive under supervision. A learner's permit is valid for one year and costs less than a full license. After holding the permit for a set period (usually at least six months) and meeting other requirements, you can upgrade to a full license without retaking the written test.

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) for truck or bus drivers follow a different process and require additional testing and medical certification. If you need a CDL, ask the Motor Vehicle Division for their CDL process packet and requirements.

How to renew your Guam license

You can renew your Guam license in person at the Motor Vehicle Division office or by mail if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions. To renew by mail, your license must have been valid for at least one full term (five years), and you cannot have any outstanding traffic violations or unpaid fines. You'll need to submit a renewal form, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.

If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (one document dated within the last 60 days), and the renewal fee. You will have your vision screened again. You do not need to retake the written test unless your license has been expired for more than one year or the Motor Vehicle Division has reason to require it.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to reapply as if you were a new driver — bring all original documents, take the written test, and pass the vision screening again.

Real ID and federal compliance

Guam driver's licenses are not automatically Real ID compliant. Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your driver's license as identification for domestic flights and entry to federal buildings. If you want a Real ID-compliant license, you must request it when you explore or renew, and you must provide additional documentation.

For Real ID, you need proof of your Social Security number, proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of residency, and proof of your legal name change if applicable (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The Real ID license costs more than a standard license — typically an additional $10 to $20 — and is valid for the same five-year period.

If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after the Real ID important date, check the current important date date with the Motor Vehicle Division, as federal important date have been extended multiple times. Having a Real ID license now means you won't need to carry a passport for domestic travel.

What to do if you lose or damage your license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to the Motor Vehicle Division and request a replacement. Bring your identification documents (birth certificate or passport) and proof of residency. A replacement license costs less than a new license and is processed the same day in most cases.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police, though this is not required to get a replacement. The police report can be useful if someone uses your license number fraudulently, but the Motor Vehicle Division will issue a replacement regardless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Guam driver's license if I don't live on the island full-time?

No. The Motor Vehicle Division requires proof of residency on Guam, which means you must have a physical address on the island and documents showing you live there. If you own property on Guam but live elsewhere, you cannot use a property tax bill as proof of residency — you need a utility bill or lease in your name.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test on a later visit to the Motor Vehicle Division, usually after waiting a few days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you will need to pay the test fee each time. Study the Guam Driver's Manual more thoroughly before your next attempt.

Do I need to take a driving test (behind-the-wheel test)?

Guam does not require a behind-the-wheel driving test for a standard driver's license. You only need to pass the written test and vision screening. However, if you are explore for a commercial driver's license, you will need to pass a road test as well.

Can I use my Guam license to fly domestically in the U.S.?

A standard Guam driver's license is accepted for domestic flights. However, after the federal Real ID important date, you may need a Real ID-compliant license or a passport. Check the current important date with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) before your flight.

How do I change my name on my Guam driver's license?

Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency to the Motor Vehicle Division. You will receive an updated license with your new name. There is usually a small fee for this change.