By Benjamin Finnerty (S), REALTOR® (RS-83812) with Keller Williams Realty Maui · Kīhei, Maui · 808-481-9748

Quick Answer: If you’ve just moved to Maui, this fall’s key dates are October 26, 2026 (mail-in voter registration postmark deadline), November 3, 2026 (General Election and the last day to register online or in person), and December 31, 2026 (Maui County home exemption filing deadline). Transfer your out-of-state driver’s license before it expires.

I’m Benjamin Finnerty, a REALTOR® in Kīhei with Keller Williams Realty Maui, and a lot of my conversations with people relocating don’t end at closing. Once the moving truck is gone, the next question is usually, “What do I need to take care of now?” This new Maui resident checklist covers the official tasks with deadlines this fall, with links to the County and State offices that handle each one.

How do I get a Hawaii driver’s license after moving to Maui?

Maui County lets new residents 18 and older transfer a valid out-of-state license, and you need to do it before that license expires. Appointments are made at the Kahului Service Center, one person per appointment, and the County also offers an online “Get In-line” option.

According to the County of Maui’s Out-of-State Transfer page, you’ll need:

• Proof of legal presence
• Proof of principal residence on Maui
• A completed driver license application
• Proof of your Social Security number, such as your original Social Security card (photocopies aren’t accepted)
• Your valid plastic out-of-state license, which you surrender, cleared of any holds
• A signed letter to your former state’s licensing agency saying you’ve applied for a Hawaiʻi license and surrendered your old one
• Payment of the applicable fees

If you no longer have your plastic out-of-state license, the County treats you as a new applicant, which means a 30-question multiple-choice knowledge test and a road test. So don’t lose that card during the move.

How do I register my car on Maui?

Vehicle registration is a separate process with its own paperwork, including a Hawaiʻi safety inspection certificate and proof of when the car arrived on the island. I walk through that timeline in my post on moving to Maui with your car and pets.

How do I register to vote on Maui for the November 3, 2026 election?

You can register online, by mail or in person, and Hawaiʻi offers same-day registration. The 2026 General Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Hawaiʻi votes primarily by mail, and ballots go out to registered voters about 18 days before Election Day.

Voter registration (2026 General Election)	Deadline or dates
Register by mail	Postmarked by Monday, October 26, 2026
Register online	Through Election Day, November 3, 2026
Voter service centers (in-person voting and same-day registration)	Open about 10 business days before the election, from October 20, and on Election Day
Ballot return	Received by 7 p.m. on November 3, 2026

Sources: Hawaiʻi Office of Elections; League of Women Voters Vote411; U.S. Vote Foundation. Dates as of October 10, 2026.

When you register, you’ll be asked for your Hawaiʻi driver’s license or state ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. That’s one more reason to take care of your license early. If you register in person on the same day, bring ID that shows your name and address. Registering soon gives your ballot time to reach your new Maui address by mail.

What is the Maui home exemption deadline?

If you bought a home on Maui and live in it as your principal residence, file for the County’s home exemption by December 31, 2026. The exemption can lower your property tax bill, and the County’s deadline is firm each year. I explain how it works in my post on Maui’s December 31 property tax exemption deadline.

What else belongs on a new Maui resident checklist?

A few more items are worth putting on your list this fall:

• State income tax: Hawaiʻi taxes residents on worldwide income, and your move date matters for your first-year return. My post on Hawaii income tax when you move to Maui covers the basics.
• Public school enrollment: Assignments are based on your home address. Verify your assigned school directly with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, and see my guide to public school assignments on Maui.
• Insurance updates: Move your auto and home coverage to Hawaiʻi policies, and keep proof of insurance handy for vehicle inspection.
• Hurricane readiness: Hawaiʻi’s hurricane season runs through November 30. Sign up for County emergency alerts at your new address.

My Take: What I’m Telling People Who Just Moved Here

My advice is to do the driver’s license first. It’s the document that unlocks the others: your voter registration, many local account setups and, practically speaking, a lot of everyday errands on island. Book the Kahului appointment as soon as you have proof of your Maui address, and bring originals of everything on the list.

Second, put December 31 on your calendar now if you bought a home. It’s easy to miss in the middle of the holidays, and missing it means waiting another year for the exemption. If you’re still renting while you search, keep your lease or utility bills handy, since they’re common proof of residence.

Third, give yourself a buffer. Appointment slots and mail can take longer than you expect, especially in your first few months while you’re still settling in.

This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Confirm with a CPA or Hawaiʻi attorney, and check requirements directly with the County of Maui and the Hawaiʻi Office of Elections.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I drive on Maui with my out-of-state license?
Maui County says new residents must complete the transfer before the out-of-state license expires. Don’t wait until the last minute.

Do I have to take a test to transfer my license to Hawaiʻi?
Not if you surrender a valid plastic out-of-state license. Without it, you apply as a new driver and take the knowledge and road tests.

What’s the last day to register to vote in Hawaiʻi for November 3, 2026?
Mail registrations must be postmarked by October 26. Online and same-day in-person registration are available through Election Day.

When is the Maui home exemption deadline?
December 31, 2026, for owners who occupy the home as their principal residence.

Where is the driver licensing office on Maui?
The County schedules appointments at the Kahului Service Center. Check the County of Maui website for current hours.

Ask Benjamin

If you’re planning a move to Maui, or you’ve just arrived and want help finding the right place to buy, I’m happy to help. I’m Benjamin Finnerty. Call or text 808-481-9748 or email benjamin@the808team.com.

Sources: County of Maui (Out-of-State Driver License Transfer; Real Property Assessment home exemption); Hawaiʻi Office of Elections; League of Women Voters Vote411; U.S. Vote Foundation; Maui Now.