Kauaʻi County Department of Finance is sharing answers to common questions about Division of Motor Vehicles services while systems continue to be restored following the Sept. 9 Kāpule Building fire.
All Division of Motor Vehicle services are unavailable until further notice in the county.
Limited staff are available at the portable trailer in Līhuʻe and at Kapaʻa satellite office, located at 4750 Kāhau Road, at the Kapaʻa Armory, to answer questions and accept certain documents for processing once systems are restored.
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Q: When will the division office reopen?
Finance Department: We do not have a confirmed reopening date at this time. The Information Technology Department is working to rebuild the county server and restore connections to programs needed to resume services. Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
Q: Can I take a road test?
Finance Department: Road tests are unavailable on Kauaʻi until further notice.
Q: Can I take a road test on another island?
Finance Department: Yes, road tests are available on other islands, though we recognize traveling off-island is not a feasible option for every family. We are actively working toward an on-island solution and will share updates as more information becomes available. Anyone considering traveling to another island for a road test should book an appointment in advance to help ensure service availability and review the appropriate county’s website for requirements, including any restrictions on the use of rental vehicles.
Q: Can I renew my driver’s license or state ID card?
Finance Department: No. Driver’s licenses and state ID cards cannot be renewed on Kauaʻi at this time.
Q: My driver’s license, permit or state ID expired during the closure. Will I be penalized?
Finance Department: No. Under Gov. Josh Green’s Sept. 22 supplemental emergency proclamation, residents who could not renew an otherwise valid driver’s license, permit or state ID because of the closure have additional time to renew and will not be penalized. This relief is in effect through Nov. 21, unless extended by the governor. The relief does not apply to licenses or permits that are suspended, revoked or otherwise invalid.
Commercial driver’s licenses and commercial learner’s permits also are covered under a separate federal waiver, which extends qualifying credentials through 11:59 p.m. Dec. 8 or 14 days after services are restored on Kauaʻi, whichever comes first.
Q: I have a commercial driver’s license. What should I know?
Finance Department: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a waiver Sept. 24 for Kauaʻi commercial drivers and their employers. Under the waiver, CDLs and CLPs due for renewal on or after Sept. 9 are extended until the waiver ends. CLP holders do not need to retake knowledge tests. Non-domiciled CDL and CLP holders also could qualify but need additional documentation. Employers who could not complete a driver’s annual motor vehicle record review because of the closure are covered automatically, and no action is needed.
The waiver does not apply to drivers whose privileges are suspended or disqualified, drivers under a federal imminent hazard order, drivers barred from safety-sensitive duties under federal drug and alcohol rules or drivers without a valid medical examiner’s certificate.
Contact Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Commercial Driver’s License Division at 202-236-9649 or via email to carlos.dequina@dot.gov for questions about the federal waiver.
Q: I lost my driver’s license. Can I get a duplicate?
Finance Department: Yes. Kauaʻi residents can request an exact duplicate driver’s license online through the City and County of Honolulu Division of Motor Vehicles. The fee is $7. Allow up to 5 weeks for delivery by mail. This option is only for exact duplicates. Changes to a name, residential address or other personal information cannot be processed this way.
Q: I lost my state ID card. Can I get a duplicate?
Finance Department: Residents can request a duplicate state ID through any Division of Motor Vehicles office statewide, but an in-person appointment is required. Online duplicate requests are not available for state IDs. Before traveling to another island for services, book an appointment to help ensure service availability and check the appropriate county’s website for requirements and any restrictions. Neighboring counties are experiencing high demand and might only be able to accommodate visitors as their capacity permits.
Q: What if I need services that are only available in-person?
Finance Department: Other counties cannot process Kauaʻi-specific motor vehicle transactions, as these services are handled by each county. Anyone considering traveling to another island for services should first confirm that the service is available there, book an appointment and bring all required personal identification and supporting documents.
Q: I submitted documents or payment before the fire. How do I know if my transaction was completed?
Finance Department: Unfortunately, staff were unable to retrieve materials following the fire, and documents or payments left at or mailed to the office could have been destroyed. The next steps depend on the type of transaction. Call 808-241-1949 or email to kauaidmv@kauai.gov for guidance.
Q: My registration was renewed in the system, but my check was not cashed. Now I cannot use the kiosk. What should I do?
Finance Department: If the system shows your registration was renewed but your check has not cleared, the check might have been lost in the fire. The division is awaiting further direction for how to handle these cases and will provide instructions once available. If a duplicate payment is needed, staff will provide guidance when services resume.
Q: Can I still renew my vehicle registration?
Finance Department: Yes. Vehicle registrations can be renewed online or at self-service kiosks at Western Motors in Hanapēpē, Līhuʻe Safeway, Kapaʻa Safeway and Princeville Foodland. Registration cards and emblems are mailed in about 7 to 10 business days.
A current safety check is required. A safety check completed within the past 30 days is also accepted if it failed only because the vehicle registration expired.
Q: How do I transfer a vehicle title into my name?
Finance Department: Title transfers cannot be completed in-person at this time. Residents can mail or drop off the completed title and transfer fee at 4444 Rice St., Suite 466, Līhuʻe. Write your name and phone number on the envelope so staff can contact you if additional information is needed. Transactions will be processed once systems are operational.
Q: I sold my vehicle. How do I submit my notice of transfer?
Finance Department: Notices of transfer can be dropped off at the Kapaʻa satellite office. Staff are entering these into the system so records reflect that the vehicle was sold.
Q: I lost my vehicle title or registration or never received my registration in the mail. Can I get a duplicate?
Finance Department: Yes. Complete an application for a duplicate title or registration and submit it with the $10 fee, payable by exact cash or check. Write your name and phone number on the envelope. Requests will be processed once the system is operational.
Q: I need proof that I am the new owner of a vehicle. Can the Division of Motor Vehicles issue a letter for my bank, insurance company or property manager?
Finance Department: The division is unable to issue ownership verification letters at this time. However, staff can return the signed title to you so you can use it as proof of ownership.
Q: How do I renew my vehicle registration if my safety check failed only because my registration expired?
Finance Department: A safety check completed within the past 30 days is accepted for online or kiosk registration renewal if the only reason it failed was the expired registration.
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Travelers should note that the Transportation Security Administration sets its own identification requirements at airport checkpoints. Visit the TSA website before flying to review current requirements.
Answers to other frequently asked questions and the latest updates about county services are available online.
Contact Kauaʻi County Division of Motor Vehicles at 808-241-1949 or via email at kauaidmv@kauai.gov for additional information or with any questions.
