We took our son here to get his permit. He took the permit test online the night before $12. We tried to schedule an appointment online at alohaq.honolulu.gov for the Kapalama location, but it was booked through the middle of September. I checked this morning for the Kapolei location and their was a spot that opened up for noon today. It was perfect. He lucked out. We got here around 11:45am and there were people waiting outside on standby. The woman sitting to the right when you walk in checked all the paperwork: social security card, birth certificate and two proofs of principal residence. Then, she had him fill out a permit application and told him to wait for his number to be called. We waited about 15 minutes and they called his number. They gave him an eye test, processed his paperwork and charged us $5 for the card. Then, he had to wait to get his picture taken. We waited another 10 minutes standing in the picture line. He sat in the chair and took his picture. They told him to check his info on the screen to make sure it was correct. Then, they took his fingerprints on the screen. They printed out a temporary paper copy and told him the plastic card will be coming in the mail. We were in and out in half an hour. The workers were on it. They have a small parking area on the side of the building. read more

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Terrible service never checked on people never communicated with others as customers..... Hawai'i better step it up you failed the people

I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone at the Kapolei driving center, especially all of the examiners! I truly appreciate the patience, professionalism, encouragement, and feedback I received throughout this entire process. Every experience taught me something and helped me become a safer and more confident driver. Today, I finally passed my road test, and I couldn't be happier! I'm so grateful to each examiner who took the time to explain what I needed to work on and helped me improve along the way. Thank you for being a part of this journey and for helping me reach such an important milestone. I will always remember this experience. God bless you all! Thank you Ms. Chaz she was my last examiner she was was amazing!!!!! read more

Making an appt online via Aloha Q is one of the smartest things ever! Arrived 30 mins prior to our appointment & there was already a line. An employee was turning away those that didn't have an appointment & advised they were short handed and would only be able to handle the appointments for the day. Whew! Waited roughly 15 mins past our scheduled time, had all of my paperwork previously filled out & was outta there 15 mins later. Plenty of parking. Great location for westside folks! read more

I have never had a bad experience with this location until today. This lady that is working in there at the fast line registration desk. she is rude and needs to be replaced. She told my husband that he had to use the same exact pin and when he used a different one she put it up to the light and saw it wasn't the same pin. You don't put it through the machine and you throw the dang paper away anyways so why does it matter. I'm beyond pissed off. You might be in a shitty mood about your at home life but DONT TAKE IT OUT ON SOMEONE ELSE!! I am praying you for you. read more

Nobody likes going to the DMV or vehicle registration. I go to the vehicle registration a lot. I don't have time to set those appointments. This branch is very good about squeezing you in on standby. read more

A DMV Experience That Truly Stands Out. I would give an 8 star out of 5 if I could. This was hands down one of the best driver's license locations I've ever visited--and I've been to quite a few over the past 20+ years. It genuinely made me proud to live on the west side, especially when I compare it to past experiences at other Hawaii DMV locations. The team here doesn't just do their job--they go above and beyond to provide clear information and real support. Our journey began on 8/4, just a day before my kids started school. Mary, who was checking people in, took the time to explain how Saturday scheduling works. That insight was golden--it allowed us to book an appointment for 8/23, which perfect timing. On 8/23, we had a change in plans: my oldest had passed the online permit test, so we wanted to switch her appointment from getting a state ID to getting her permit instead. The lady checking us in (I didn't catch her name) was incredibly helpful and accommodating. She made the adjustment with kindness and efficiency, which set the tone for the rest of our visit. Then came Grace at counter 5--what a gem. She assisted us with all our transactions, and her patience, professionalism, and warm smile never wavered. My youngest is usually shy around new people, but Grace took her time, spoke gently, and made her feel completely at ease. That kind of care isn't something you expect at the DMV, but it made all the difference. Grace was amazing, and honestly, we wouldn't have had the chance to meet her if Mary hadn't shared that key info about Saturday appointments. It's rare to see such thoughtful coordination and genuine kindness in a government office, and I'm deeply grateful for it. This was, without a doubt, one of the most positive and memorable DMV experiences I've ever had. Thank you to everyone who helped make it so smooth and uplifting--you've set a new standard for public service. read more

Appointments were easy to make online at this location. I wanted to get ahead to register for the real ID, since I know the deadline is upcoming next year. Very straightforward process. Print and fill out application form and check the box indicating you would like your Driver's License to be your real id. Follow the instructions online and make sure you have all required documents. The check in lady was turning people away who did not have proper paperwork and documents. So make sure you are prepared. Take a seat, and wait for your number to be called. Since I had an appointment, I only waited about 10 minutes to be seen. Pretty quick process. You give your paperwork, pass the vision test, take your picture, and pay the $40 fee. FYI there is a surcharge if you use card, so I paid in cash. The lady who helped me was very sweet and friendly. Had a positive experience here, and was less stressful than other locations. A downside is the parking. It gets very busy in the lot, so you might have to do street parking. read more

So i made an appointment at wai'anae but they are closed so it said to go to Kapolei so I do. The Power goes out today so everyone with appointments and walk-ins could either wait till it comes back on or go. They said the ones with an appointments which involves me, that they will reach out to you to schedule an appointment. Now I have no problem with the power going out, life happen. My problem is that they text me at 3:56pm saying "[AlohaQ#xxxx] is ready to be served. Please proceed to [Window#1] at Kapolei Driver License, State ID. " However they close at 4pm. So I call and call and it seems like it's just AI assistance for every line I go to, even the different numbers that it directed me too. read more

No stars terrible. Made an appointment on line. Still had to fill out form. One hour pass my appointment time still didn't call my number. One person at counter read more

Staff member Grace from Nanakuli was the BEST !!! Got me through some unexpected glitches, and after a trip to pick up a document at Kapolei Hale courthouse, got me back in line to process my renewal straight away. Doing a great job with aloha and humor ! read more

I'm sharing this experience on behalf of my 70-year-old mother, who recently took a road test at the Kapolei Driver Licensing Center on June 10, 2025, at 8:00 AM. Her examiner, Coco, showed little empathy or patience, even after I explained that my mother does not speak English fluently and kindly asked for simple hand gestures to be used during the test. Unfortunately, Coco continued speaking English throughout, and her overall tone and attitude felt dismissive and intimidating. What's more troubling is that at the end of the test, Coco exited the vehicle and walked away--leaving my unlicensed, elderly mother alone in the car on a public roadside. Not only was this distressing, but it may also raise legal and safety concerns, considering my mother does not have a license and should not have been left unsupervised behind the wheel. This didn't happen in the licensing center's parking lot; they left the lot together, and the tester walked back alone. I was there waiting for them to return. Coco did not review the test results with us or offer any constructive feedback--she simply said my mom "doesn't know how to drive," which contradicts previous testing experiences and the significant practice my mother has completed. I hope this review brings attention to the need for more respectful, inclusive, and safe practices--especially for senior citizens and those with limited English skills. I would not want another family to go through this. read more

The lady in window 1 needs more training & need to be honest with her work. Made us go back & forth for document she said we needed in order to renew my mom's ID. Every time we came with a document she said we needed another. More than 3-5 times doing this come & go visit with this DMV. Finally gave it a break as my mother is elderly & is dependent on her walker, who is no way shape or form or able bodied to do these many trips in a day let alone the whole week. We finally went back on Friday with the document lady at window 1 said we needed. Did a walk-in because an appointment opening isnt until next month. We get their with my moms marriage certificate only to get denied again. After waiting outside from 11am-3:30pm to get seen. Lady who helped us on Friday was very helpful and tried her best to get us the help we needed. Lady at window 1 insisted on her notes that she specifically told us the document that was needed, which was the marriage certificate to verify when my mother's last name changed. We come on Friday it had nothing to do with my mothers last name but the misspelling of her first name, but because the lies the lady at window 1 had put in her notes in their computer, we couldn't get a renewal. I could understand if my mom was an immigrant I'd understand the hell that we had to go through, but for a person who had multiple IDs here in Hawaii never once had a problem until our first try at Window 1 is Just too much to be doing especially for a disabled person. To that lady I hope you get the proper training you need because lying on a customer who is just trying to renew their ID is completely wrong!!! Especially with the amount of trips we made back & forth to the dmv turning in documents. We had my mothers Medical card, birth certificate, marriage certificate, my dads death certificate, my mothers social, proof of address , my mothers old IDs and it still wasn't enough to get a renewal. Thanks to the lady at window 1!!! read more

I was accompanying my dad to the dmv today for his 10:30 licensing road test, and waited for 50 minutes infront of the DMV and at 10:35 we went to inquire the situation just to found out we've been rejected from proceeding because we should of check in before 10:30. normally (at the Waianae DMV) the driving instructor would come out and call the next person on the time sheet and scan through listings for test takers. However unbeknownst to us the rules was changed to checking-in at the counter inside before waiting for your name to be called. Much to our dismay, we didn't have any prior notice or guidance compounded with the DMV staff being rude and not understanding; it makes the situation insufferable. To add more insult to injury, the sign referring to such checks-in system was tiny ( the restroom sign was bigger; this sign was smaller than a standard 8.5x11) & it was only placed on one side of the building which altogether is not practical enough to inforn people about the rules; its insufficient as a guidance signals. If every dmv is going to have different rules and requirements, at least make it clear and apparent. It was a horrible experience and the DMV staff was extremely rude and no understanding citing "there was a sign" (which was small & unnoticeable); "there was a brochure that explains the changes" (how would we know we would find the information in the brochure hidden behind a bunch of papers work?); "there fine prints on your appointment paper" (its very confusing to read the fine prints when you have eye problems). What you need is to provide guidance; not having to punch in the dark to find solutions when i go to the DMV. read more

Had to get our Driver's License updated with our new address. It was under 20 bucks. If I hadn't forgotten our address verification we would have been out of there quicker. The Customer Service was superb! They seriously have a good process on getting people in and out. It's important to go online and schedule an appointment and get there on time. They will allow you to come back if you don't have all your paperwork but it would be on the same day. read more

0/10 stars if i could give 0. after having the best encounter with the security guard my experience immediately went to a very poor one. the short red hair lady was extremely rude and could use a lesson in human interaction and sympathy. read more

Note: drivers roar test appts open at end of business day for the next day. Appts made online, easy check in and Covid screening just inside of the door. Documents are also verified here. Multiple windows fully staffed. read more

kapolei driver licensing center - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ON ALOHAQ! If you don't want to wait 3-4 months, check the website around 3-4pm, that's when they usually put out next day or closer appointments. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL YOUR DOCUMENTS!! I had a 8am appointment and when I got there at 740, the line was not that long probably about 10 people in front of me. There was a lady who came out to check who had appointments, who didn't, if you had all your documents and so forth. I heard a lot of people being turned away for not having the correct documents, so I suggest going on the website and double checking that you have everything! I ended up being the first to get helped and the lady who helped me was super friendly! Everything went by so fast, I gave my documents, took an eye test, paid my $40, took my picture and I was out by 815. I feel like this location by far is the most efficient even with the shortage of workers and I have to say, the friendliest out of all the dmvs I've been to. Make an appointment here, if you can! read more

Made an appointment online and the process was really easy. I had all my documents, the ladies who helped me was super friendly and helpful. The only downside is that is gets very busy if you don't have an appointment. The parking lot is usually always packed so chance it or find street parking. read more

I swear to God. The guy I took the driving test is an idiot. He told me I didn't need to "look into my mirrors" because they aren't actually helpful. What the hell? And that looking around was better, which I did. What did he want me to do? Look in my mirrors or not, he's leaving me with a no-win situation. He also told me I didn't stop well - even though, when we pulled over, everyone pulled up on the line to see past the bushes, and look at traffic to DRIVE SAFELY, he told me it was wrong - even though not one car stopped before the white line, like he was trying to show me. My drivers license expired two months ago, making me restart the entire process. I know how to drive. This guy is a hater. I could tell he enjoyed lecturing me, and I don't think anything impresses him, and he probably fails everyone who takes the test based on his mood. He should 100% be fired. My appointment was at 12pm and I hope HR looks into it. read more

Aloha mai kākou. In this review, I hope to provide constructive criticism for management about a customer service concern that must be addressed. A majority of the staff members exhibit great customer service; except the female worker located at window #9. I am uncertain if she was having a bad day (which is understandable) but giving an attitude to the people sheʻs being paid to "help" was very unprofessional and impolite (especially since I gave her NO reason to treat me so rudely). She first nit-picked me on how I did not write my entire full name. I purposely refrained from this because I have a long Hawaiian middle name that wont fit in the designated space. Therefore, I just shortened it with the first letter like most people do; hoping it'll make the staff member's job just a little bit easier. Then, when I gave to her my two proof of residence, (which happen to be the two items that were already scanned into their system a week prior by a very sweet coworker of hers because I came three days too early to renew my permit so she just put all of my information in so that my next appointment would be faster) the worker at window #9 told me how they "do not accept medical brochures as proof of residence." I attempted to tell her that "the lady that helped me last week accepted it," but she cut me off and continued by raising her tone at me to say "Well I don't know who you saw, but we do not accept brochures here" with A LOT of attitude. Second strike; I am already getting upset. So, I just gave her another proof of residence in which she again nit-picked me for because the "font was too small for her to see" and went to the back to enlarge it (when, again, that second proof of residence was already in their system; with its "small fonts" and all). When she came back, she became a bit nicer because I assume she finally went on her computer and saw that BOTH proof of residence were already (not only accepted) but in. their. system. She proceeded to ask me if I was seen today in which I replied "...last week" like I was trying to tell her prior. She said this because she has now seen that I took the eye exam recently (in which I am sure by now sheʻs also seen that all of the things she was giving me attitude about were already all accepted). She required $5 for the payment in which I gave her a $20 bill. She proceeded to ask if I had a smaller bill because "we might not have change since we give out change all day." I told her "No." Long and behold, she had a $10 dollar bill and a $5 bill to give to me. After paying her, I continued to be polite by saying thank you and left to take my picture. This power-trip-attitude behavior that this particular worker exhibited was very unnecessary as well as time-consuming for both parties. If she would have just listened to me when I told her that all my documents were accepted last week, she wouldn't of had to do the extra work like she did today. The previous worker even stamped the back of my application of the date she helped me and wrote "2 early 2 renew." Therefore, her whole job would have been easier if she just didn't jump the gun and immediately give attitude (because I assume she thought I was trying to argue with her) when someone is genuinely trying to tell her everything's in the system already to, again, make her job easier and faster. Look, we all have our bad days, but we all are supposed to be trying our best to continue treating others the way we would like to be treated. Attitude in any age and in any context is unacceptable. I hope this review urges management to remind workers to be mindful of the demeanor they currently have, and the demeanor they are supposed to exhibit in this line of work. Mahalo. read more

Well, my experience in renewing my driver's license was smooth and efficient. No crowds, no expected chaos, and limited confusion. Within three months of my license expiring in September, I was shocked that the first available appointment on the AlohaQ website was December, a full seven months away. But, if you go to AlohaQ around 4pm, they list available vacancies for the next day. I got one. When I arrived, I checked in at the check in table outside. Give em your name and appointment time. They record it and tell you to wait outside until called. Name was called after 20 min and was told to go inside and wait on the left. No other instructions... a little confusing on where to go and what to do. I asked another worker and she said they will call the last four numbers of your phone number, which they did after another 20 min wait. Once my number was called, was told to go to counter #5, which was staffed by Ms Kennedy. Boon, gave her my Docs and took the eye exam and was all done in 5 min. I was expecting chaos and confusion at a crowded DL center, was pleasantly surprised. read more

Came here Monday morning at 8am. There was not too lot of a line. I did not have an appointment. I was checked in right away and they ensured I filled out my application. I was in and out of there in less than 2 hours for a out of state license transfer. The person who helped me was not the friendliest, I tried asking about her day however she said it was bad because it's the same thing everyday and it's busy. I jokingly said well at least it's air conditioned. No laugh. Other than that she was helpful and fast. The outside of the building was very nice lots of seating area and restroom are very nice ! read more

kapolei driver licensing center - Wait area - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

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I'm giving Kapolei driver licensing center three stars because it is a nerve-racking experience. Everything is so confusing that they need a worker to explain what to do at the beginning of the line that goes out the door, down the hallway onto the street . Thank god I made an appointment online... which I made in December and my appointment wasn't until March . If you schedule an appointment online they will text you the day before to remind you that you have a scheduled appointment. You can also cancel your appointment via that text message if you no longer need your appointment. By scheduling an appointment you can show up right before your appointment and wait for your turn. Remember to pay attention to the monitor which list appointments by the last four digits of the phone number you provided. The monitor will let you know when it is your turn and what number window to report to. Another thing to remember is to make sure you have all the required documentation you will need depending on the reason why you are there. Go online and find a list on the website because if you don't have the correct documents you will need to reschedule your appointment. Once the nice clerk approves your documents you will make your payment. If you don't have cash you will be charged a service fee for using your credit card. Then you go back into the waiting area until the last four digits of your phone number shows up on the monitor and tells you what window to go to next to complete your transactions. It is definitely better to schedule an appointment and make sure you come early to find parking because the parking lot is really small, but there is to charge to park in the lot. Upside there is a lot of street parking.... read more

kapolei driver licensing center - Make sure if you make an appointment you watch the appointment screen. - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

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6/19: Finally received my naturalization replacement after almost 3 years of having a LIMITED DRIVING PURPOSES ONLY license I could now apply for a get a REAL ID VALID driving license. I actually had an appointment which I made on Alhohaq.Honolulu.gov for July BUT I was sooooo anxious about getting a "normal" DL again that I decide I was going to do a walk-in. Got there at 630am ... at 715am I stood in line by the stairs in front of the chains. A nice maintenance worker saw me Standing and said I should stand in line in the front of the building because that's where they let people in first. I was soooooo thankful that he was nice to let me know. So there were already 6 people standing in line. To make a long story short I stood in line to get my duplicate license at 730ish. Was the first person on their stand by list. The female employee let me know that she didn't know how long till they call me but I didn't care. I just needed to get my DL:) the whole system from people getting the license or permit or driving test the workers were friendly and organized. It don't take long for me to wait. I was out of there by 910am. I wish I got the female employees name who put my name on the waiting list. She was friendly and on it with the amount of traffic of people. And to the clerk window 1. She gave me outstanding service and even suggested I get my passport and to keep my naturalization in a safe place so I don't lose it again :) I just appreciate it because the last time I was there in 2/2020 to just renew my DL I didn't get that kind of service. But it's ok. Anywho, thank you!!!' Will be back soon to apply for a passport. read more

I needed a next day appointment and they scheduled it for me. I had to wait a few minutes but that's understandable. The clerk that helped me was knowledgeable and polite. read more

Just wanted to say thank you Kapolei DMV for your awesome service. The times are changing and I remember the DMV to be full of unhappy workers and always was not a pleasant experience. This is truly an upgrade of service and people who has helped us with our passports was professional and kind . Who ever was in charge of the management team and really focused on kindness and service we and my family appreciate you all read more

I walked in here on a Thursday at 1:15pm and I was out by 2pm. I did not have an appointment. I came to get a new drivers license. When you arrive at the license area, get in the appointment line (even if you don't have an appointment). Once you get to the front of the line, they will check you in and make sure your application is filled out. I was put on the standby list and there were 5 people ahead of me. Then, I sat on the benches outside until my name was called. Once I was called, I walked inside and waited in a short line for a person that processes the paperwork and inputs my information and gives me an eye test, then I pay (94 cents fee for using a credit card on $40), and then I went to the line where they take your photo/fingerprints/signature. I was given a temporary paper card that expires in 60 days. The real license card is mailed to you within 4-6 weeks. Update! It arrived within 18 days in the mail. read more

kapolei driver licensing center - Inside the center. - Departments of Motor Vehicles Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

Had a friend I took to get his license and could not understand the parking fail. He was in the line when I went back to the car. This last one caused him to fail the whole test. Don't understand the reasoning unless it was a safety issue, but you park accordingly to the space available between cars. I still had room to get in so I don't understand, why? That just seems like they were looking for a reason to cause him to fail. And to add to insult they had to mention the amount of times he took his test. There was no need for that. All they had to do was state the mistakes ( the last was Berry questionable) and that was it. read more

This is by so far the fastest DMV I have been in my entire life. All personnel are accommodating and helpful. I renewed my license here in less than 10mins. read more

This location is just fantastic! From the ladies who check you in before you go to any of the windows, ladies that work at the windows, to the lady that takes the picture for your license all have such a great attitude and are so pleasant and their willingness to help and make your visit fast and pleasant is astounding! This place really is just wonderful! read more

I came in as a walk-on on a Tuesday to transfer my out of state license and they took me in 15 minutes later. Everyone was nice and accommodating and super helpful. Super easy process. I was in and out read more

Just renewed my Driver's License...16 minutes! Unbelievable! I enter at exactly my appointment time and finished 16 mins later; Very efficient. read more

Awesome I was there only 5 to 10 minutes and got my drivers license renewed,the staff was friendly and it was cool inside thank you staff of Kapolei DMV 8/18/21 12:45 pm read more