What you need to drive legally in Hawaii with an international permit
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license — it is a translation document that works alongside your valid passport and home country driver's license. Hawaii recognizes IDPs issued by your home country's automobile association, but only if your underlying license is current and valid. You cannot drive in Hawaii on an IDP alone; you must carry all three documents together: your passport, your home country license, and your IDP.
Hawaii does not issue its own IDPs. You obtain one before you travel, from your home country's automobile association or equivalent body. The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it remains valid only as long as your home country license does not expire.
If you plan to stay in Hawaii longer than a visitor — typically more than 30 days — you will need to transition to a Hawaii driver's license instead of relying on your IDP. Temporary visitors can drive on an IDP for the duration of their stay, but residents and people establishing residency must follow Hawaii's licensing process.
Key Takeaways
- An IDP is a translation of your home country license and must be carried with your passport and original license at all times while driving in Hawaii.
- Hawaii recognizes IDPs from most countries, but the IDP is valid only as long as your home country license has not expired.
- Visitors can drive on an IDP for their entire stay, but anyone staying longer than 30 days or establishing residency must obtain a Hawaii driver's license.
- You obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association before traveling; Hawaii does not issue them.
- Driving without all three documents — passport, home license, and IDP — can result in a citation even if you have a valid IDP.
How long an IDP is valid in Hawaii
An IDP is typically valid for one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you requested from your home country's automobile association. However, the IDP becomes invalid the moment your home country driver's license expires, even if the IDP itself has not reached its expiration date. You cannot renew an IDP in Hawaii; you must obtain a new one from your home country before you travel again.
If you are a temporary visitor, your IDP is valid for the entire length of your stay as long as both documents remain current. If you are planning to stay in Hawaii for more than 30 days, check your home country's license expiration date before you travel. If it will expire while you are in Hawaii, you will need to either renew it from abroad or transition to a Hawaii license before it lapses.
When you must switch from an IDP to a Hawaii driver's license
Hawaii law requires anyone who establishes residency in the state to obtain a Hawaii driver's license within a set timeframe. Residency is typically established when you register a vehicle in Hawaii, enroll in school, or obtain employment. If you are moving to Hawaii permanently or semi-permanently, you cannot continue driving on an IDP indefinitely.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation does not publish a single "residency threshold," but the general rule is that if you are living in Hawaii and have a permanent address, you should obtain a Hawaii license. Temporary visitors — people staying for tourism, short-term work, or family visits — can drive on an IDP for the duration of their stay without triggering this requirement.
To obtain a Hawaii driver's license, you will need to visit a Hawaii driver licensing office in person, bring your IDP and passport, pass a written test and driving test, and pay the licensing fee. The process typically takes one to two weeks from process to receipt of your license.
What documents to carry while driving in Hawaii
You must carry three documents at all times while driving in Hawaii on an IDP: your valid passport, your valid home country driver's license, and your valid IDP. Carrying only the IDP is not sufficient, even though the IDP is the document that translates your license into English. Police officers in Hawaii are trained to check all three documents, and you can be cited for driving without your passport or home license even if your IDP is valid.
Keep these documents in your vehicle or on your person whenever you are behind the wheel. If you are renting a car, the rental company will also ask to see all three documents before handing over the keys. Some rental companies have additional restrictions on who can rent a vehicle with an IDP; call ahead to confirm their policy.
Insurance requirements for drivers with an IDP in Hawaii
Hawaii requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, regardless of whether they are driving on a Hawaii license or an IDP. When you rent a car in Hawaii, the rental company will require proof of insurance before you drive off the lot. If you have insurance from your home country, check whether it covers you in Hawaii; many policies do not extend to the United States.
Most visitors purchase a short-term rental car insurance policy through the rental company itself, which typically costs $15 to $30 per day. If you are staying in Hawaii for an extended period and plan to drive frequently, you may want to obtain a temporary Hawaii auto insurance policy instead, which can be cheaper over time. Insurance companies will accept your IDP as proof of driving history, though some may charge a higher rate if they cannot verify your record.
Violations and penalties for driving with an IDP in Hawaii
Driving with an expired IDP, an expired home country license, or without carrying all three required documents is a traffic violation in Hawaii. The penalty is typically a citation and fine, similar to driving without a valid license. If you are involved in an accident while driving on an expired IDP or without the required documents, your insurance may deny your claim, leaving you liable for all damages.
If you receive a traffic citation while driving on an IDP, you have the same options as any other driver: pay the fine, contest the ticket in traffic court, or request a hearing. The citation will not affect your home country license, but it will be recorded in Hawaii's traffic system and may affect your ability to obtain a Hawaii license later if you decide to stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in Hawaii with just my home country license and no IDP?
No. Hawaii law requires a translation document if your license is not in English. An IDP is the standard translation document recognized by Hawaii. Driving without an IDP when your license is in another language can result in a citation, even if your license itself is valid.
What if my IDP expires while I am in Hawaii?
If you are a temporary visitor, you should plan to leave Hawaii before your IDP expires. If you are staying longer and your IDP will expire, you must obtain a Hawaii driver's license before the expiration date. You cannot renew an IDP in Hawaii; you must get a new one from your home country before traveling again.
Do I need an IDP if my home country license is in English?
No. If your home country license is printed in English and is valid, you can drive in Hawaii with just your license and passport. An IDP is required only when your license is in a language other than English.
Can I rent a car in Hawaii with an IDP?
Yes, but rental companies have different policies. Most will rent to you if you have a valid IDP, passport, and home country license, and if you meet their age and insurance requirements. Some companies charge higher rates or require a larger deposit for IDP holders. Call the rental company before you book to confirm their policy.
What happens if I get pulled over and do not have my passport with me?
You can be cited for driving without proper identification, even if your IDP and home license are valid. Always carry all three documents — passport, home license, and IDP — whenever you drive in Hawaii.