HAWAII · automotive-tech
Hawaii Motor Vehicle Repair Mechanic License
Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board (Professional and Vocational Licensing Division)Scope of Work
Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 437B regulates motor vehicle repairs and licenses three categories of credential: Motor Vehicle Repair Dealers (the business), Motor Vehicle Salvage Repair Dealers, and Mechanics (the individual technician). The Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board establishes qualifications, develops the certification program, and enforces consumer-protection provisions of HRS Chapter 437B. A person may not engage in motor vehicle repair work for compensation in Hawaii unless licensed under HRS § 437B. Source: Hawaii Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board (https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/motorrepair/) and HRS Chapter 437B (https://files.hawaii.gov/dcca/pvl/pvl/hrs/hrs_pvl_437b.pdf).
ASE Compulsory Component
Hawaii requires applicants to hold at least one current National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification relevant to the specialty area of practice as a precondition for state licensure. ASE certification must be maintained for license renewal as well — a license cannot be renewed if the underlying ASE credentials have lapsed. Source: Hawaii Motor Vehicle Repair Mechanic Application (https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/files/2013/06/Require-App-for-Mechanic_10.16R.pdf).
Experience and Training Pathways
Two qualifying pathways are recognized: (1) two years of full-time motor vehicle repair experience plus passing the relevant ASE certification exam, or (2) a combined education-and-experience pathway of one year of work experience plus a relevant high school or vocational program. Source: Hawaii Motor Vehicle Repair Mechanic Application (https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/files/2013/06/Require-App-for-Mechanic_10.16R.pdf).
Exam Provider
The state does not administer a separate Hawaii-specific mechanic exam. Hawaii relies on the underlying ASE certification exam as the technical-knowledge gate. Applicants submit proof of current ASE certification with the mechanic license application. Source: Hawaii Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board FAQs (https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/files/2018/12/18-06-MVR-FAQs.pdf).
Renewal Cycle
All Hawaii Motor Vehicle Repair licenses renew by June 30 of every odd-numbered year on a biennial schedule. A license not renewed by the expiration date is unlicensed and the holder may not practice. Source: Hawaii Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board (https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/motorrepair/).
Legal Authority
HRS Chapter 437B §437B-4 confers the powers and duties of the Board, including the authority to license, renew, suspend, and revoke mechanic credentials, and to investigate consumer complaints. Source: Hawaii Revised Statutes §437B-4 (https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/title-25/chapter-437b/section-437b-4/).
Verified May 1, 2026 · compiled from public sources, verify current rules with Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board (Professional and Vocational Licensing Division) before acting