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FAQs - Motor Carriers
APPLICANTS
Q1: Who needs to apply for a Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”) motor carrier
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (“CPCN or certificate”)?
A: A PUC motor carrier certificate is required by any motor carrier that transports people or
property for compensation or hire over any public highway in the State.
Q2: What motor carriers do NOT need a PUC motor carrier certificate?
A: There are certain exemptions pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 271-5.
Examples are motor carriers that:
• transport their own property;
• tow wrecked or disabled vehicles;
• operate funeral vehicles, ambulances, school busses, garbage/refuse trucks;
• operate vehicles which transport newspaper, documents, blueprints, letters; or
• are taxi drivers or ride share operators (e.g., Uber or Lyft).
APPLICATION PROCESS
Q3: Where on the PUC website can I find the certificate applications?
A: The applications for transporting passengers, property, or for transferring a PUC
certificate, please visit our Submit a Filing page. (You will need to create an online
account with PUC before submitting any online applications.)
Q4: How long does the motor carrier application process take?
A: Due to various legal requirements, the length of time it takes to process a motor carrier
application can vary from six to twelve weeks or longer depending on the completeness.
of the application.
Q5: Is there a “rush fee” for a motor carrier application?
A: No, there is no rush fee. The application cannot be expedited.
Q6: Why does the application process take so long?
A: The process to issue a PUC motor carrier certificate involves:
• making sure the application is complete and accurate;
• publishing a notice of application in the local newspaper or on our website;
• a wait-period of twenty (20) days until the end of the intervention period;
• reviewing the motor carrier’s financial fitness;
• following all rules and regulations that apply;
• issuing a Decision & Order approving the application with conditions; and
• issuing a PUC license letter to the motor carrier when the conditions are met.
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NOTE: The application process may take longer if the application is incomplete,
needs clarification, or has unresolved issues.
Q7: How do I file my application?
A: If you have not already done so, you will first need to create an online account at the
PUC’s CDMS e-Services webpage, please visit our Self-Register page.
Once you have an account you will be able to e-file an application. For applications for
motor carrier certificates, please visit our Submit a Filing page.
Q8: What if I already have a PUC certificate and want to add another classification or
island?
A: To extend the authority under your PUC certificate you are required, pursuant to Hawaii
Revised Statutes § 271-12, to file a formal application which must be approved by the
Commission.
For property carrier: The application entitled “Application for Motor Carrier Certificate or
Permit Property Classification” can be obtained on our Submit a Filing page (item #9).
You will need to create an online account with PUC before submitting any online
applications. On page 2, item 3, of the application, instead of stating that you are going
to institute a new operation, check box “b” and state that you wish to change an existing
operation.
For passenger carrier: The application entitled “Application for Motor Carrier Certificate
or Permit Passenger Classification” can be obtained on our Submit a Filing page (item
#8). You will need to create an online account with PUC before submitting any online
applications. On page 2, item 3, of the application, instead of stating that you are going
institute a new operation, check box “b” and state that you wish to change an existing
operation.
Fill out the application completely, including all the exhibits. You are also required to
provide a Tax Clearance Certificate issued by the State of Hawaii Department of
Taxation.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR A MOTOR CARRIER CERTIFICATE
Letters from Prospective Customers
Q9: When are letters from prospective customers needed or necessary?
A: When a motor carrier is applying for a new PUC motor carrier certificate or when there is
a request for “change in an existing authority of an operation.”
Examples of a change in existing authority of an operation:
• Extension of services to another island
• Addition of another classification
• Transfer of a PUC motor carrier license
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Q10: Who would be considered a “prospective customer?”
A: A prospective customer would be any person who would be using and/or referring the
motor carrier’s services.
Examples of prospective customers:
• Hotel personnel
• Customers who intend to use the motor carrier’s service
• Travel agencies, activity desks, other motor carriers, cruise lines
• Hotel concierge staff
Q11: Does the prospective customer need to be located in the State of Hawaii?
A: No. The prospective customer does not need to be located in the State of Hawaii.
The letter must state that he/she will use the motor carrier’s business and/or refer
customers to the motor carrier’s business.
Q12: Does a motor carrier need letters of support from prospective customers for each
island they plan to operate on?
A: Yes. The letters of support must correspond with each island the motor carrier is
applying for a PUC motor carrier certificate.
Q13: If a current motor carrier wants to apply for an extension of services to another
island and needs to submit letters from prospective customers, is it acceptable to
submit a letter from previous customers?
A: Yes, it is acceptable. The letters of support must indicate that these customers will be
utilizing the motor carrier’s services on the island that the motor carrier is applying for an
extension of services.
Vehicle Inventory List
Q14: What is a Vehicle Inventory List (“VIL”)?
A: A Vehicle Inventory List is a PUC form that all motor carriers must submit to the PUC. It
provides information about the current vehicles used in regulated service.
The form consists of information about the vehicle(s):
• Make, body type, year of manufacture
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• License Number
• Vehicle’s capacity (for Passenger Vehicles ONLY; don’t count the driver as a
passenger)
• If the vehicle is “leased” or “owned”
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Q15: Where does the motor carrier get the VIL form?
A: The form is Exhibit B in all the applications or it may be obtained from the PUC website
at our Vehicle Inventory List page.
Q16: Does the motor carrier need to have a vehicle at the time of the filing of the
application?
A: No. However, when the PUC issues its Decision and Order approving the application,
the motor carrier will need to provide a VIL and motor vehicle registration(s) within one
hundred twenty (120) days.
Tax Clearance Certificate
Q17: What tax form do I need to submit when applying for a PUC motor carrier license?
A: Form A-6.
Q18: Where can I get a tax clearance form?
A: To download a blank or fillable form from the State of Hawaii-Department of Taxation,
visit Tax Form a6.
Liability Coverage
Q19: How much insurance coverage does a motor carrier need?
A: The insurance coverages that a motor carrier must have for a PUC motor carrier
certificate:
For passenger carriers:
1. Liability coverage for bodily injury or death, per person, in an amount no less than
$100,000;
2. Liability coverage for bodily injury or death, per accident, in amounts no less than:
• $200,000 for a vehicle: 1-7 passenger capacity
• $500,000 for a vehicle: 8-25 passenger capacity
• $1,000,000 for a vehicle: 25 or over passenger capacity
3. Liability coverage for property damage, per accident, in an amount no less than
$50,000
For property carriers:
1. Liability coverage for bodily injury or death, per person, in an amount no less than
$250,000;
2. Liability coverage for bodily injury or death, per accident, in an amount no less than
$750,000
3. Liability coverage for property damage, per accident, in an amount no less than
$250,000
Q20: Does a motor carrier need to have insurance coverage when the application is
first submitted?
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A: No. A motor carrier does NOT need to have an insurance coverage at the time it files an
application. However, when the PUC issues its Decision and Order approving the
application, the motor carrier will need to provide proof of insurance within one hundred
twenty (120) days.
Motor Carrier Tariff
Q21: What is a motor carrier tariff?
A: A motor carrier tariff states the rates, fares, charges, rules, or conditions the motor
carrier wants for its services.
Q22: Does a motor carrier create its own tariff?
A: A motor carrier may create its own tariff or join a tariff bureau and follow that bureau’s
tariff(s). The tariff bureaus are the (1) Western Motor Tariff Bureau, Inc.,
(808) 836-5874, and (2) Hawaii State Certified Common Carriers Association, Inc. (for
Oahu passenger carriers only), (808) 220-2272.
Q23: Where can a motor carrier find a sample tariff?
A: A motor carrier sample tariff can be found at
Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 16-603, Motor Carrier Tariffs and Schedules
(Appendix D).
The above link also provides the rules that govern the form and content of tariffs and
schedules of motor carriers:
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT (AFR)
Q24: What is the Annual Financial Report?
A: The Annual Financial Report (“AFR”) is a PUC form that reports the motor carrier’s gross
revenue for the previous year. The Gross Revenue Fee (“Fee”) is based on the motor
carrier’s gross revenue for the previous year. There are (2) two AFR forms:
● The AFR form 03-010 (short form) is 2-pages and is required for ALL motor carriers.
● If a motor carrier earns a gross revenue of more than $1,000,000, the motor carrier
must ALSO submit the AFR Form 03-020 (long form) to the PUC.
Q25: When is the AFR and Fee due?
A: The AFR Form 03-010 (short form) and Fee are due on or before April 30th and the
Form 03-020 (long form) is due by June 1st of each year.
Q26: What if a motor carrier forgets to file the AFR and pay the Fee on time?
A: Penalty and interest fees may be added to the motor carrier’s annual gross revenue
amount.
Q27: Does the PUC send an AFR reminder notice to the motor carrier before it’s due?
A: No. The PUC does NOT send a reminder notice to the motor carrier.
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Q28: Does a motor carrier need to pay and file the AFR even though the motor carrier
did not make any revenue?
A: Yes. A motor carrier is required to pay and file an AFR every year, regardless of the
motor carrier’s gross revenue amount. The Fee amount is the motor carrier’s gross
revenue amount multiplied by .0025. If the Fee amount is less than $20.00, the minimum
Fee payment will be $20.00.
INACTIVE STATUS
Q29: What does a motor carrier need to do to be placed on inactive status?
A: Please eFile a letter (do not mail it—email it or FAX it) requesting that your PUC
certificate be placed on inactive status and state the reason. For information regarding
eFiling, visit Filing Information. You are also required to file an Annual Financial Report
(“AFR”) and Gross Revenue Fee (“Fee”) for the period January 1 to the date of your
request for inactive status. If you had no gross revenues during this period, there is a
minimum Fee of $20.00. In addition, you are required to file an AFR and Fee for any
prior year for which you have not yet submitted an AFR and Fee. Submit the AFRs and
Fees via the AFR of Motor Carriers Long Form or AFR of Motor Carriers Short Form.
Q30: How does a motor carrier reactivate his/her inactive status?
A: To reactivate a PUC certificate, eFile a written request to reactivate your license. Do not
mail, email, or fax this request. The request must be eFiled. For information regarding
eFiling, visit Filing Information. In addition, submit the following: (1) a certificate of
insurance indicating that you have the required liability insurance coverage (and cargo
insurance, if applicable); (2) a tariff that conforms to the provisions of Hawaii
Administrative Rules, Chapter 16-603, or evidence that you have joined a tariff bureau; (3)
a vehicle inventory list; and (4) a copy of the current Certificate of Registration or
ownership document for all vehicles listed on the vehicle inventory list.
SURRENDERING A PUC CERTIFICATE
Q31: How does a motor carrier surrender its PUC certificate?
A: Please eFile a letter (do not mail it—email it or FAX it) requesting that your PUC license
be surrendered and state the reason. For information regarding eFiling, visit
Filing Information. You are also required to file an Annual Financial Report (“AFR”) and
Gross Revenue Fee (“Fee”) for the period January 1 to the date of your request to
surrender your certificate. If you had no gross revenues during this period, there is a
minimum Fee of $20.00. In addition, you are required to file an AFR and Fee for any
prior year for which you have not yet submitted an AFR and Fee. Submit the AFRs and
Fees via the AFR of Motor Carriers Long Form or AFR of Motor Carriers Short Form.
MISCELLANEOUS FAQs
Motor Vehicle Safety Check
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Q32: Does the PUC provide motor vehicle safety inspections?
A: No. The PUC does NOT provide the safety check inspection. Please contact:
Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Safety Office
98-339 Ponohana Place
Aiea, HI 96701
Office Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Phone: (808) 692-7661
Website: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/library/motor-vehicle-safety-office/
Vehicle Identification Card (“VIC”)
Q33: Does the PUC issue vehicle identification cards?
A: No. The PUC does NOT issue vehicle identification cards. Please contact:
Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Safety Office
98-339 Ponohana Place
Aiea, HI 96701
Office Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Phone: (808) 692-7654
Website: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/library/motor-vehicle-safety-office/
Medical Certification for Commercial Driver’s License Holders
Q34: Does the PUC issue the medical certification for commercial driver’s license
(“CDL”) holders?
A: No. The PUC does NOT issue the medical certification for CDL holders. Please contact:
Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Safety Office
98-339 Ponohana Place
Aiea, HI 96701
Office Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Phone: (808) 692-7661
Website:
https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/library/motor-vehicle-safety-office/medical-certification/
Business Permit/License
Q35: How can I get a permit/license to rent vehicles, start a food truck business, etc.?
A: Please contact:
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
King Kalakaua Building
