In Hawaii, your “driving record” is actually managed by two different entities: the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) for administrative history and the Hawaii State Judiciary (District Courts) for traffic abstracts. It is critical to know which document you need, as employers and insurance companies have different requirements for certified versus uncertified reports.
If you are a new resident or have recently moved within the islands, ensure your Hawaii DMV change of address is updated before requesting a record; otherwise, a mailed report may be sent to the wrong residence, compromising your personal data.
Hawaii Driving Record Types and Costs
Hawaii does not offer a single “standard” record. Depending on whether you need a history of your license status or a list of court convictions, you will request one of the following:
| Record Type | Fee | Content Included |
| Driver History Record (DHR) | $9.00 | License status, class, expirations, and administrative suspensions. |
| Traffic Abstract | $20.00 | Certified list of all traffic convictions and moving violations. |
| Traffic Court Report | $1.00+ | A “complete” history including parking and equipment citations. |
Legal Update: Automatic Removal of Dismissed Violations (SB 1289)
Starting July 1, 2026, a major shift in Hawaii law (SB 1289) takes effect. The District Courts are now required to remove all dismissed moving violations from your certified traffic abstract. Previously, even cases that were thrown out remained visible to insurers and employers. If you have past dismissals, it is highly recommended to verify your Hawaii DMV driving record after July 2026 to ensure these entries have been purged.
How to Request Your Official Hawaii Driving History
Unlike many mainland states, Hawaii does not have a central online “instant download” portal for individuals to get certified abstracts. You must use the methods below.
Method A: In-Person Requests via AlohaQ and District Courts
You can walk into any District Court or HDOT Driver Licensing office to get your record. To avoid the multi-hour wait times typical of 2026, you should schedule a Hawaii DMV appointment via the AlohaQ system for Driver History Records or visit the Traffic Violations Bureau for abstracts.
- Requirement: A valid government-issued photo ID.
- Payment: Cash, cashier’s check, or money order (Personal checks are not accepted at District Courts).
Method B: Requesting Your Hawaii Record by Mail
If you are currently off-island or unable to visit a branch, mail a request to the District Court in your specific circuit (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, or Kauai).
- Include Personal Details: Full name, date of birth, and driver’s license number.
- Payment: A $20.00 cashier’s check or money order payable to “District Court.”
- Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope: You must provide the return envelope for your report.
- Verification: Mail requests for a full Driver History Record ($9.00) must be notarized to protect your privacy.
Understanding the Hawaii “Points System” and License Suspensions
A common misconception is that Hawaii uses a numeric points system to suspend licenses. Hawaii does not use a points system. Instead, the state relies on the frequency and severity of convictions listed on your Traffic Abstract.
- Conviction-Based Suspensions: If you accumulate three major moving violations or 12 or more specific infractions within a designated period, the court or HDOT may initiate a suspension.
- Insurance Impact: Because there are no points, Hawaii insurers look directly at the specific “Conviction Code” on your abstract.
- Reinstatement: If your record shows a suspension, you may need to apply for a Hawaii limited purpose driver license to maintain work-related driving privileges while clearing your history.
Conviction-Based Suspensions and Insurance Impacts in Hawaii
Many Hawaii employers now use “Driver Monitoring” services that sync with the state’s Kalaiwa portal. If you are a commercial driver or transport passengers, your employer receives a real-time notification the moment a new conviction is added to your abstract. If your job is at risk due to an error, you can obtain a copy of your vehicle registration online in Hawaii to cross-reference equipment violations that should not be on your personal abstract.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. There is no official “free” version of a certified Hawaii driving record. Any website offering a free report is likely a data-scraping service and will not be accepted for legal or employment purposes.
Most traffic convictions stay on your Hawaii abstract indefinitely, though insurers typically only look at the most recent 3 to 5 years. Under the 2026 law change, dismissed cases are removed automatically by July 1, 2026.
This is often called a “Complete Abstract.” It is only available in person at a District Court and includes minor infractions like parking tickets and expired safety checks that are normally excluded from the $20 standard abstract.
Conclusion:
Securing your Hawaii driving record in 2026 requires choosing between a $9 Driver History Record for status verification or a $20 Traffic Abstract for legal and insurance needs. By waiting until July 2026 to request your report, you can benefit from the mandatory removal of dismissed citations, potentially improving your insurance risk profile. Your next step should be to identify the specific District Court circuit for your island to begin the mail-in process.
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